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The Highest-Paid MLS Defenders

  • Nine of the highest-paid MLS defenders earn less than a million.
  • Only Walker Zimmerman and Thiago Martins earn at least $2 million.
Jul 7, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman (25) controls the ball during the first half against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

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 2025, 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.

Fifth is Marlon of LAFC. He makes $1.35 million a season playing in Los Angeles. Marlon has earned over $16.5 million in his career playing in Spain, France, and his native Brazil prior to LAFC.

Only ten 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: March 26, 2025
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Walker ZimmermanNashville SC$3.2 million
2Thiago MartinsNYCFC$2 million
3Matt MiazgaFC Cincinnati$1.5 million
4Miles RobinsonFC Cincinnati$1.4 million
5MarlonLA FC$1.35 million
6Aaron LongLA FC$1.26 million
7Jordi AlbaInter Miami$1.25 million
T-8Andreas MaxsøColorado Rapids$1.15 million
T-8Justen GladReal Salt Lake$1.15 million
10Joakim NilssonSt Louis City$1.14 million
T-11Jakob GlesnesPhiladelphia Union$1 million
T-11Tim ParkerNE Revolution$1 million
T-11Stian GregersonAtlanta United$1 million
T-11Henry KesslerSt Louis City$1 million
T-11Bruno WilsonSan Jose Earthquakes$1 million
T-11Joaquín FernándezSporting KC$1 million
17Richie LaryeaToronto FC$990,000
18Kai WagnerPhiladelphia Union$875,000
T-19Robin JanssonOrlando City$850,000
T-19DeAndre YedlinFC Cincinnati$850,000
T-19Sam VinesColorado Rapids$850,000
22Sam AdekugbeVancouver Whitecaps$825,000
T-23Mathías LabordaVancouver Whitecaps$800,000
T-23Maya YoshidaLA Galaxy$800,000
T-23Steven MoreiraColumbus Crew$800,000

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