Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Footballers Worldwide in 2026
Following her recent contract renewal, Trinity Rodman of Washington Spirit has become the highest-paid female footballer globally.
Women’s football is experiencing rapid growth, with rising professionalism and player salaries climbing sharply. Leading stars like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, and Aitana Bonmati are making significant impacts on the sport.
Once considered semi-professional or recreational, women’s football now commands a fierce competitive scene and full professionalism by 2026. While earnings still lag behind male players—Cristiano Ronaldo earns about £3.4 million weekly at Al Nassr—the rise in female player salaries offers hope for greater equality in the future.
10. Wendie Renard (Lyon & France)
Annual Salary: £309,000
Lyon fans often call their key player “Mrs Lyon,” a title that fits Wendie Renard perfectly. A defender since 2006, she has been central to Lyon’s success, securing eight Champions League titles. She leads Lyon's defense with strength and has scored 101 league goals, showing her threat on both ends of the pitch.
9. Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)
Annual Salary: £335,000
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female footballers ever, Marta has won FIFA World Player of the Year six times and holds Brazil’s all-time scoring record with 122 goals. Her 17 World Cup goals top the tournament’s history across genders. At 39, she continues to inspire, even if she might have earned more had her peak coincided with today’s spotlight on women’s football.
8. Ada Hegerberg (Lyon & Norway)
Annual Salary: £345,000
Ada Hegerberg stands out as Lyon’s talisman, holding the record for most goals in a single UEFA Women’s Champions League season (15) and the highest total ever (69). The first Ballon d’Or Feminin winner in 2018, she overcame a tough injury in 2020 and remained valued by Lyon, who renewed her contract in 2024 despite interest from Barcelona.
7. Keira Walsh (Chelsea & England)
Annual Salary: £382,000
After her record-breaking £333,000 move from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022, Keira Walsh now earns more yearly than that transfer fee at Chelsea. Known for controlling midfield quietly but effectively, she played a pivotal role in England’s 2022 European Championship win and has since claimed a domestic treble with Chelsea.
6. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City & England)
Annual Salary: £400,000
Praised by Karen Carney as the future of English football, Lauren Hemp rose through Bristol City’s ranks before joining Manchester City at 18. She features regularly for England, scoring 20 goals in 72 appearances. Versatile and dangerous across the frontline, she was named in the WSL Team of the Year in 2021/22.
5. Sam Kerr (Chelsea & Australia)
Annual Salary: £466,000
Sam Kerr is a global star, leading Australia to a World Cup semi-final on home soil under her captaincy. Despite recent setbacks, she remains an icon known as the “Wizard of Oz.” Kerr tops Australia’s scoring charts with 69 goals and previously led the NWSL in goals until 2024. Her salary reflects her stature in women’s football.
4. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
Annual Salary: £607,000
Few embody women’s football royalty like Alexia Putellas. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner guided Barcelona to its first Champions League triumph and signed a contract extension in 2024. Beyond the pitch, she promotes equality and empowerment, becoming a symbol for young girls worldwide.
3. Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns & USWNT)
Annual Salary: £739,000
Sophia Wilson extended her contract in late 2025, earning £739,000 annually. She scored 44 goals across all competitions and was named NWSL MVP in 2022. With 24 goals in 58 appearances for the US national team, she is a rising talent whose pace and skill threaten defenses regularly.
2. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona & Spain)
Annual Salary: £856,000
Seen as the heir to Putellas, Aitana Bonmati has led Barcelona to Champions League victories and helped Spain win their first-ever World Cup. Her playing style defines Barcelona’s midfield dominance. She signed a lucrative contract in 2025, making her the highest-paid player at Barcelona and a prominent ambassador for values like humility and equality.
1. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit & USWNT)
Annual Salary: £1,480,000
Trinity Rodman represents the growth of women’s football in the US, where the national team holds four World Cup titles. Daughter of NBA star Dennis Rodman, she has carved her own path in the NWSL and USWNT. Her recent record-breaking contract with Washington Spirit crowns her as the top earner in women’s football.
Highest-Paid Female Footballers in 2026
- Rank: 1 - Player: Trinity Rodman - Nationality: USWNT - Club: Washington Spirit - Yearly Salary: £1,480,000
- Rank: 2 - Player: Aitana Bonmati - Nationality: Spain - Club: Barcelona - Yearly Salary: £856,000
- Rank: 3 - Player: Sophia Wilson - Nationality: USWNT - Club: Portland Thorns - Yearly Salary: £739,000
- Rank: 4 - Player: Alexia Putellas - Nationality: Spain - Club: Barcelona - Yearly Salary: £607,000
- Rank: 5 - Player: Sam Kerr - Nationality: Australia - Club: Chelsea - Yearly Salary: £466,000
- Rank: 6 - Player: Lauren Hemp - Nationality: England - Club: Manchester City - Yearly Salary: £400,000
- Rank: 7 - Player: Keira Walsh - Nationality: England - Club: Chelsea - Yearly Salary: £382,000
- Rank: 8 - Player: Ada Hegerberg - Nationality: Norway - Club: Lyon - Yearly Salary: £345,000
- Rank: 9 - Player: Marta - Nationality: Brazil - Club: Orlando Pride - Yearly Salary: £335,000
- Rank: 10 - Player: Wendie Renard - Nationality: France - Club: Lyon - Yearly Salary: £309,000
All figures sourced from SheKicks as of January 27, 2026.
