Real Madrid top the charts for the highest average player salary in Europe | OneFootball

Real Madrid continue to lead the way not only on the pitch but also off it.

According to a recent study by L’Equipe, the Spanish giants have the highest average annual salary among Europe’s major clubs, with each player earning an average of €11.2 million for the 2025-2026 season.

This figure is around 60% higher than that of most other top European teams, highlighting the financial power and ambition of the Santiago Bernabeu side.

Interestingly, while this remains the highest among Europe’s elite, it is slightly lower than last season, when the average salary was just over €12 million per player.

Real Madrid’s commitment to rewarding their squad reflects their ongoing strategy to attract and retain world-class talent while maintaining a competitive edge in La Liga and the Champions League.

How Real Madrid compare to other giants

Behind Real Madrid, Barcelona rank second with an average annual salary of €7.91 million per player, down from €8.5 million last season.

Manchester City completes the top three, paying their squad an average of €7.43 million for 2025-2026.

Average salaries for the 2025/26 season. (Source: L’Equipe)

L’Equipe notes that City has increased net salaries by more than €1 million compared to the previous season, reflecting their continued investment in squad quality.

Following these top three are Bayern Munich (€7.38 million), Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal (around €7 million each).

An English quartet of Liverpool and Manchester United (around €6 million) and Chelsea and Tottenham (around €4.5 million) follows.

Notably, no Italian clubs appear in the top 10, showing the financial dominance of clubs in Spain, England, France, and Germany.

Real Madrid’s leading salary structure highlights their ability to maintain a squad of elite players while continuing to compete at the highest level across Europe.

Despite a slight decrease from last season, the club’s financial muscle keeps them ahead of rivals and demonstrates why they remain a powerhouse in modern football.