The FIFA Club World Cup is underway, and while the world watches the action unfold on the pitch, there’s another game playing out behind the scenes — the wages. The tournament features an array of global football stars, and with them, some eye-watering weekly salaries. These figures, based on data from GiveMeSport, reflect what players earn from their clubs only — endorsements and personal deals are not included.
Let’s count down the top 10 highest-paid players currently competing at the 2025 Club World Cup.
10. Jan Oblak – £340,625 (R8 million) per week
Atletico Madrid’s long-serving shot-stopper continues to prove his value with consistent performances. A six-time Zamora Trophy winner, Oblak remains one of Europe’s elite keepers. His impressive wage reflects a decade of loyalty and world-class goalkeeping in Spain.
9. Jude Bellingham – £340,625 (R8 million) per week
The English sensation is already a central figure at Real Madrid. Having won La Liga and the Champions League in his debut season, Bellingham is not just a star of the future — he’s a current force. His salary matches his rapid rise and importance in Madrid’s midfield.
8. Vinícius Júnior – £340,625 (R8 million) per week
Vinícius may not have reached his Ballon d’Or finalist form of previous seasons, but he remains a crucial part of Real Madrid’s attack. At just 24, the Brazilian forward continues to mature into a consistent match-winner, and his pay grade mirrors that reputation.
7. David Alaba – £367,933 (R8.63 million) per week
Despite injury setbacks, Alaba’s versatility and experience keep him among Real Madrid’s top earners. Capable at both centre-back and full-back, the Austrian has collected major silverware across two European giants — Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
6. Harry Kane – £408,815 (R9.59 million) per week
After ending his trophy drought by clinching the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich, Kane is now hunting global silverware. The English striker’s consistency in front of goal has translated well to Germany, and his wage cements his role as one of Europe’s top marksmen.
5. Aleksandar Mitrović – £408,815 (R9.59 million) per week
Now lighting up Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, Mitrović has proven his scoring prowess is no fluke. From Newcastle to Fulham and now the Saudi Pro League, the Serbian striker’s pay packet reflects both experience and a clinical edge in front of goal.
4. Sergej Milinković-Savić – £408,815 (R9.59 million) per week
Another Al-Hilal big earner, the Serbian midfielder brings strength, vision, and technical finesse. After a long spell at Lazio, he’s made an instant impact in Saudi Arabia — and his weekly wage confirms his marquee status in the league.
3. Kylian Mbappé – £511,019 (R12 million) per week
The French superstar’s switch to Real Madrid came with a staggering wage despite arriving on a free transfer. Still only 26, Mbappé is already a World Cup winner and a global brand. In this tournament, he’s one of the faces to watch both for his flair and his financial value.
2. Erling Haaland – £525,000 (R12.34 million) per week
City’s goal machine had a “quiet” season by his standards — which still included 22 league goals. The Norwegian forward remains central to City’s plans and their hopes of winning the Club World Cup. His massive wage reflects his status as arguably the world’s most feared striker.
1. Kalidou Koulibaly – £567,435 (R13.33 million) per week
Topping the list is Al-Hilal’s defensive powerhouse. The Senegalese international left Europe for Saudi riches, and his salary leads the tournament. Best remembered for his time at Napoli, Koulibaly brings experience and composure to the back line — and earns more than any other player in the competition.
FIFA Club World Cup: Money Talks, but Will It Win Titles?
While these wages are staggering, they also place enormous pressure on players to deliver on the biggest stage. With group-stage battles ongoing, the spotlight isn’t just on trophies — it’s also on whether football’s biggest earners can justify their pay packets on the pitch. In a tournament loaded with global stars, talent is everywhere — but not all of it comes with a £500k+ price tag.
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