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The Highest-Paid Soccer Defenders in the World

  • Kalidou Koulibaly is the only soccer defender earning over $30 million.
  • No Serie A clubs feature a defender among the highest-paid.
Jul 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong (21) and Real Madrid defender Eder Militao (3) battle for the ball during the first half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Kevin Jairaj – USA TODAY Sports

The world’s biggest soccer clubs are now valued in the billions, as top players captivate fans worldwide.

Offenses have continued to improve in speed, spacing, and sophistication, so clubs pay high wages to defenders who can slow down the best attackers.

The highest-paid soccer defenders earn more than some strikers and midfielders. 

Kalidou Koulibaly is the highest-paid defender in 2025. He makes $39.4 million annually playing for Al Hilal.

Koulibaly signed a 3-year deal in 2023 that will net him a total of $118.2 million to play in the Saudi Pro League. Koulibaly led Al Hilal to an unbeaten record and a championship in his first season.

Aymeric Laporte is second on the list, earning $27.8 million. The Al Nassr star central defender has earned $53 million throughout his career. He will earn an additional $73.5 million while playing with the Saudi side.

Laporte has won six trophies, all of which he has won during his time with Manchester City.

Third on the list is Real Madrid’s David Alaba. The 31-year-old earns $25.6 million a year to secure their defense. Alaba’s deal includes an $850 million release clause, the highest of any player on the list. 

He’s also won the most individual awards, including being named to UEFA’s Team of the Year three times.

Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool makes $24 million for fourth. The Liverpool captain just signed a two-year deal that will keep him at the hub of the defense through 2027.

Three of the top 10 highest-paid defenders play for Real Madrid. Manchester City leads all clubs with four defenders among the highest-paid in the world.

Ranking The Highest-Paid Soccer Defenders

Here is the entire list of the highest-paid soccer defenders. The list was compiled with data from Capology.

  • Updated: April 17, 2025
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Kalidou KoulibalyAl Hilal$39.4 million
2Aymeric LaporteAl Nassr$27.8 million
3David AlabaReal Madrid$25.6 million
4Virgil van DijkLiverpool$24 million
5João CanceloAl Hilal$17.4 million
T-6Reece JamesChelsea$17.2 million
T-6John StonesManchester City$17.2 million
8Alphonso DaviesBayern Munich$17 million
T-9Éder MilitãoReal Madrid$16.6 million
T-9Antonio RüdigerReal Madrid$16.6 million
11Jules KoundéBarcelona$15.4 million
12MarquinhosPSG$15.3 million
T-13Achraf HakimiPSG$14.99 million
T-13Lucas HernándezPSG$14.99 million
15Mohamed SimakanAl Nassr$13.9 million
T-16Josko GvardiolManchester City$13.7 million
T-16Wesley FofanaChelsea$13.7 million
18Min-Jae KimBayern Munich$13.6 million
19Matthijs de LigtManchester United$13.4 million
T-20William SalibaArsenal$13.1 million
T-20Harry MaguireManchester United$13.1 million
T-22Rúben DiasManchester City$12.4 million
T-22Trent Alexander-ArnoldLiverpool$12.4 million
T-22Manuel AkanjiManchester City$12.4 million
25Marc CucurellaChelsea$12 million

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