10 Of The Highest-Paid Goalkeepers In The World | 2024

Goalkeepers, often overshadowed by their outfield counterparts, play a major role as the last line of defense on the football field.

Despite being the unsung heroes of the game, their indispensability for a team’s success is undeniable.

The realization has dawned upon football clubs that to win trophies, having the very best goalkeepers is non-negotiable. This awakening has given rise to elite goalkeepers whose earnings rival, if not surpass, those of their outfield counterparts.

While paying a goalkeeper a six-figure weekly wage remains an exception, a few deep-pocketed clubs have recognized the value and are investing significantly in their shot-stoppers.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 highest-earning goalkeepers in the world, shedding light on the financial recognition these shot-stoppers now rightfully receive.

1. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich) – £353,577 Per Week

The German shot-stopper continues to dominate the list, both in terms of skill and earnings.

The German goalkeeper redefined the concept of a ‘sweeper-keeper’ when he burst onto the scene. His lightning-fast reactions allowed him to quickly move off his line and support teammates whenever necessary.

Many goalkeepers today draw inspiration from Neuer, often more than people might realize. Neuer’s comfort with the ball at his feet has set a benchmark, influencing the way goalkeepers approach their role in the game.

As the captain of Bayern Munich and the German national team, Manuel Neuer’s weekly earnings of £353,577 reflect his unparalleled talent and experience.

2. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) – £350,715 Per Week

At the second spot is Atletico Madrid’s guardian, Jan Oblak.

Although fans often overlook him in debates, the Slovenian goalkeeper is undoubtedly one of the finest in his position in Europe.

Oblak took over the reins at Atlético Madrid after Thibaut Courtois’ loan stint concluded, marking almost a decade of valuable service for the club. This transfer is rightfully regarded as one of the best in the club’s history.

His substantial contributions, particularly winning the La Liga title for the Spanish club in the 2020/21 season, are well reflected in his substantial salary.

Known for his incredible reflexes and shot-stopping ability, the Slovenian international earns a staggering £350,715 per week, making him one of the highest-paid goalkeepers in the world.

3. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – £252,555 Per Week

Real Madrid’s Belgian sensation, Thibaut Courtois, secures the third position on our list with weekly earnings of £252,555.

Although, Kepa is currently holding the fort in the position left vacant due to Thibaut Courtois’ unfortunate ACL injury, which prematurely end his 2023/24 season.

Since taking over from Navas as Real Madrid’s top shot-stopper, the Belgian has been a revelation.

Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers globally, Real Madrid fans are optimistic that he can regain his peak form once he overcomes his injury challenges.

Courtois has proven himself as a key asset for the La Liga giants, earning both acclaim and a handsome paycheck.

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4. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) – £214,335 Per Week

Making a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain, Donnarumma is the fourth-highest-paid goalkeeper in the world.

Donnarumma stole the spotlight during Italy’s successful Euro 2020 campaign, particularly as the hero in the penalty shootout victory against England in the final.

His standout performances, coupled with his rise at AC Milan, led to a move to PSG after his contract with the San Siro expired.

Achieving the status of one of the world’s best goalkeepers in his early 20s mirrors the trajectory of Gianluigi Buffon’s career.

While Donnarumma has faced occasional errors since joining Paris, there’s ample time for him to refine his game and eliminate those mistakes.

The Italian’s weekly wage of £214,335 reflects PSG’s commitment to assembling a world-class squad.

5. Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus) – £202,717 Per Week

Juventus’ last line of defense, Szczesny, claims the fifth spot with a weekly salary of £202,717.

Previously associated with Arsenal and Roma, the Polish international has solidified his position as one of the top goalkeepers in the world during his time with Juventus.

For fans of the Premier League, he might be remembered as the young goalkeeper who occasionally made costly errors.

Since 2015, the 33-year-old has made significant strides in Italy. He initially kept Alisson out of the Roma team before making a move to Juventus in 2017.

