The MLS has enjoyed record attendance and millions of new streaming subscribers over the past season. The highest-paid players tend to be forwards and attacking midfielders, who score goals and entertain fans.
Defenders don’t get as much attention, but the highest-paid at the position are valuable in slowing down skilled attackers.
Walker Zimmerman is the highest-paid MLS defender in 2024, earning $3.2 million a year with Nashville. Zimmerman signed a 2-year, $9 million deal in 2023 to solidify Nashville’s defense.
Even though he’s the highest-paid defender on the list, Zimmerman is only fourth-most in career tackles among the top 10.
NYCFC’s Thiago Martins is second with his $2 million salary. The Brazilian has played for New York since 2022. He is the only other defender to make at least $2 million a year.
Third on the list is Matt Miazga of FC Cincinnati. He earns $1.53 million on the 2-year deal he signed in August of 2022. Miazga spent eight seasons playing in Europe before settling in the MLS.
Coming in fourth is Miazga’s teammate in Cincinnati, Miles Robinson. He earns $1.43 million a season and is signed until December. Robinson played with Atlanta for eight seasons before his deal with Cincinnati.
In fifth is Rafael Czichos of the Fire. He makes $1.3 million a season playing in Chicago. Czichos has earned over $6.2 million in his career playing in Germany and now the MLS.
Only eleven MLS defenders earn over $1 million a year. Cincinnati is the only club with multiple defenders among the top 15 highest-paid in the MLS.
Philadelphia has three of its defenders among the highest-paid MLS defenders. But their combined salaries are $525K less than Walker Zimmerman’s $3.2 million.
Ranking the Highest-Paid MLS Defenders
Here is the entire list of the highest-paid MLS defenders. The list was compiled with data from Capology.
- Updated: November 18, 2024
| Rank | Player | Team | Total Compensation |
| 1 | Walker Zimmerman | Nashville SC | $3.2 million |
| 2 | Thiago Martins | NYCFC | $2 million |
| 3 | Matt Miazga | FC Cincinnati | $1.53 million |
| 4 | Miles Robinson | FC Cincinnati | $1.43 million |
| 5 | Rafael Czichos | Chicago Fire | $1.3 million |
| 6 | Aaron Long | LA FC | $1.26 million |
| 7 | Jordi Alba | Inter Miami | $1.25 million |
| T-8 | Andreas Maxsø | Colorado Rapids | $1.15 million |
| T-8 | Justen Glad | Real Salt Lake | $1.15 million |
| 10 | Joakim Nilsson | St Louis City | $1.14 million |
| 11 | Chidozie Awaziem | FC Cincinnati | $1.08 million |
| T-12 | Jakob Glesnes | Philadelphia Union | $1 million |
| T-12 | Tim Parker | NE Revolution | $1 million |
| T-12 | Stian Gregerson | Atlanta United | $1 million |
| T-12 | Henry Kessler | St Louis City | $1 million |
| T-12 | Bruno Wilson | San Jose Earthquakes | $1 million |
| T-12 | Joaquín Fernández | Sporting KC | $1 million |
| 18 | Richie Laryea | Toronto FC | $990K |
| 19 | Kai Wagner | Philadelphia Union | $875K |
| T-20 | Robin Jansson | Orlando City | $850K |
| T-20 | DeAndre Yedlin | FC Cincinnati | $850K |
| T-20 | Sam Vines | Colorado Rapids | $850K |
| 23 | Sam Adekugbe | Vancouver Whitecaps | $825K |
| T-24 | Mathías Laborda | Vancouver Whitecaps | $800K |
| T-24 | Maya Yoshida | LA Galaxy | $800K |
| T-24 | Jack Elliot | Philadelphia Union | $800K |
| T-24 | Steven Moreira | Columbus Crew | $800K |
| T-24 | Shaq Moore | Nashville SC | $800K |
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