Top 10 Highest Paid Female Footballers in the World – 2025

Top 10 Highest Paid Female Footballers in the World – 2025 explores the leading stars who are not only dominating on the pitch but also rewriting history with their incredible earnings. Women’s football has grown massively in recent years, with record attendances, lucrative sponsorships, and bigger contracts transforming the financial landscape of the game. These players represent the best of the best, combining elite skill, global popularity, and commercial appeal to secure places among the sport’s highest earners.

From legendary forwards who continue to score in the biggest competitions to midfield generals dictating play for club and country, each player on this list has proven their worth both athletically and financially. Beyond their salaries, endorsements and global brand partnerships have boosted their income to record levels, reflecting their influence far beyond football. This ranking not only highlights their on-field brilliance but also shows how women’s football has evolved into a sport capable of producing global superstars.

With 2025 being a landmark year for the women’s game, these athletes showcase how determination, skill, and marketability combine to create icons of both sport and business. Dive in to discover which female footballers top the earnings chart this year.

10. Trinity Rodman – $275,000

Trinity Rodman, the young star of Washington Spirit, is one of the most exciting talents in women’s football today. At just over 20 years old, she has already made a major impact in the NWSL with her explosive pace, technical ability, and eye for goal. While her annual wages of $275,000 may not compare to some of the veterans at the top, her potential and marketability indicate a bright future ahead. Rodman’s value comes not only from her performances on the pitch but also from her growing influence as a young ambassador of the sport.

Her rise to prominence has been meteoric, with impressive goal-scoring stats and consistent performances against top competition. Trinity’s versatility allows her to play across the forward line, contributing both in scoring and creating opportunities for teammates. Despite her youth, she demonstrates remarkable maturity and confidence, qualities that have earned her recognition nationally and internationally. As she continues to develop, Rodman is expected to attract bigger contracts and sponsorships, reflecting her growing importance in women’s football. Her $275,000 salary is just the beginning of what promises to be a lucrative and impactful career.

9. Marta – $400,000

Marta, the Brazilian legend at Orlando Pride, remains a global icon in women’s football, even after decades at the top. With an annual wage of $400,000, she continues to demonstrate her exceptional talent, leadership, and enduring influence on the game. Known as one of the greatest female footballers of all time, Marta has a career filled with accolades, including multiple FIFA World Player of the Year awards. Her vision, dribbling, and finishing ability make her a constant threat in attack, inspiring younger generations worldwide.

Even in her veteran years, Marta’s dedication to training and match preparation is exemplary. She brings experience and professionalism that benefits both her club and the broader development of women’s football. Beyond the pitch, Marta is a key ambassador, promoting women’s football globally and helping elevate the sport’s profile. Her $400,000 annual salary reflects not only her skill and performance but also her legendary status in the sport. Marta proves that age and experience, when combined with talent, can maintain both value and influence in the modern game.

8. Christine Sinclair – $450,000

Christine Sinclair, the Canadian superstar at Portland Thorns, has become a symbol of longevity and consistency in women’s football. At $450,000 per year, her salary mirrors her immense contribution to the game. Known for her clinical finishing, intelligent positioning, and leadership qualities, Sinclair has scored goals at crucial moments throughout her career. She holds numerous records, including being the all-time leading international goal scorer in both men’s and women’s football, cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.

Sinclair’s influence extends beyond scoring. As captain of Canada, she has inspired her national team to success on the world stage, including Olympic medals and strong World Cup performances. Her tactical awareness, ability to guide younger players, and professionalism make her an invaluable asset to Portland Thorns. At 210 words, her story reflects not just her achievements on the field, but also her impact in elevating women’s football. Christine Sinclair’s enduring presence, work ethic, and dedication continue to make her one of the most respected and influential figures in the sport.

7. Wendie Renard – $452,000

Wendie Renard, the towering defender and captain of Lyon, is one of the most respected players in world football. Her annual wage of $452,000 reflects her importance to both club and country. Renard is renowned for her aerial dominance, tactical intelligence, and leadership, which have helped Lyon maintain their position as a powerhouse in European women’s football. Her defensive stability, combined with her ability to contribute goals during set-pieces, makes her a complete package at the back.

Renard’s leadership is invaluable, both on and off the field. She guides younger teammates and sets high standards for professionalism and discipline. Over the years, she has helped Lyon secure numerous domestic league titles and UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, solidifying her status as a key figure in the club’s history. Her wage also reflects her marketability, as she is often a recognizable face for sponsorships and media engagements. Even at over 30, Wendie Renard continues to demonstrate that experience, consistency, and leadership are critical components of her enduring value in women’s football.

6. Ada Hegerberg – $470,000

Ada Hegerberg, the Norwegian striker at Lyon, has become one of the most formidable forwards in women’s football. With an annual wage of $470,000, she combines technical brilliance, lethal finishing, and intelligent movement to remain one of the top earners in the sport. Hegerberg was the inaugural recipient of the Ballon d’Or Féminin and continues to demonstrate the world-class quality that earned her such honors. Her ability to score consistently in domestic and European competitions makes her a key player for Lyon.

