Germany has always been a powerhouse of European football blessed with a vast array of talents and its current crop of footballers are more than enough proof of this fact.
The German national team fields some of the most exciting young talents in the modern game, with the likes of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz tipped to dominate the game for years in the near future.
Most of Germany’s biggest earners can be found donning the red of Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and Soccernet.football shines its spotlight on these players as well as others, who are also earning big bucks outside the shores of their country.
10. Niklas Sule (€192,308-per-week)
Süle remains one of Germany’s most dependable defenders thanks to his strength and aerial presence. The 29-year-old earns a handsome paycheck at Dortmund, reflecting his role as a cornerstone in their defensive setup. His experience and consistency make him an important asset both for his club and the German national team.
9. Ilkay Gundogan (£230,000-per-week)
The treble-winning captain with Manchester City made his return to the Etihad this summer after a one-year stint with Spanish giants Barcelona. On account of his exploits for City during his first spell at the club, it’s safe to say that his hefty wage packet upon his return to England is more than justified.
8. Leon Goretzka (€250,000-per-week)
Goretzka combines just the right blend of physicality with technicality, making him one of the most complete midfielders in the modern game. A regular for both Bayern and the German national team, Goretzka’s salary is a testament to his influence in the middle of the park, where he excels as a box-to-box presence.
7. Kai Havertz (£280,000-per-week)
Havertz swapped west for north London, joining Arsenal from Chelsea in a move that saw the Gunners part with a significant sum. The German has morphed into something of a hybrid-type player at the Emirates with Mikel Arteta trusting him to lead the Arsenal attack despite being a natural midfielder. Havertz earns enough for his efforts though, enough to be one of Germany’s biggest earners in Europe.
6. Antonio Rudiger (€280,385-per-week)
Rudiger is widely regarded as one of the best center-backs in Europe, especially since his move to Real Madrid from Chelsea in the summer of 2022. The 31-year-old is reputed for his aggressive style of defending and composure on the ball and his huge salary is evidence of his immense value to the reigning Spanish and European champions, who rely on his leadership in defense.
5. Leroy Sane (€288,426-per-week)
Sane has seen his role in the Bayern attack diminish this season, owing largely in part to the arrival of young French winger Michael Olise in the summer. Nevertheless, in Sane lies an incredible amount of talent capable of making a difference in any top team across Europe and his wages at the Allianz Arena reflect his status as a star player.
4. Serge Gnabry (€362,885-per-week)
Moving on to the creme de la creme proper, Bayern’s Gnabry is without doubt one of the most talented wingers in the game. His ability to play on both flanks as well as through the middle makes him a vital asset for both the Bavarians and Die Mannschaft. Gnabry’s substantial wages at Bayern Munich is well justified by his performances both domestically and in European competitions.
3. Joshua Kimmich (€375,000-per-week)
Kimmich is often hailed as the heartbeat of Bayern Munich and rightly so. The German international can play in both midfield and defense as a right-back. Kimmich’s intelligence, work rate and consistency make him one of the best players in the world and his big paycheck highlights his importance to the Bavarians, who publicly declared their to keep him at the Allianz Arena this summer amid numerous speculations regarding his future.
2. Thomas Muller (€395,231-per-week)
Widely regarded as a Bayern Munich legend, Muller has enjoyed tremendous success with the club, having spent his entire career at the Allianz Arena. The veteran forward is reputed for his uncanny positional awareness and creativity and he continues to play a key role for Bayern. His salary reflects his status as one of the most iconic figures in modern German football.
1. Manuel Neuer (€403,846-per-week)
Topping our list of highest-paid German players is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time in Neuer who remains a vital player for Bayern Munich, even as he enters the twilight years of his career. His leadership, shot-stopping ability and sweeper-keeper style have revolutionized the position, and his salary reflects his unparalleled contributions to both his club and country.