Stars from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Real Madrid dominate the list of the highest earners in La Liga for the 2025-26 season. Given that La Liga hosts some of the world’s most prestigious clubs, it’s hardly surprising that these teams offer contracts that are incredibly rewarding.
According to data from Capology, here are the 14 players with the highest salaries in La Liga this year.
1. Nico Williams – £276,935 per week
After being heavily rumored to join Barcelona, Williams opted to sign a new 10-year contract with Athletic Club in July.
“For me, the heart plays a significant role when making decisions,” Williams stated when he signed the deal.
“I’m where I want to be, among my people, this is my home.”
At 23, he is now the club’s highest-paid player by a significant margin, with only he and his brother earning over £100,000 weekly at Athletic Club.
2. Federico Valverde – £276,935 per week
The Real Madrid midfielder earns slightly more than teammates Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rudiger, and Eder Militao. Valverde played a crucial role under Carlo Ancelotti and is expected to continue being influential under Xabi Alonso this season.
3. Raphinha – £276,935 per week
In the first half of the 2024-25 season, Raphinha could easily be considered one of the most in-form players worldwide.
Following an exceptional campaign, he signed a one-year extension, which keeps him at the club until 2028.
4. Marc-Andre ter Stegen – £276,935 per week
Although Barcelona has attempted to offload the German goalkeeper, he remains under contract until 2028 and appears happy to stay.
Despite some tension between him and the club, Hansi Flick recently praised the keeper at a press conference.
“He’s an outstanding goalkeeper, and what matters is that he’s ready to play,” Flick noted.
“We’ll support him. We’re all on his side.”
5. Lamine Yamal – £276,935 per week
The Barcelona prodigy signed his first long-term contract earlier this year, which extends until 2031.
This makes him the highest-paid teenager globally, surpassing talents like Warren Zaire-Emery and Endrick.
If he keeps progressing at this rate, a pay rise would be expected in the coming years.
6. Trent Alexander-Arnold – £276,935 per week
After making a controversial exit from Liverpool, Real Madrid signed him to a five-year deal worth £276,935 weekly.
In contrast, he earned £180,000 per week during his final years at Anfield.
7. Marcus Rashford – £300,000 per week
Now on loan from Manchester United, Barcelona is covering Rashford’s £300,000 weekly salary for the season.
The England international has been seeking a fresh start, and working under a manager like Flick could be ideal for him right now.
8. Frenkie de Jong – £315,027 per week
Since joining Barcelona in 2019, De Jong has become one of the most seasoned players in the locker room.
At one point, he was regarded as the highest-paid player in La Liga, primarily due to deferred payments from the club.
His base salary now places him as the seventh highest-paid player in Spain.
10 Robert Lewandowski – £345,369 per week
At 36, Lewandowski continues to score prolifically, proving his worth since arriving at Barcelona.
He has netted 101 goals in 147 appearances and seems to thrive under Flick’s management.
Following a lucrative deal upon his arrival at Real Madrid last summer on a free transfer, Mbappe is the clear highest earner in La Liga.
Currently, only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who makes £525,000 per week, earns more in Europe.
Mbappe finished the 2024-25 season as Real Madrid’s leading scorer with 44 goals, but he will need to clinch major trophies to validate his enormous salary.
Image Source: Nico Williams @ Instagram
