Top 10 Highest Paid Female Footballers in the World

The landscape of women’s football has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, evolving from a largely amateur pursuit to a professional and increasingly commercially viable sport on the global stage. This evolution is marked by rising viewership figures, greater media attention, and a surge in lucrative sponsorship deals. Consequently, the financial rewards for elite female footballers have also seen a substantial increase, reflecting their growing prominence and the expanding economic ecosystem surrounding the game.

This post aims to delve into the financial echelons of women’s football by identifying and analyzing the earnings of the top 10 highest paid female footballers currently ranked in the world. By examining their salaries, endorsement deals, and other income streams, this report will provide a comprehensive overview of the financial landscape at the pinnacle of the sport.

Ranking Factors for Highest Paid Female Footballers

The ranking of the highest paid female footballers is determined by a combination of factors that contribute to their overall earnings, such as:

Salary/Wage: The primary component is the base salary stipulated in their contracts with professional clubs, which is influenced by their skill level, experience, market value, and the financial capacity of their respective teams.

Endorsements: A significant portion of their income also comes from endorsement deals with global brands, where players leverage their image and popularity to promote products and services. Performance-related bonuses from clubs and national teams for achievements like winning championships or reaching specific milestones further augment their earnings.

Commercial activities: Finally, income derived from image rights and other commercial activities, such as personal appearances and business ventures, plays a crucial role in the total compensation of these top athletes.

Top 10 Best Paid Female Footballers in the World

The realm of women’s football showcases a diverse group of exceptionally talented athletes from various corners of the globe, each contributing to the sport’s burgeoning popularity. As the game’s commercial appeal continues to grow, so do the financial rewards for its most prominent figures. This section will highlight the top 10 female footballers who command the highest earnings, taking into account their salaries from their respective clubs and the income they generate through endorsements.

While the financial investment in women’s football is on an upward trajectory, a significant disparity persists when compared to the earnings of their male counterparts in the elite leagues. The sheer scale of revenue generated in men’s football through broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, and merchandise sales dwarfs that of the women’s game, resulting in a considerable pay gap.

Nevertheless, the increasing financial opportunities for these top female athletes signify a positive trend in the recognition and valuation of their talent and impact. Let’s see who the top 10 highest paid women’s football players.

10. Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)

Trinity Rodman, a dynamic forward for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL and the USWNT, has quickly established herself as a rising star in women’s football. Rodman’s exceptional talent and her status as the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman have contributed to her high profile and earning potential at a young age. Her contract with the Washington Spirit was reported to be the most lucrative in NWSL history at the time of signing, and she also benefits from endorsement deals with major companies.

Trinity Rodman has secured endorsement deals with prominent brands such as Red Bull, Oakley, and Adidas. She has also authored a children’s book. Rodman has appeared in commercials for Verizon, Rexona, and Fox Soccer, and co-starred in Adidas and Degree commercials alongside other well-known athletes.

9. Christine Sinclair (Canada, Portland Thorns)

Christine Sinclair, a legendary figure in Canadian football, recently retired from the national team but continues to play for the Portland Thorns in the NWSL. Sinclair’s iconic status as the world’s all-time leading scorer in international football, combined with her long and successful club career, has resulted in significant earnings. She has also secured endorsements with several prominent brands, reflecting her enduring popularity and influence in the sport.

Christine Sinclair was announced as the official ambassador for Call2Recycle Canada’s “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada!” program in July 2024. This role involves raising awareness about battery recycling.

8. Wendie Renard (France, Lyon)

Wendie Renard, the long-standing captain of Olympique Lyonnais and the French national team, is a dominant force in defense and a decorated player in European football. Renard’s remarkable career with Lyon, marked by numerous league titles and UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies, has positioned her as one of the highest-earning defenders in the world. While specific details regarding her endorsements are not provided in the public domain, her long tenure and leadership role suggest she benefits from commercial partnerships.

Wendie Renard earns a significant salary of £297,000 from her club Lyon. In addition to her club earnings, she has sponsorship deals with Adidas and MasterCard, contributing to her overall income.

7. Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)

Sophia Smith has emerged as a leading figure for the Portland Thorns in the NWSL and the United States Women’s National Team, known for her dynamic attacking abilities. Smith’s contract with the Portland Thorns makes her one of the highest-paid players in the NWSL, reflecting her value to the club and the league’s increasing financial investment. Additionally, Smith earns a significant amount through endorsements with brands such as Nike, Ally Financial, and Hyperice, highlighting her growing marketability in the United States.

Sophia Smith has a growing list of endorsements, including deals with Gatorade (announced in July 2024), Chipotle, Clif Bar, Xfinity, Google Pixel, Reese’s, Nike, and Truly. These partnerships reflect her rising profile in the sport.

6. Marta (Brazil, Orlando Pride)

Widely considered the greatest female footballer of all time, Marta Vieira da Silva continues to showcase her exceptional talent for Orlando Pride in the NWSL and the Brazilian national team. Marta’s legendary career, marked by six FIFA World Player of the Year awards and her status as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, ensures her place among the highest earners. While specific details about her current endorsements are not readily available, her enduring legacy in the sport suggests she continues to benefit from commercial partnerships.

Previously sponsored by Puma, Marta also served as an ambassador for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. While specific current endorsement values aren’t provided, her iconic status ensures continued commercial relevance.

5. Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Lyon)

Ada Hegerberg, a prolific striker for Olympique Lyonnais and the Norwegian national team, made history as the first-ever recipient of the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Hegerberg’s consistent goal-scoring record for Lyon, where she has been a key player since 2014 and holds the record for most goals in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, contributes to her high earning potential. Her significant salary is further complemented by various endorsement deals with major international brands.

Ada Hegerberg is among the highest earners in women’s football, with a reported salary of €400,000 (US$470,000) at Lyon. She secured a ten-year Nike deal worth over €1 million. Additionally, Hegerberg is a global ambassador for Hublot watches and Mastercard, further contributing to her financial earnings.

4. Keira Walsh (England, Chelsea)

Keira Walsh, a key midfielder for Chelsea and the English national team, is celebrated for her composure, technical prowess, and playmaking skills. Walsh’s transfer to Chelsea from Barcelona involved a significant fee, indicating her high value and likely corresponding high salary with the London club. As a linchpin in England’s midfield, including their Euro 2022 winning campaign, Walsh’s profile and marketability are substantial, suggesting she likely benefits from endorsement deals, although specific details are not provided in the available snippets.

Details regarding Keira Walsh’s specific sponsors and financial figures are limited in the provided context. However, her significant transfer to Chelsea, breaking the world record fee for a women’s footballer at the time with a reported $1.1 million (£880,000) move from Barcelona, indicates her high value in the sport.

3. Sam Kerr (Australia, Chelsea)

Sam Kerr, one of the most famous women’s soccer players, is the captain of the Australian national team (the Matildas) and a star striker for Chelsea. She is renowned for her exceptional goal-scoring ability and impact on the international stage. Kerr’s contract extension with Chelsea reflects her crucial role in the team’s success in the Women’s Super League. Beyond her club salary, Kerr has cultivated lucrative endorsement partnerships with global brands like Nike, Mastercard, and EA Sports. Her status as a global icon and her achievements, including being the only player to win a Golden Boot in three different leagues, have significantly boosted her marketability.

Sam Kerr has established herself as one of Australia’s highest-paid athletes, reportedly earning $3.34 million in 2022. Her endorsement portfolio includes a $1 million deal with Nike and a reported $600,000 per season contract with MasterCard. These partnerships emphasize her role model image and influence among young female athletes. Despite recent off-field matters, Kerr has retained her major sponsors, highlighting the strength of her established brand.

2. Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)

A two-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the best female soccer players of all time, Alexia Putellas is an iconic midfielder for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Her vision, passing accuracy, and leadership on the field have been crucial to Barcelona’s dominance in recent years. Putellas renewed her contract with Barcelona, earning a substantial annual salary, which underscores her continued importance to the club. In addition to her club earnings, Putellas has secured numerous long-term endorsement deals with major brands, including Nike, Cupra, VISA, MartiDerm, Allianz, Amazon Prime Video, and Hublot.

Despite facing some injury setbacks, her consistent high-level performances and global recognition have solidified her status as one of the top earners in women’s football. Putellas has recently become a global ambassador for Pepsi as of April 2025. This partnership aligns with Pepsi’s renewed focus on women’s football, coinciding with their extended sponsorship of UEFA Women’s Football through 2030. Putellas joins other prominent players in this role, signifying her global star power.

1. Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)

Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, stands as a pivotal player for both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Her exceptional skills and leadership have been instrumental in Barcelona’s recent successes, solidifying her position as one of the best players in the world. Bonmatí’s recent contract extension with Barcelona until 2028 not only made her the highest-paid female footballer but also reflected her immense value to the club amidst interest from other top European teams. Beyond her significant salary, Bonmatí also boasts sponsorship deals with prominent brands such as Adidas, Nissan, and Alpro, further contributing to her overall earnings. Her achievement of winning the Ballon d’Or has undoubtedly amplified her marketability and earning potential, setting a new financial benchmark in women’s football.

Aitana Bonmatí has significantly increased her commercial portfolio, leveraging her on-field success. Her recent move from Nike to Adidas signifies a major financial step, with reports indicating this is the largest commercial deal of its kind for a female soccer player globally. Beyond apparel, Bonmatí collaborates with brands like Alpro, Bimbo, and Topps. She also has her own sunglasses brand, AB Sunglasses. Her approach involves selecting partnerships that align with her values, enhancing her brand authenticity and marketability. Bonmatí actively uses her digital platforms to connect with audiences, sharing insights into her career and personal moments, making her a valuable asset for brands aiming to tap into the growing women’s sport market.

List of Highest Female Footballers Wages

This section will present a consolidated table summarizing the highest female footballer wage based on estimated total earnings (salary + endorsements).

Conclusion: The Future of Women’s Football as a Means of Earning

The financial landscape of women’s football is experiencing a period of growth, with the top players earning increasingly substantial salaries and securing valuable endorsement deals. Aitana Bonmatí’s position as the highest-paid female footballer in 2025, with a salary exceeding $1 million, marks a significant milestone for the sport. However, the substantial salary gap that persists between male and female footballers underscores the continued disparities in the commercial value and investment in the two games.

While the top female players earn considerable amounts, the average professional still faces financial challenges, highlighting the need for further investment and development across all levels of women’s football. The increasing number of endorsement deals secured by these athletes indicates a growing recognition of their marketability and influence, suggesting a positive trajectory for the future financial growth of women’s football.