• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, June 24, 2025

The Highest-Paid MLS Midfielders

  • Sergio Busquets leads the way as the highest-paid MLS midfielder.
  • Eight of the top 10 highest-paid midfielders make over $2 million.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Record-setting attendance numbers for the MLS last year speak volumes to the league’s growing popularity. Increasing revenue and more expansion lead to higher player salaries.

The exposure brought on by Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has also helped salaries — particularly in the case of Sergio Busquets, Messi’s longtime Barcelona teammate. Busquets’ annual salary upon joining Messi at Inter Miami in 2023 is more than twice as high as any other midfielder in the MLS, at $8.5 million.

LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig is the second-highest-paid MLS midfielder, earning $4 million annually.

The 25-year-old also played for Barcelona. He’s the youngest player in the top 10 and the only one who has yet to play 100 career matches in the MLS. 

Puig’s fellow Spanish international Charles Gil also earns $4 million annually from the New England Revolution.

Scottish international Stuart Armstrong is second with a $2.5 million salary. Armstrong signed a three-year contract with the Whitecaps last September, transferring from English second division side Sheffield Wednesday.

Fourth is Hany Mukhtar, who earns $3.8 million annually for Nashville. The German international spent time at Portuguese club Benfica early in his career and has been at Nashville since 2020.

Rounding out the top five is Ryan Gauld of the Seattle Sounders. The Scottish international also had a spell at a well-known Portuguese club early in his career, at Sporting CP. He’s played for the Sounders since 2021.

Only eight MLS midfielders earn over $2 million a year.

Ranking The Highest-Paid Midfielders in Major League Soccer

Here is the entire list of the highest-paid MLS midfielders. The list was compiled using data from Capology.

  • Updated: May 28th, 2025
RankPlayerTeamAnnual Compensation
1Sergio BusquetsInter Miami$8.5 million
T-2Riqui PuigLA Galaxy$4 million
T-2Charles GilNew England Revolution$4 million
4Hany MukhtarNashville SC$3.8 million
5Ryan GauldVancouver Whitecaps$2.9 million
6Diego RossiNashville SC$2.6 million
7Aleksey MiranchukAtlanta United$2.4 million
8Albert RusnákSeattle Sounders$2.15 million
9Pep BielCharlotte FC$1.96 million
10Marcel HartelSt. Louis City$1.8 million
11Diogo GonçalvesReal Salt Lake$1.65 million
12Robin LodMinnesota United$1.5 million
13Nemanja RadojaSporting KC$1.44 million
14Cristian RoldánSeattle Sounders$1.42 million
T-15João PauloSeattle Sounders$1.4 million
T-15Darlington NagbeColumbus Crew$1.4 million
17Kellyn AcostaChicago Fire$1.39 million
18Djordje MihailovicColorado Rapids$1.35 million
19Obinna NwobodoFC Cincinnati$1.31 million
20Eduard LöwenSt. Louis City$1.2 million
21Andrés CubasVancouver Whitecaps$1.05 million
22Felipe CarballoNY Red Bulls$1.02 million
23Erik ThommySporting KC$1 million
24Marco ReusLA Galaxy$960,000
25Paxton PomykalFC Dallas$950,000

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 23, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Al Ahly's Mohamed Hany reacts after the match during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

Heat Wave Across the U.S. Impacting Major Sports

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said it’s been almost impossible to train.
Jun 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; SL Benfica forward Evangelos Pavlidis (14) in action with Auckland City FC defender Christian Gray (4) during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Inter&Co Stadium.

Day Jobs, Weekly Stipends: Behind the Club World Cup’s Only Amateur Team

“We’ve never been in this for the financial reward.”
Woody Johnson, primary owner of the New York Jets, is shown, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park.

Premier League’s NFL Ties Deepen As Jets Owner Buys Crystal Palace

John Textor was at risk of running afoul of the UEFA’s ownership rules.

World Cup, NFL Draft, New Stadiums in PA … and No State..

Growing sports-related needs conflict with budget worries in the commonwealth.

Featured Today

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.

NBA’s French Revolution Set to Continue With 2025 Draft

Four French players are expected to be drafted Wednesday.
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) dribbles in front of New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
June 24, 2025

Celtics Trade Jrue Holiday Back to Portland As Salary Slashing Begins

Holiday helped the Celtics win the 2024 NBA Finals against the Mavericks.
June 24, 2025

Tight End U Has Sponsors, Golf, and Taylor Swift. Travel Could Be..

The annual summit is hosted by Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
June 23, 2025

Ryder Cup Gets Wilder As Bradley Could Play Dual Role

The biggest Ryder Cup ever might have another first.
Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
June 23, 2025

Multiple NBA Title Contenders Will Reckon With Achilles Injuries Next Season

The NBA has seen its highest number of Achilles tears since 2014–15.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers center Tony Bradley (13) during the first half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
June 20, 2025

Pacers’ Tony Bradley Has Made Just $330K This Year Despite Finals Run

Bradley was signed by the Pacers on March 2 to a 10-day contract.
Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball while USC Trojans guard Kevin Patton Jr. (8) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
June 20, 2025

Ace Bailey Cancels Sixers Workout a Week Before NBA Draft

The former Rutgers star is a projected top-three pick in Wednesday’s draft.