Mbappe Becomes Highest-Paid Player at Real Madrid, But Only Third in La Liga.

Although La Liga is not the top money-making league in Europe due to the commercial appeal of the Premier League, top players in Spanish football can still earn substantial incomes thanks to the spending power of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Kylian Mbappe, the latest superstar to join La Liga, has quickly become one of the highest-paid players.

While Mbappe is the highest-paid player at Real Madrid, he does not hold the top position in La Liga’s salary rankings. Instead, that honor goes to two Barcelona players, Frenkie De Jong and Robert Lewandowski.

Robert Lewandowski ranks second in the list with a salary of €33.5 million for the upcoming season, while Mbappe earns €31.2 million. Lewandowski’s salary increases annually per his contract. Surprisingly, Frenkie De Jong earns more than both Mbappe and Lewandowski due to deferred payments from the Covid-19 period, making him the highest-paid player in La Liga for the 2024/25 season.

A few seasons ago, Barcelona tried to sell De Jong to Manchester United due to financial issues from the Covid-19 pandemic. De Jong’s annual salary is €16 million, but deferred payments mean he will receive €37.5 million next season, nearly double what Jude Bellingham earns at Real Madrid.

David Alaba ranks fourth with €22.5 million, having joined Real Madrid on a free transfer and played a key role in their Champions League victories. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak of Atletico Madrid and Vinicius of Real Madrid have equal salaries, ranking fifth. Jude Bellingham is the fourth highest earner at Real Madrid and is expected to receive more in the future. Federico Valverde and Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid round out the top 10, following Ilkay Gundogan of Barcelona.

Despite not having the highest salary, Mbappe received a €150 million signing bonus over five years and substantial image rights, ensuring he has the highest overall income among players in Spanish football.