Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Footballers in 2026
Following her contract renewal, Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman has become the highest-paid female football player worldwide. The women's game has evolved dramatically, with salaries climbing as the sport gains more attention and professionalism.
The figures for female players still fall short compared to male stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly earns £3.4 million weekly at Al Nassr. Still, this list of the top earners highlights progress toward financial recognition in women's football.
Profiles of the Top 10 Earners
- 10. Wendie Renard (Lyon & France)Annual salary: £309,000A Lyon legend since 2006, Renard has played a pivotal role in securing eight Champions League titles. Known for leadership and defensive strength, she also boasts 101 league goals.
- 9. Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)Annual salary: £335,000Recognized as one of the greatest ever, Marta holds six FIFA World Player of the Year awards and is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 122 goals. Her records include scoring in five World Cups and five consecutive Olympic Games.
- 8. Ada Hegerberg (Lyon & Norway)Annual salary: £345,000Lyon’s star striker, the first Ballon d'Or Feminin winner, holds records for most goals in a UEFA Women’s Champions League season and total competition goals. Despite injuries, Lyon renewed her contract through 2024.
- 7. Keira Walsh (Chelsea & England)Annual salary: £382,000Walsh broke transfer records moving from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022. Now at Chelsea, she plays a vital midfield role and has won multiple league and Champions League titles.
- 6. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City & England)Annual salary: £400,000Starting senior football as a teenager, Hemp has been essential for Manchester City and England. She has earned numerous accolades and continues to be a potent attacking threat.
- 5. Sam Kerr (Chelsea & Australia)Annual salary: £466,000Kerr is a standout international star with Australia's all-time scoring record. Despite recent challenges, she remains an icon and top entertainer in women’s football.
- 4. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)Annual salary: £607,000Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Putellas is a symbol of excellence at Barcelona. Off the field, she advocates for equality and empowerment while leading her team to major victories.
- 3. Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns & USWNT)Annual salary: £739,000Wilson extended her contract in 2025 after impressing with 44 goals and winning MVP honors. She’s a key figure for both Portland and the US national team.
- 2. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona & Spain)Annual salary: £856,000Bonmati is seen as the heir to Putellas, playing a crucial role in Barcelona’s recent successes and Spain’s first World Cup win. She embodies skill, humility, and leadership.
- 1. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit & USWNT)Annual salary: £1,480,000Rodman shines as a rising star of the USWNT, following in the footsteps of legends. Her record-breaking contract with Washington Spirit underlines her status as the sport’s top earner.
Highest-Paid Female Footballers in 2026
- Rank 1: Trinity Rodman - USWNT - Washington Spirit - £1,480,000
- Rank 2: Aitana Bonmati - Spain - Barcelona - £856,000
- Rank 3: Sophia Wilson - USWNT - Portland Thorns - £739,000
- Rank 4: Alexia Putellas - Spain - Barcelona - £607,000
- Rank 5: Sam Kerr - Australia - Chelsea - £466,000
- Rank 6: Lauren Hemp - England - Manchester City - £400,000
- Rank 7: Keira Walsh - England - Chelsea - £382,000
- Rank 8: Ada Hegerberg - Norway - Lyon - £345,000
- Rank 9: Marta - Brazil - Orlando Pride - £335,000
- Rank 10: Wendie Renard - France - Lyon - £309,000
Figures sourced from SheKicks as of January 27, 2026.
