In the world of football rife with impressive numbers and big contracts, there’s one topic that always catches fans’ attention: player salaries. However, behind the huge numbers, there are touching stories about players with the lowest salaries. They are not only football players but also heroes with big hearts and a strong love of football. Let bestsoccertips take a look at the 10 lowest paid football player.
Top 10 lowest paid football player
1. Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)
Since his debut for the national team in 2016 against Iceland, Umtiti’s career has skyrocketed. Barcelona was so impressed by the French star’s performances that they paid €25 million to acquire him from Lyon. At the Nou Camp, he formed a formidable partnership with Gerard Pique, helping the Catalan side win the La Liga title in the 2017/18 season. Meanwhile, for the French national team, the combination of Umtiti and Varane has created a formidable defensive wall in front of Les Bleus’ goal. This duo is widely regarded as one of the most fearsome central defensive pairs in the world.
Despite playing a significant role in guiding the French national team to World Cup glory in 2018, Umtiti’s current salary doesn’t reflect his talent. It’s reported that the 24-year-old defender earns only £75,000 per week, lower than the £80,000 per week earned by Smalling and the £150,000 per week earned by Kolasinac, despite both of them not reaching Umtiti’s level of performance. Looking at his national team partner, Varane, he’s earning twice as much at Real Madrid (£150,000 per week).
2. Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
There’s no doubt about Dybala’s talent when you look at the incredible number of goals he has scored for Juventus. Before the start of the 2018/19 season, Dybala had scored 52 goals in Serie A in just 98 appearances for the Bianconeri. Understanding the value of the Argentine forward, Juventus rewarded him with a new contract worth £110,000 per week.
While £110,000 per week is not low by any means, it’s still only on par with Miralem Pjanic and far below Cristiano Ronaldo (£500,000 per week). Of course, when Juventus splashed out a record transfer fee for CR7, they were surely going to have to pay him a commensurate salary. However, it’s worth noting that Dybala is approaching the peak of his career and is considered to be in the same league as the two footballing giants Ronaldo and Messi. Such a significant gap in wages, even after adjustments, might not sit well with Dybala given his rising stature in European football.
3. Christian Pulisic (Dortmund)
One of the most promising young talents in the world, Pulisic has already made 100 appearances before his 20th birthday. While the United States may not be a football powerhouse, they have produced several notable stars like Donovan, Dempsey, and Reyna. However, none of those names have reached the level of Pulisic at this point. He’s attracting interest from many top clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool. Watching Pulisic play, many pundits even liken him to a Messi of America.
However, the unfortunate truth is that the “Messi of America” is still living on a weekly wage of £25,000 at Dortmund. This modest figure may be understandable given that Pulisic is still a young player. But when looking at the wages of his teammates at Dortmund, how can the forward feel satisfied when Mario Gotze earns £150,000 per week, Maximilian Philipp earns £140,000 per week, and Marco Reus earns £160,000 per week?
4. Dele Alli (Tottenham)
A product of the MK Dons academy, Alli is currently one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League. He has won the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award two years in a row (2016, 2017) and has been a key factor in Tottenham’s rise to genuine contenders in both the Premier League and Champions League.
But it can’t be denied that Alli is only earning £50,000 per week at White Hart Lane despite making over 150 appearances for the club. And it’s even more shocking to know that he earns less than the likes of the injury-prone Jack Wilshere (£100,000 per week) and the benchwarmer Ross Barkley (£90,000 per week). With the Spurs’ management deciding to break the wage structure to keep Kane with a £200,000 per week contract, will they be willing to splash out similarly for Alli?
5. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
While it’s known that goalkeeper salaries generally aren’t as high as other positions, it’s hard to believe that one of the world’s best goalkeepers is only earning £75,000 per week at the moment. Looking at his colleagues, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen earns £90,000 per week at Barca. This figure pales in comparison to a former Atletico Madrid player, David De Gea, who earns £210,000 per week at Manchester United.
Top-class goalkeepers are hard to come by, and someone of Oblak’s caliber is truly rare. It’s worth remembering that the Slovenian goalkeeper has led the list of goalkeepers with the fewest goals conceded since the 2014/15 season. With such an inadequate remuneration, will Oblak continue to dedicate himself to Atletico Madrid for much longer?
6. Aaron Ramsdale
Despite Bournemouth enduring a challenging season, teetering on the brink of relegation from the English Premier League, there exists a beacon of hope in the form of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Despite continuous setbacks plaguing the team, Ramsdale has stood out as their saving grace.
However, what truly astonishes is the vast contrast in salaries between Ramsdale and his counterparts. While Ramsdale earns a modest £3,000 per week, a mere fraction of the colossal £375,000 weekly wage commanded by David de Gea, the esteemed goalkeeper for Manchester United.
7. Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes is a renowned English footballer currently playing for Leicester City and the England national team. Despite making a strong impression on the field with his pace and individual skill, Barnes is known to be one of the lowest-paid players in the team. This is noteworthy, especially in a football market where exorbitant high-wage contracts are not uncommon.
Despite earning less than many of his teammates, Barnes consistently proves his value through impressive performances on the field. His dedication and effort not only contribute to Leicester City’s success but also play a part in the success of the England national team, making his salary more notable, not solely based on the figures on his contract.
8. Raul Jimenez
Raul Jimenez is a Mexican footballer known as one of the top forwards for the Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League and the Mexico national team. Despite being recognized as one of the top players, it’s noteworthy that Jimenez has signed a contract with the lowest salary compared to his teammates at Wolverhampton. His efficiency and influence on the field have attracted attention from big clubs, but he remains committed to the team and doesn’t prioritize salary as his top concern.
Despite having a lower salary than many of his peers at the same club, Jimenez always finds ways to contribute to the team’s success. With his versatile playing style, goal-scoring ability, and knack for creating opportunities, he has become an indispensable part of Wolverhampton’s gameplay. This demonstrates that salary isn’t always the deciding factor in evaluating a player’s true value.
Jimenez is also known for his work ethic and professionalism, constantly striving to improve himself and bring brightness to his team. His discipline and commitment have created a positive impact not only on the field but also within the fan community.
9. John Lundstram
John Lundstram is an English footballer currently playing as a midfielder for Sheffield United in the English Premier League and has also represented the England national team at youth levels. Despite not being known for standout performances or exceptional talent, Lundstram has become an integral part of Sheffield United’s lineup.
Notably, Lundstram is known to have the lowest salary in the team, which is uncommon in today’s football world with skyrocketing high-wage contracts. However, despite his lower salary, Lundstram consistently proves his value through dedication and fighting spirit on the field.
While not receiving widespread recognition, Lundstram is a player who brings stability and professionalism to his team. His commitment and work ethic have helped Sheffield United overcome many challenges, and he is an important part of the team’s success.
10. Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson is a renowned Scottish footballer currently playing as a left-back for Liverpool in the English Premier League and is the captain of the Scotland national team. Despite being known for talent and standout performances on the field, it’s noteworthy that Robertson has signed a contract with a lower salary compared to many of his teammates at Liverpool.
Despite earning less, Robertson is an indispensable part of Liverpool’s success. With his speed, technique, and solid defensive abilities, he has become one of the top left-backs in football. His dedication and fighting spirit are highly valued both on and off the field, as he is an icon of determination and effort in the sports world.
Conclude
In the modern world of football, money is often at the center of discussion. However, stories about the lowest paid football player remind us of the true value of love and passion for the ball. They are the ones who make a difference not only on the pitch but also in the hearts of millions of fans.
See also: The 10 highest paid footballer in the world for 2024
