The 13 Highest-Paid Goalkeepers in The World Today
- Think Football Ideas
- Apr 8
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Whether you're a football fanatic or a casual viewer, one thing’s clear—goalkeepers are mainly the unsung heroes of the game. They’re the last line of defence, often flying under the radar until they pull off a stunning save or, sometimes, face scrutiny after a slip-up.
But in 2025, these shot-stoppers are no longer going unnoticed. Some are breaking records with their jaw-dropping paychecks. It’s the balance of their skill and responsibility that has led to their value being truly recognised, transforming them from underappreciated to ultra-wealthy, with wages that match their crucial role in the game
Here Are The 13 Highest-Paid Goalkeepers in The World
1. Manuel Neuer – £339,000/week (Bayern Munich)
1. Manuel Neuer – £339,000/week (Bayern Munich)
Manuel Neuer doesn’t just stop shots — he revolutionised the role of goalkeeper. With his sweeper-keeper style, the Bayern Munich legend has been the bedrock of his team’s dominance for over a decade. "The best goalkeeper in the world" — that's how many refer to him, and his performances in the most high-pressure moments validate this claim.
At 37, he continues to set the standard for excellence, delivering crucial saves and leading Bayern to numerous titles. After overcoming a serious injury, Neuer has proven his unwavering commitment to the game, maintaining his position as the world’s highest-paid goalkeeper with a salary of £339,000 per week.
2. Jan Oblak – £334,000/week (Atlético Madrid)
2. Jan Oblak – £334,000/week (Atlético Madrid)
If you want to know what reliability looks like in a goal, look no further than Jan Oblak. His nickname, “The Wall,” is no exaggeration. Atlético Madrid’s Slovenian guardian has been the backbone of their defensive solidity under Diego Simeone. It's not just about the number of clean sheets — it’s about the timing of his saves, often in the most crucial moments.
Whether it was his spectacular double save against Barcelona or his heroics in the 2020/21 season, Oblak’s calm and composure have earned him worldwide acclaim. “When Oblak’s in goal, you don’t have to worry,” said Simeone, perfectly capturing the essence of this £334,000-a-week keeper.
3. Thibaut Courtois – £240,000/week (Real Madrid)
Thibaut Courtois’s transition from Chelsea to Real Madrid in 2018 marked the beginning of a new chapter of success. The Belgian’s performances in several crucial moments — especially his match-winning saves in the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool — were described as “superhuman,” earning him widespread praise and cementing his status as one of the world’s elite shot-stoppers.
Despite an unfortunate ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023/24 season, he returned stronger to help Madrid lift their 15th Champions League title. With £240,000 a week, the Belgian’s class shines both on the pitch and in his bank account.
4. Gianluigi Donnarumma – £203,000/week (PSG)
The sky was the limit for Gianluigi Donnarumma even before he won Euro 2020 with Italy. At only 22 years old, standing tall at 6'5", he became the youngest goalkeeper to ever win the UEFA Euro tournament after saving two penalties in the final against England at Wembley.
“The future of Italian football” is a phrase that’s been attached to Donnarumma since he was 16, and now that future is happening in Paris. His transfer to PSG from AC Milan didn’t come without pressure, but his €60 million move and £203,000-a-week wages prove that the pressure is one he thrives under despite a few wobbly moments.
5. Edouard Mendy – £177,000/week (Al-Ahli)
Edouard Mendy’s rise from the depths of the French lower league to winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 was truly spectacular. After a stunning 2021 Champions League final performance that secured Chelsea’s victory, Mendy was hailed as a hero.
However, despite his incredible performances, his move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli in 2023 raised a few eyebrows. Nevertheless, his £177,000 weekly wage reflects how highly his talent is valued in the Middle East. His famous words after his Champions League win? "I don’t come from a big club, but I’m here now," showed his confidence and determination.
6. Yassine Bounou – £161,000/week (Al-Hilal)
A key figure in Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup run, Yassine Bounou earned international recognition for his stellar performances between the posts. "I just believe in myself," he said after the penalty shootout win against Spain, a statement that echoed through the hearts of Moroccan fans worldwide.
His heroics earned him a move to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he now earns £161,000 per week. The 32-year-old has continued to shine in the Middle East, and his reputation as a top keeper remains intact as he leads one of the region’s most successful clubs.
7. Emiliano Martínez – £150,000/week (Aston Villa)
Emiliano Martínez has become known for his clutch performances, especially for Argentina during their 2022 World Cup victory. His penalty shootout heroics in the final against France solidified his status as a national icon
At Aston Villa, he's brought that same energy to the Premier League, earning a cool £150,000 per week as one of the most highly-regarded keepers in England. His incredible journey from Arsenal’s backup keeper to World Cup champion proves his unyielding drive.
8. Alisson Becker – £150,000/week (Liverpool)
Alisson Becker’s contribution to Liverpool’s defensive success under Jürgen Klopp is immeasurable. As one of the most complete goalkeepers in the world, Alisson’s distribution, shot-stopping, and composure make him indispensable to the Reds.
With £150,000 a week, the Brazilian is not only a top performer on the pitch, he is also one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League. He remains a key figure in Liverpool’s pursuit of more trophies, currently under Arne Slot.
9. Gregor Kobel – £145,000/week (Borussia Dortmund)
Gregor Kobel has been Borussia Dortmund’s rock at the back, making numerous match-winning saves in the Bundesliga. The Swiss keeper's rise was highlighted by his stunning performance in Dortmund’s 4-0 win over Bayern Munich in 2022, where he made multiple vital stops.
His £145,000 weekly wage underscores his importance to the German club and his growing stature as one of the Bundesliga’s top keepers.
10. Bernd Leno – £130,000/week (Fulham)
After falling out of favour at Arsenal, Bernd Leno found a new lease on life at Fulham after securing a move to Craven Cottage in 2022. The German goalkeeper’s performances have been instrumental in Fulham’s steady Premier League presence, earning him a place among the top 10 earners.
Leno’s ability to make critical saves, often in high-stakes matches, is a big reason why Fulham remain competitive in the top flight under Marco Silva.
11. Jordan Pickford – £125,000/week (Everton)
England's number one goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, has been Everton’s saviour on countless occasions. With his commanding presence and no-nonsense approach to shot-stopping, Pickford has saved the Toffees on multiple occasions, often single-handedly keeping them afloat in the Premier League.
His heroic performance at the 2018 World Cup, especially his penalty-saving abilities against Colombia, has earned him legendary status. At £125,000 a week, he continues to be one of the top-paid Premier League goalkeepers.
12. Alphonse Areola – £120,000/week (West Ham)
Alphonse Areola’s journey from PSG to West Ham has seen the French goalkeeper become a key figure for the Hammers. Initially a backup, Areola took over as first-choice keeper and hasn’t looked back.
Earning £120,000 per week, Areola is now a regular in the Premier League, having helped West Ham secure a Europa Conference League title in 2023. His adaptability and experience have made him a valuable asset to the Hammers.
13. Andre Onana – £120,000/week (Manchester United)
Andre Onana’s arrival at Manchester United marked the end of the David de Gea era. The Cameroonian goalkeeper is recognised for his excellent distribution and ball-playing abilities. He joined the Red Devils after impressing in the Champions League with Inter Milan.
Though the Cameroon international’s start at Old Trafford had its ups and downs, Onana earns a weekly wage of £120,000 — a figure that reflects the belief Manchester United has in his potential to lead them forward.
[All salary figures are sourced from Capology and are current as of April 5, 2025.]
Comments