Soccer, known globally as football, is not only the most popular sport worldwide but also one of the most financially rewarding for its top athletes. So, how much do soccer players make?
Soccer player salaries depend on the league and player status. The average global salary is about $60,000, but this can be much higher in top leagues. For example, in 2025, the Premier League average is around $3.9 million per year, while Major League Soccer (MLS) averages $354,390, according to Sports Illustrated and 888sport.
While top players like Cristiano Ronaldo earn $285 million annually, and Lionel Messi $135 million, including endorsements, as per Brand Vision. In MLS, Messi leads at $12,000,000, per Capology.
This analysis explores the salaries of professional soccer players, drawing from extensive research to provide a detailed, professional overview of earnings across leagues, the highest-paid stars, and the factors influencing pay.
How Much do Soccer Players Make?
Soccer player salaries refer to the compensation players receive for their on-field performance, including base salaries, signing bonuses, and performance bonuses, as well as off-field earnings from endorsements and sponsorships.
The World Handicap System (WHS), while not directly related to salaries, provides context for the sport’s structured approach to player evaluation, which can indirectly influence earnings through performance metrics.
The salary landscape has historical roots, with early professional contracts dating back to the late 19th century, but modern salaries have skyrocketed due to television rights, global fan bases, and wealthy club owners. Today, salaries facilitate fair competition in transfers, contract negotiations, and player valuations, making it essential for understanding the financial dynamics of the sport.
Calculation and Methodology
Salaries are typically reported in annual figures, including base salary and guaranteed compensation, as seen in the MLS Players Association’s salary guides. For example, the 2025 MLS salary guide, as per Capology, lists players’ estimated gross annual base salaries and total earnings, factoring in bonuses annualized over contract terms.
Globally, sources like Brand Vision and Forbes combine on-field and off-field earnings, providing a holistic view. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo’s $285 million in 2025 includes $220 million from Al Nassr and $65 million from endorsements, illustrating the complexity of modern player compensation.
Average Soccer Player Salaries Across Leagues
Research indicates that average salaries vary significantly by league. The global average for professional soccer players is around $60,000 per year, as noted by Soccer Ball World, but this figure is skewed by lower-tier leagues. In the United States, Salary.com reports an average of $55,993, likely including lower divisions.
For top leagues, the figures are much higher. In 2025, the Premier League average salary is £60,000 per week, equating to £3.12 million annually, or approximately $3.9 million USD at an exchange rate of 1.25 USD/GBP, as per 888sport. This is significantly higher than other European leagues like La Liga and Serie A, reflecting the league’s financial strength.
In Major League Soccer (MLS), the average salary for 2025 is $354,390, with a total wage bill of $294.85 million for 832 players, according to Sports Illustrated. This is a decrease from 2024’s $541,394, possibly due to roster changes, but still shows growth from $104,619 in 2007, highlighting the league’s evolution.
| League | Average Salary (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global Average | ~$60,000 | Includes lower-tier leagues |
| United States (General) | $55,993 | Likely includes lower divisions |
| Premier League | ~$3.9M USD | £60,000/week, high due to TV rights |
| Major League Soccer | $354,390 | Down from $541,394 in 2024, 832 players |
Highest-Paid Soccer Players
At the elite level, soccer players can earn fortunes rivaling other industries. In 2025, Brand Vision lists the top earners:
| Rank | Name | Total Earnings ($M) | On-Field Earnings ($M) | Off-Field Earnings ($M) | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 285 | 220 | 65 | Al Nassr |
| 2 | Lionel Messi | 135 | 60 | 75 | Inter Miami |
| 3 | Neymar Jr. | 110 | 80 | 30 | Al Hilal |
| 4 | Karim Benzema | 104 | 100 | 4 | Al Ittihad |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappé | 90 | 70 | 20 | Real Madrid |
In MLS, Capology reports Lionel Messi as the highest-paid player in 2025 at $12,000,000 annually, followed by players like Sergio Busquets and Xherdan Shaqiri, though exact figures for others aren’t detailed in the snippet.
Factors Influencing Soccer Player Salaries
Several factors contribute to the salary range:
- Skill and Performance: Players with high goal tallies, assists, and consistent performance, like Messi and Ronaldo, command higher pay.
- Reputation and Popularity: Global stars benefit from large fan bases, enabling lucrative endorsement deals, as seen with Messi’s $75 million off-field earnings.
- Experience and Age: Veterans often earn more, but young talents like Mbappé can secure high salaries early due to potential.
- Position: Strikers and creative midfielders tend to earn more due to their direct impact on scoring, per Indeed.com.
- Location and League: Wealthier leagues like the Premier League offer higher salaries, while emerging leagues like the Saudi Pro League are increasing pay scales.
- Endorsements and Sponsorships: Off-field income from brands like Nike and Adidas significantly boosts total earnings, especially for top players.
Salary Trends for soccer players and Historical Context
Soccer player salaries have grown significantly over time, driven by increased television rights, sponsorships, and globalization.
The MLS average salary rose from $104,619 in 2007 to $354,390 in 2025, per Sports Illustrated, reflecting the league’s expansion. Similarly, the Premier League’s average has seen consistent increases, with spikes from new broadcast deals.
The trend of top players moving to the Saudi Pro League, offering contracts like Ronaldo’s $220 million on-field earnings, has reshaped salary structures, highlighting the financial power of non-European leagues.
Advice for Aspiring Players
For aspiring soccer players, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. Developing on-field skills is essential, but so is business acumen, including contract negotiations and personal branding.
Resources like the MLS Players Association Salary Guide provide transparency on compensation, helping players and parents set realistic expectations.
Focusing on consistent performance, building a reputation, and maintaining fitness are key to longevity and higher earnings. Apps like GolfLogix Golf GPS + Putt Line, while for golf, illustrate the importance of tracking performance, which can be applied to soccer for salary negotiations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, research suggests soccer player salaries range from $60,000 globally to millions in top leagues, with stars like Ronaldo and Messi earning hundreds of millions. The evidence leans toward skill, reputation, and endorsements driving pay, with controversy over salary disparities between leagues and players.
This analysis, grounded in current data, aims to empower fans and players with knowledge, encouraging them to track progress and strive for personal bests, whether aiming for top earnings or simply enjoying the game.