Footballer salaries vary widely across leagues. The top leagues offer very high wages. Lower leagues and smaller markets offer less. Below is a breakdown of how much players earn in different leagues, including a graph for comparison.
Football salaries depend on revenue, fanbase, media rights, and club investment. Here is how leagues compare based on estimated average weekly earnings per player:
Players in the English Premier League earn the most on average. Weekly salaries reach around $75,000. Top players earn more than $300,000 per week. The league’s income from TV rights, sponsorships, and global reach supports these high wages.
La Liga is home to clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Players here earn an average of $60,000 per week. Like the Premier League, it features high-spending clubs and global audiences.
Bundesliga players earn about $50,000 per week. Bayern Munich leads salary spending. German clubs are known for strong financial discipline, yet wages are still competitive.
Serie A players make around $45,000 per week. Clubs in Italy often face financial pressure, but salaries remain relatively high due to historic reputations and international stars.
Ligue 1 offers average weekly salaries of $40,000. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) boosts the average significantly by paying top global stars.
The Saudi Pro League has recently increased spending. Players now earn an average of $65,000 per week. Top stars are paid even more as the league aims to raise its global profile.
Players in the Dutch Eredivisie earn about $15,000 per week. Clubs focus on young talent and development rather than high wages.
Major League Soccer players earn roughly $12,000 per week. Designated Players (DPs) like Messi earn far more, but league-wide averages remain lower than European levels.
Players in Japan’s top league earn about $8,000 per week. Clubs invest in infrastructure and youth development, with moderate salaries for most players.
In Brazil, the average salary is around $6,000 per week. Some players earn more, but economic factors and club budgets keep averages lower.
Footballer salaries range from over $300,000 per week in elite clubs to less than $1,000 per week in lower leagues or semi-professional tiers. Location, club revenue, and league status all influence earnings.
This salary gap reflects global football’s financial structure. High-revenue leagues pay more, attract bigger talent, and operate on a different financial level than smaller or developing leagues.
If you’re serious about becoming a professional footballer, I want to help you get there.
At FCV International Football Academy, we combine top-level football training with education, all in one place. We’re the UK’s first private residential football academy, and we’ve been helping players from around the world since 2007.
You’ll train with qualified UEFA coaches every day, live and study on-site at Grace Dieu Manor Park, and play matches that can get you noticed. Whether you’re aiming for a professional contract, scholarships, or university football, this is your next step.
Over the years, players from FCV have signed pro contracts, played in leagues across Europe, and even represented their national teams. 93% of our players progress into higher levels of football or further education.
If you’re ready to commit to your future in football, we’re ready to support you. Enquire now.
All courses include daily training and matches led by expert coaches and former professional footballers. After intense sessions, unwind in our exclusive accommodation and lounges, and enjoy three deliciously prepared meals daily. Plus, showcase your skills in front of scouts from professional football clubs as we help you take the next step in your football career. Don’t miss your chance - find out more today!