Hegerberg’s influence extends beyond the pitch. She is a vocal advocate for equality in women’s football, pushing for better conditions, pay, and recognition for female players worldwide. This combination of skill, leadership, and advocacy enhances her value both as a player and as a global ambassador of the sport. Her dedication to maintaining peak performance, coupled with her record of achievements, ensures she remains one of the most sought-after and highly compensated athletes in women’s football. Ada Hegerberg’s $470,000 wage highlights her sustained excellence and impact at the highest level.

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5. Sophia Smith – $500,000

Sophia Smith, the dynamic forward for Portland Thorns, has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in women’s football. Her $500,000 annual wage reflects both her on-field performances and growing global recognition. Known for her pace, agility, and clinical finishing, Smith has the ability to change games single-handedly. Her technical skills and movement off the ball make her a constant threat to defenders, allowing her to contribute significantly in both domestic and international competitions.

Despite her youth, Smith demonstrates maturity and tactical intelligence that belies her age. Her rise in the NWSL has been meteoric, and she has become a key figure for the U.S. Women’s National Team as well. Sponsors and clubs recognize her potential not just as a player, but also as a marketable global talent. Sophia Smith’s $500,000 wage underscores her importance to Portland Thorns and the wider football community, positioning her as one of the sport’s most promising and highest-earning female stars.

4. Sam Kerr – $541,000

Sam Kerr, the Australian striker at Chelsea, continues to be one of the most feared forwards in women’s football. With an annual wage of $541,000, Kerr combines athleticism, sharp finishing, and intelligent movement to maintain her status among the highest-paid female players in the world. She has been instrumental in Chelsea’s domestic dominance and Champions League campaigns, often delivering crucial goals when it matters most.

Kerr’s leadership, work ethic, and experience at the international level make her a vital figure both for club and country. Beyond her on-field prowess, her marketability and global recognition contribute to her high earnings, with endorsements adding to her profile as one of the sport’s most influential figures. Her ability to consistently perform at the highest level demonstrates why she remains in demand among top clubs and sponsors. Sam Kerr’s $541,000 salary reflects both her skill and her enduring impact on women’s football worldwide.

3. Keira Walsh – $550,000

Keira Walsh, the English midfield maestro at Chelsea, has become one of the most important players in modern women’s football. With an annual wage of $550,000, Walsh is celebrated for her vision, passing accuracy, and tactical intelligence. She dictates play from midfield, linking defense and attack with precision and composure. Her ability to control the tempo of matches has been crucial for Chelsea’s domestic and European success.

Walsh’s defensive contributions are equally notable. She is effective at breaking up opposition play, recovering possession, and supporting her teammates in both offensive and defensive transitions. Beyond her technical abilities, her leadership and consistency make her a highly valued member of both club and national team squads. At $550,000 per year, Keira Walsh demonstrates how intelligence, composure, and technical brilliance translate into both footballing influence and financial reward. Her presence ensures Chelsea remains competitive at every level.

2. Alexia Putellas – $670,000

Alexia Putellas, the Barcelona star and Ballon d’Or winner, has become a symbol of excellence in women’s football. Her annual wage of $670,000 reflects her incredible skill, leadership, and influence on and off the pitch. Putellas is known for her creativity, vision, and ability to score and assist in crucial moments. She dominates midfield with intelligence, technical ability, and tactical awareness, making her indispensable to Barcelona and Spain.

Putellas’ achievements extend beyond club success. She has helped Barcelona win multiple league titles and Champions League trophies while representing Spain with distinction in international competitions. Her marketability and global influence contribute to her high earnings, as she is widely recognized as one of the faces of modern women’s football. Alexia Putellas’ $670,000 wage highlights her status as both a top performer and a role model for aspiring female footballers worldwide. She embodies skill, leadership, and commercial value in one package.

1. Aitana Bonmatí – $1,100,000

Aitana Bonmatí, Barcelona’s midfield powerhouse, tops the list as the highest-paid female footballer in the world in 2025, with an astounding $1,100,000 annual wage. Her vision, technical skill, and creativity in midfield make her one of the most influential players in modern football. Bonmatí has been a driving force in Barcelona’s domestic and European dominance, consistently delivering in key matches and tournaments.

Beyond her on-field brilliance, Bonmatí’s leadership, consistency, and marketability have elevated her to global superstar status. She inspires younger players and serves as a role model for aspiring female footballers worldwide. Her ability to combine skill, intelligence, and commercial appeal demonstrates the growing recognition and financial growth in women’s football. With $1.1 million in annual earnings, Aitana Bonmatí not only exemplifies excellence on the pitch but also highlights the rapidly increasing value and influence of women in the sport. She represents the pinnacle of talent, professionalism, and financial success in women’s football today.

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