The FIFA Club World Cup is officially in full swing. While supporters focus on the drama unfolding on the pitch, another contest is quietly happening off it — the salary stakes. The competition brings together some of the biggest names in world football, and with that comes staggering weekly pay cheques.
According to figures from GiveMeSport, these earnings cover club salaries only, excluding sponsorships, endorsements, and private deals.
Here’s a countdown of the 10 highest-paid players currently featuring at the 2025 Club World Cup.
10. Jan Oblak – £340,625 (R8 million) per week
Atletico Madrid’s dependable No.1 continues to show why he’s regarded as one of Europe’s safest pairs of hands. A six-time Zamora Trophy winner, Oblak has built a reputation on consistency and composure. His hefty wage reflects years of elite performances and loyalty to the Spanish giants.
9. Jude Bellingham – £340,625 (R8 million) per week
The English prodigy has quickly become a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s midfield. Winning both La Liga and the Champions League in his first season, Bellingham has already proven he belongs among the elite. His weekly salary mirrors both his meteoric rise and his growing influence at the club.
8. Vinícius Júnior – £340,625 (R8 million) per week
Although he hasn’t quite matched his previous Ballon d’Or finalist heights, Vinícius remains a key figure in Madrid’s frontline. At just 24 years old, the Brazilian winger continues to deliver match-winning moments. His earnings underline his status as one of the game’s most dangerous attackers
7. David Alaba – £367,933 (R8.63 million) per week
Injuries may have slowed him down at times, but Alaba’s experience and versatility still make him invaluable. Comfortable at both centre-back and full-back, the Austrian has lifted major trophies with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. His salary keeps him among Los Blancos’ top earners.
6. Harry Kane – £408,815 (R9.59 million) per week
After finally breaking his silverware curse with a Bundesliga title at Bayern Munich, Kane now has his eyes set on global honours. The England captain’s reliability in front of goal has translated seamlessly to German football. His wage confirms his place among Europe’s most lethal strikers
5. Aleksandar Mitrović – £408,815 (R9.59 million) per week
Mitrović has taken his goalscoring touch to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal and hasn’t missed a beat. From spells in England with Newcastle and Fulham to dominating the Saudi Pro League, the Serbian forward continues to deliver. His weekly pay reflects both his experience and clinical finishing
4. Sergej Milinković-Savić – £408,815 (R9.59 million) per week
Joining Mitrović at Al-Hilal, Milinković-Savić commands an equally impressive salary. The Serbian midfielder combines power, creativity, and technical quality, traits that made him a standout at Lazio. His move to Saudi Arabia has only strengthened his status as a marquee player.
3. Kylian Mbappé – £511,019 (R12 million) per week
Mbappé’s headline-making move to Real Madrid came with an enormous pay packet, even without a transfer fee. At just 26, he’s already a World Cup champion and one of football’s biggest global icons. At this tournament, all eyes will be on both his dazzling ability and his financial value.
2. Erling Haaland – £525,000 (R12.34 million) per week
By his standards, Haaland had a “quiet” campaign — yet still scored 22 league goals. Manchester City’s prolific striker remains central to their attack and their Club World Cup ambitions. His salary highlights his reputation as perhaps the most feared goal scorer in world football.
1. Kalidou Koulibaly – £567,435 (R13.33 million) per week
Sitting at the top of the list is Al-Hilal’s defensive rock. Koulibaly traded European football for Saudi Arabia’s lucrative offers, and it’s paid off handsomely. Best known for his dominant years at Napoli, the Senegal international brings leadership and calm at the back — and earns more than anyone else in the competition.
FIFA Club World Cup: Money Talks, but Will It Win Titles?
These eye-watering salaries highlight the financial muscle behind modern football, but they also come with massive expectations. With group-stage clashes heating up, the pressure is on for these stars to prove their worth where it matters most — on the pitch.
In a tournament packed with elite talent, big wages don’t always guarantee big trophies. The question remains: will the highest earners deliver when it counts?
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