CIES identified the highest paid footballers in Europe
The CIES Football Observatory released an updated ranking of the highest salaries in European football, based not on market contracts, but on the actual sports merits of the players. Analysts took into account performance statistics for the past year, the quality of matches, the role in the team, and the position on the field.
According to the study, the top spots were occupied by forwards, who traditionally earn the highest income in top league clubs. CIES analyzed five major European leagues - the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 - and compiled a ranking of 100 players who, based on sports indicators, 'should' receive the highest salaries.
Who topped the CIES ranking
- Kylian Mbappé (PSG) - 22.8 million euros per year before tax deductions.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 17.9 million euros.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) - 17.9 million euros.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) - 17.4 million euros.
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) - 17 million euros.
Unexpectedly missing from the top five was the Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembélé from PSG, who, according to calculations, deserves only sixth place with a salary of 16.9 million euros.
No Ukrainians in the top 100
No Ukrainian footballer made it to the CIES ranking. This indicates a lack of players from our country in leading European clubs with key roles.
How potential salaries were calculated
CIES in its study considered not only appearances in domestic championships but also participation in European competitions. Regularity of starting appearances, minutes on the field, and level of opponents were particularly important. Additionally, the player's position was taken into account – forwards and playmakers were rated higher than defenders or goalkeepers.
Earlier we reported that Zabarnyi ranks twelfth in the PSG salary ranking, surpassing the Russian Safonov.
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