The Polish goalkeeper’s consistency and reliability have earned him a place among the top earners in his position.

6. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – £185,207 Per Week

Securing a lucrative move to Al-Ahli,  Mendy is the only African in the top 10 highest-paid goalkeepers in the world.

Towards the end of the 2022/23 season, the future for the Senegalese keeper at Stamford Bridge seemed uncertain, echoing the situation with Kepa. Both goalkeepers were often rotated, not due to their exceptional performances but rather because of a noticeable increase in mistakes.

Despite the challenges faced in West London, Mendy made a blazing start to his time in the Premier League, particularly standing out in the victorious Champions League campaign of 2021 under Thomas Tuchel.

Throughout his tenure at Stamford Bridge, the former Rennes shot-stopper displayed incredible goalkeeping skills, entering discussions alongside Alisson and Ederson in the debate over the division’s best goalkeeper.

The Chelsea goalkeeper’s weekly wage of £185,207 is evidence of his exceptional performances that caught the eye of the Qatari club.

7. Keylor Navas (PSG) – £183,692 Per Week

PSG’s Costa Rican stalwart, with a weekly wage of £183,692. Navas, with his wealth of experience, continues to be a pivotal figure in goals for the Parisian club.

Following an outstanding performance at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Costa Rican international secured a move to Real Madrid to compete with Iker Casillas.

He eventually replaced the Spanish icon as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Spanish giants.

However, he was later replaced by Thibaut Courtois and moved to PSG, where he reclaimed the starting role for several years before being usurped by Donnarumma, who ranks fourth among the highest-paid goalkeepers.

A loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the 2022/23 season proved his enduring quality at a high level, although a permanent move did not materialize. Despite often finding himself on the bench in Paris, he continues to earn a substantial wage.

8. Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal) – £168,370 Per Week

Emerging as a force to be reckoned with, Yassine Bounou of Al Hilal ranks eighth among the highest-paid goalkeepers.

Al-Hilal secured the signing of Bounou from Sevilla after the goalkeeper showcased his skills for Morocco in the 2022 World Cup.

Against all odds, Morocco finished the tournament in fourth place, and a significant contribution to this achievement was Bounou’s impressive performances throughout the competition.

Now, he is a part of the most successful Saudi Arabian side in recent history.

As Al-Hilal aims to build on the five league titles won in the seven seasons before his arrival, Bounou looks forward to making his mark in the 2023/24 campaign.

9. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea (Loan – Madrid)) – £150,000 Per Week

Despite experiencing fluctuations in form, Kepa is among the top earners.

The Spaniard was brought to the Santiago Bernabéu on a season-long loan deal for the 2023/24 campaign, filling in for Thibaut Courtois’ who suffered from an unfortunate ACL injury.

Kepa has faced major criticism since becoming the world’s most expensive number one in 2018, and also one of the worst goalkeepers in history.

While there isn’t a massive expectation that Kepa will be a permanent solution for Real Madrid’s current situation, it’s also apparent that he doesn’t seem to have a future at Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino, evident from the fact that he was permitted to leave on loan in the first place.

10. Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) – £151,533 Per Week

Completing our list is Borussia Dortmund’s goalkeeper, Kobel.

The Swiss international’s move to Dortmund has not only elevated his career but also secured him the tenth spot among the highest-paid goalkeepers, earning £151,533 per week.

Kobel seems poised to secure the long-term goalkeeper position for the Bundesliga side, having stepped up since joining from Stuttgart in 2021.

The former  VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper assumed the number one spot, taking over from Roman Burki, who had faced challenges in solidifying his role in the team.

It might be surprising that Kobel earns more than certain top goalkeepers in the BIG 5 leagues, considering the substantial wages paid by these elite clubs.

Nevertheless, he holds the record of being the second-highest-paid player in his position in the German league.

Highest Paid Goalkeepers in the World

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