Silva, Fernandes, Palhinha and the top 10 highest-paid Portuguese players in Europe 

The Portuguese national team popularly referred to as Selecoa has a significant number of players who have risen through the ranks of high profile football clubs in Europe and have created a bright image for their small nation. 

Majority of Portugal’s biggest stars currently ply their trades in the English Premier League, where they consistently dazzle and command a high premium for their services.

In this article, Soccernet.football will be taking you through a list of the top 10 highest-paid Portuguese superstars in Europe. 

10. Matheus Nunes (£130,000 per week) 

The 26 year old central midfielder secured a move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Manchester City for a whooping sum of £53 million in late August, 2023. Since then, Nunes managed just 25 appearances for the champions of England. Despite his fat paycheck, the Portuguese international will hardly be satisfied with his level of involvement on the pitch.

9. Joao Felix ( £130,000 per week)

Felix, once poised to take the world of football by storm, has been perceived as a failure in the eyes of many. The young forward secured a loan move to Chelsea in the 2022/2023 season and also had a stint at Barcelona after rumors surfaced that he fell out with his former coach Diego Simeone. At the start of the 2024/2025 season, he moved to Chelsea for a sum of € 52 million and has since totalled 198 minutes from 6 appearances in the Premier League.

8. Diogo Jota (£140,000 per week)

The Portuguese forward who dons the No. 20 jersey for Liverpool, sits in the number 8 spot. Jota has endured an injury-laden spell at Merseyside but the striker has certainly made an impact whenever he’s been available. In the current season under Arne Slot, Jota has made 10 appearances with 2 goals in the Premier League and 2 from the Carabao Cup. 

7. Raphaël Guerreiro (€153,846 per week)

The 30-year-old defender plays for German Bundesliga side Bayern Munich. Guerreiro has spent the majority of his career in Germany after moving away from France, playing for Borussia Dortmund before switching to the Allianz Arena in the 2023/2024 season. The Portuguese has proven to be an important player for Vincent Kompany’s side having made 9 appearances in the Bundesliga so far this season. 

6. Pedro Neto (£160,000 per week) 

The former Wolves winger secured a move to Chelsea this summer but has yet to secure a starting spot in Enzo Maresca’s side. He has made a total of 15 appearances with 3 goals to show for his efforts. With a transfer value of €55 million according to transfer market estimates, he still has a contract that runs till 2027. His contract extension with the Blue’s side depends on his performance level and output. 

5. Joao Neves (€174,808 per week) 

The 20 year old defensive midfielder is currently contracted to the French club Paris Saint-Germain until 2029. Neves joined Les Parisiens from Benfica this summer and the young lad has made himself an indispensable player at the French capital, having racked up 16 appearances this season.

4. Ruben Dias (£180,000 per week) 

The central defender joined Manchester City from Benfica in the 2022/2021 season and has since then gone on to become a vital player for the Cityzens. He has enjoyed tremendous success in the blue half of Manchester and comfortably ranks fourth amongst the highest-paid Portuguese players in Europe.

3. Joao Palhinha (€192,308 per week)

After leaving Sporting Lisbon in Portugal to join Fulham, the Portuguese defensive midfielder attracted the attention of several top clubs before eventually signing with Bayern Munich. Palhinha is well known for his work rate and this is evident in every team he has represented including the Portuguese national team. 

2. Bruno Fernandes (£300,000 per week) 

The Manchester United skipper is renowned for his attacking prowess which has established him in the heart of many Red Devils fans. Bruno’s current wage makes him a top earner at Old Trafford as well as the joint highest-paid among Portuguese players in Europe.

1. Bernardo Silva (£300,000 per week) 

The attacking midfielder joined Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City from Ligue 1 side Monaco in 2017. Bernardo has risen through the ranks and established himself as a crucial  member of the squad. The Portuguese maestro has won various trophies under Guardiola including the UEFA champions league, proving to be worth every penny he’s earning at the Etihad.