Barcelona Wages: Who is the Best Paid Player and How Barca’s Salary Bill Shapes Up

Everything You Need to Know About Barcelona Wages, the Best Paid Player, and the Current Barca Salary Bill

Barcelona might still be one of the most glamorous names in world football, but behind the scenes, the club’s financial struggles over the past few years have been anything but pretty. Once famous for splashing cash on marquee signings with little hesitation, the Catalan giants now tread a much finer line, balancing ambition with financial survival.

As the 2025 season rolls into its second half, questions about the Barcelona wages structure and the identity of their best paid player have never been more relevant. So, how much are Barca shelling out these days? And which players are costing them the most?

Barcelona’s Battle to Control the Salary Bill

Ever since Joan Laporta returned to the presidency, Barcelona’s focus has shifted sharply from galáctico spending sprees to economic levers, salary cuts, and tough decisions. It’s been a necessary move. Years of financial mismanagement left the club teetering on the brink, and even now, restoring economic stability remains a work in progress.

The start of 2025 has been particularly stressful at Camp Nou. The urgency around registering big-money signing Dani Olmo for the second half of the season was a stark reminder that the club is still shackled by La Liga’s strict financial controls.

Despite numerous salary reductions and the sale of various assets, Barcelona’s wage bill still remains one of the largest in Europe. Top earners continue to draw hefty salaries, which, combined with lingering debts, limit the club’s flexibility in the transfer market.

Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen Still Commands Top Dollar

Everything You Need to Know About Barcelona Wages,

Between the sticks, it’s no surprise that Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains the best paid goalkeeper at Barcelona. Earning over €6 million per year, the German international has been a cornerstone for the club for nearly a decade, and his salary reflects that status.

Backup goalkeepers Inaki Peña and new signing Wojciech Szczesny aren’t too far behind, each pocketing more than €3 million annually. Meanwhile, 20-year-old prospect Ander Astralaga, currently with Barça Atletic, earns one of the lowest wages at the club—a clear indicator of his still-developing status within the senior ranks.

Defenders: Jules Kounde Leads the Way

When it comes to the backline, Jules Kounde is Barcelona’s highest-paid defender, raking in an impressive €13,550,000 per year. That figure even outstrips defensive stalwart Ronald Araujo, much to the chagrin of many Culers who view the Uruguayan as a future captain.

Interestingly, veterans like Inigo Martinez and Andreas Christensen also earn more than Araujo, further fueling debates among fans about the club’s wage structure.

Meanwhile, young guns like Alejandro Balde and Hector Fort are among the lowest-paid defenders, although that could change in the coming years if they continue to impress under Hansi Flick.

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong Tops the Charts

In midfield, the situation is equally fascinating. Frenkie de Jong remains Barcelona’s highest-earning midfielder, taking home nearly €19 million per year. That figure dwarfs the salaries of younger stars like Pedri, Gavi, and new arrival Dani Olmo.

Both Pedri and Gavi are expected to sign new deals soon, which would see their earnings rise significantly and better reflect their importance to the team. For now, however, academy products like Marc Casado and Marc Bernal—recently promoted to the senior squad—represent the lower end of the salary scale.

Attackers: Lewandowski Reigns Supreme

As far as forwards are concerned, Robert Lewandowski is Barcelona’s undisputed best paid player. The Polish striker earns a staggering €33 million gross per season, making him by far the highest earner at the club.

Beyond Lewandowski, Ansu Fati surprisingly remains a major financial burden, pulling in over €13 million annually despite struggling for consistency and form. Raphinha isn’t too far behind, while Ferran Torres also crosses the eight-figure salary mark.

One name that jumps out, though, is Lamine Yamal. The teenage sensation, already seen as one of the brightest talents in Europe, remains one of the lowest-paid players in the first-team squad—a situation that the club will surely move to rectify sooner rather than later.

Top 5 Highest-Paid Barcelona Players

When you stack up the numbers, the top five earners at Barcelona make for an interesting read:

1. Robert Lewandowski – €33 million

2. Frenkie de Jong – €19 million

3. Ansu Fati – €13 million

4. Raphinha – just under €13 million

5. Jules Kounde – €13.55 million

The absence of names like Pedri and Lamine Yamal is striking, considering their on-field influence compared to some higher earners.

Top 5 Lowest-Paid Barcelona Players

At the other end of the scale, some of Barcelona’s brightest young prospects are also their most affordable:

1. Ander Astralaga

2. Marc Bernal

3. Marc Casado

4. Pablo Torre

5. Pau Victor

Given Barcelona’s current strategy of promoting youth and developing internal talent, this trend of younger players being among the lowest-paid is expected to continue—at least until they negotiate their next contracts.

Total Salary Costs: Where the Money Goes

Taking a broader look, Barcelona’s total salary costs paint a telling picture. The club spends nearly €100 million on defenders and midfielders combined, but it’s the forwards that really break the bank. Over €71 million annually is spent on the attacking unit alone.

Given the enormous wages of Lewandowski, Fati, and Torres, it’s easy to see why the forward line accounts for such a significant chunk of the overall Barca salary bill.