World’s best-paid female footballers revealed as Barcelona star sets new record… but does Sam Kerr make the cut?

The list of the world’s highest-paid female footballers has seen a major shake-up, with Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati taking the top spot. Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, now earns a reported €1 million per season after signing a new contract with the Spanish giants.

Barcelona, keen to fend off interest from Chelsea, ensured her position as the highest earner with a contract that extends until 2028. Her club and national teammate Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, ranks second with an annual salary of €700,000, despite her recent struggles with a long-term injury.

Together, the two players highlight Barcelona’s dominance in both talent and compensation in women’s football.

Australian star Sam Kerr rounds out the top three, earning €538,000 per year after extending her contract with Chelsea. Despite a frustrating year sidelined by injury, Kerr remains one of the biggest names in the sport, and Chelsea’s faith in her has been reflected in her salary increase.

Other notable figures include Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg and Brazilian legend Marta, both of whom also feature in the top 10. While these salaries are remarkable within the women’s game, they are still modest in comparison to the astronomical earnings of male players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly takes home £3.4 million per week.