(And Why It’s Way More Than Just Their Salary)
Private jets, tax loopholes, and bonuses for just showing up. Welcome to the wild economics of modern football.
When fans hear that a footballer earns £180,000 a week, they often gasp. But that’s just the beginning. Behind those headlines lies a complex web of creative bonuses, tax strategies, image rights deals, and unique contract clauses that significantly boost a player’s income. Let’s delve into the fascinating financial world of professional footballers.
The Payslip Is Real, And It’s Glorious
Take Carlos Tevez, for example. A leaked payslip from his time at Manchester City revealed a monthly income of £720,827, translating to approximately £180,000 per week. However, with the UK’s top income tax rate at 45%, a substantial portion went to taxes. That’s over £325,000 in a single month just to HMRC (UK’s tax, payments and customs authority).
Footballers might earn ridiculous money, but they also fund public services like no one else. Love them or hate them – they’re serious taxpayers.
The Base Salary? Just the Beginning
When Fabrizio Romano tweets “Here we go!”, fans race to find out how much a new signing earns. But that base salary? It’s just a starter.
Most players earn a fixed weekly wage regardless of form, fitness, or drama. But the some real cash comes from bonuses— and that’s where things get spicy.
Bonuses for Breathing (Almost)
Let’s talk numbers.
- Mo Salah gets an extra £2.5 million if he hits 35 goals + assists in a season.
- Virgil van Dijk? A reported £750K for 22 clean sheets.
- Ben Foster was promised £100,000 if Wrexham got promoted.
- Benjamin Mendy? He was earning £1 million per season just for City qualifying for the Champions League, even when barely playing.
There are also “loyalty bonuses”—bribes disguised as incentives. Kylian Mbappé, for example, was due €80 million from PSG just for not leaving. Spoiler: he still left for Real Madrid… and won the court case. Smooth criminal.
Image Rights: The Loophole That Prints Money
Here’s where finance gets clever.
“Image rights” are essentially payments for using a player’s name, face, voice, or signature. Clubs pay these separately from salaries—often to companies owned by the player.
Why? Because UK income tax is 45%, but corporate tax is 19–25%. So, if you funnel £5 million through your image rights company instead of your payslip, that’s an easy £1.5 million saved in taxes. Not bad.
Real Madrid, however, flipped the script. They demand 50% of players’ image rights. Their logic? “Your brand is only worth that much because you play for us.” Harsh… but not wrong.
Ronaldo eventually sold his image rights to Singaporean tycoon Peter Lim, who catapulted his fame in Asia. You’ve probably seen him selling shopping apps in Singapore.
Cristiano Ronaldo: In 2016, Ronaldo signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike, reportedly valued at $1 billion
Lionel Messi: Messi’s lifetime contract with Adidas is estimated to be worth around $1 billion, emphasizing the value of his global brand.
Endorsements: Walking, Talking Adverts
Ronaldo earns over $40 million a year just from Instagram. Messi? His Adidas deal brings in millions. Haaland? Nike, Beats, and more.
Top players are marketing assets. Clubs use them to close sponsorship deals. Brands use them to sell protein shakes, shampoo, watches… you name it. In many cases, endorsements outpace their salaries.
Agents, Claws, and Contract Chaos
Let’s not forget the middlemen.
Agents can make 5–10% of a player’s salary, plus transfer commissions. In Pogba’s case, Mino Raiola reportedly earned €27 million just for negotiating his move to Man Utd. Not bad for a few phone calls and some steak dinners.
But agents also negotiate bizarre clauses:
- Neymar had eight friends flown in regularly to party with him in Barcelona. At PSG, Neymar reportedly had a clause granting him €200,000 for greeting fans after matches.
- Ronaldo’s Flamengo deal allegedly let him go clubbing twice a week—contractually.
- Troy Deeney got speed bumps removed from Watford’s parking lot so his sports car wouldn’t scrape. He also requested a private box, preferred parking, and director-level perks.
The Tax Game: From Turin to Riyadh
Italy: Under the “Growth Decree,” foreign players pay just 25% income tax (vs. 43% for locals). Aaron Ramsey and Cristiano Ronaldo both benefited handsomely from this after moving to Juventus.
Saudi Arabia & UAE: 0% income tax. No deductions. No catch. That’s why players like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Henderson jumped ship.
But to avoid UK taxes, they must stay away for a full tax year. That’s why Henderson didn’t return home after flopping at Al-Ettifaq, he went to Ajax instead. Coincidence? Nope. Tax planning.
Beckham’s Billion-Dollar Masterstroke
Here’s the GOAT of player finance.
When David Beckham joined LA Galaxy, he took a modest salary, but with one genius clause: the exclusive right to buy a future MLS franchise for just $25 million.
That team became Inter Miami, now valued at over $1 billion. Even if he owns just 10%, that’s $100 million+ in equity. Beckham didn’t just retire rich, he became one of the most successful investors in football history.
He’s not alone! Messi’s contract with Inter Miami includes an option for part-ownership of the club, along with profit-sharing agreements with Adidas and Apple… making his move to the US very strategic, financially speaking.
Final Whistle: Athletes or Asset Managers?
So next time someone scoffs at a £300K/week salary, just remember:
- That’s taxed at 45%.
- It’s probably dwarfed by bonuses, image rights, and brand deals.
- And the player likely has a lawyer, an accountant, and a corporate structure more advanced than most CEOs.
Modern footballers are not just athletes; they’re brands, entrepreneurs, and savvy businesspeople. Their earnings extend far beyond the pitch, encompassing endorsements, image rights, strategic investments, and unique contract clauses.
Understanding these financial intricacies offers a deeper appreciation of the game’s business side and the multifaceted lives of its stars!
