Footballers’ salaries often stir debates, with some earning astronomical sums while others get criticized for not justifying their paychecks.
But what about those who are performing beyond expectations, yet aren’t getting paid their worth? Here, we highlight 10 players whose current earnings don’t reflect their contributions on the pitch. It’s time they get the pay bump they deserve.
10. Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur) – £37,000 a week
Micky van de Ven has become a cornerstone of Ange Postecoglou’s pressing system at Spurs, combining blistering pace with defensive solidity. He was the fastest player in the Premier League last season, clocking an incredible 37.8 km/h. Despite his importance, van de Ven is still earning a relatively modest £37,000 a week. With the potential to become one of the best center-backs in Europe, Tottenham should lock him down with a better deal soon.
9. Teo Hernández (AC Milan) – £80,000 a week
Teo Hernández has been a vital part of AC Milan’s resurgence, contributing 72 goal involvements during his five-year stint. He’s also a solid one-on-one defender, making him one of the best left-backs in Europe. Despite this, he’s only making around £80,000 per week, which seems low for a player of his caliber. With interest from Bayern Munich, Milan will need to increase his salary to keep him at the San Siro.
8. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – £27,000 a week
At just 17, Lamine Yamal has already started turning heads with his electrifying performances for Barcelona. Considered one of Europe’s best young wingers, Yamal is still on a relatively low salary of £27,000 per week. Barcelona’s financial issues have limited his pay, but once they sort those out, Yamal should be one of the first in line for a raise.
7. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – £7,000 a week
Florian Wirtz is Germany’s next big star, known for his playmaking, dribbling, and goal-scoring abilities. However, his salary is shockingly low for such a talent, earning just £7,000 per week. Leverkusen might struggle to keep hold of him for long, but wherever Wirtz goes next, expect a major upgrade in his earnings.
6. Ederson (Manchester City) – £100,000 a week
Three-time Premier League Golden Glove winner Ederson has been key to Manchester City’s domestic and European success. Yet, the Brazilian goalkeeper is earning just £100,000 a week—less than many of his City teammates. Given his consistent performances and the importance of a top-tier goalkeeper, Ederson is due for a raise.
5. Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) – £90,000 a week
Leandro Trossard has become Mikel Arteta’s go-to player in crucial moments, delivering goals and assists when Arsenal need them most. Despite his impact, Trossard is one of the lowest-paid players at the club, earning just £90,000 a week. With the Belgian attacker playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s recent success, a pay rise should be on the cards.
4. Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) – £45,000 a week
Bryan Mbeumo has quietly been one of the Premier League’s most efficient forwards, already netting six goals in seven games this season. He’s also creating chances for teammates, with five big chances in as many matches. At £45,000 a week, his salary doesn’t reflect his value, and if Liverpool’s rumored interest in him as a Mo Salah replacement materializes, Mbeumo’s pay will skyrocket.
3. Dwight McNeil (Everton) – £25,000 a week
Everton have struggled in recent seasons, but Dwight McNeil has been a bright spot, helping keep them out of relegation danger with 19 goal contributions in the past two seasons. Despite being Everton’s best player, he’s earning just £25,000 per week. It’s a figure that doesn’t match his importance to the team, and McNeil should see a significant bump in pay if Everton want to keep him.
2. Curtis Jones (Liverpool) – £15,000 a week
Curtis Jones has been a reliable squad player for Liverpool for several seasons now, stepping up whenever the team needs him. However, he’s still earning just £15,000 per week—a surprisingly low figure for someone who has become more central to Liverpool’s plans. As Jones gets more minutes, his paycheck should reflect his growing role at Anfield.
1. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) – £20,000 a week
Kobbie Mainoo burst onto the scene at Manchester United last season and even made an impact for England at Euro 2024. He has started the current season as a key player for United, yet he’s only earning £20,000 per week. For a player of his talent and importance, this feels like small change. A new contract with a much larger salary surely awaits.
These 10 players are proving week in and week out that they’re vital to their teams, yet their paychecks don’t reflect their value. Whether due to youth, club finances, or contract situations, all of them are overdue for a raise, and it’s only a matter of time before their clubs come calling with better deals.
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