Across Europe’s top club competition, the Champions League, wages play a defining but not all-determining role. Clubs that have the financial capacity to pay strong wages often have the infrastructure, resources, and squad depth to compete at the highest level.
Historically, many of the clubs that consistently reach late stages — semifinals and finals — are also among the highest spenders. On the other hand, the list of participants includes numerous clubs that punch above their weight or achieve more with less.
This season shows clearly how wide the gap is between those with the richest payrolls and those with the most modest ones.
According to figures compiled by sources such as SalaryLeaks, we can see exactly how each of the 36 teams in the 2025-26 Champions League stack up in terms of wage spending.
- 36. Kairat Almaty – £2.6m
- 35. Pafos FC (Cyprus) — £3.1 million
- 34. Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) — £5.4 million
- 33. Bodo/Glimt (Norway) — £6.4 million
- 32. Qarabag (Azerbaijan) — £6.5 million
- 31. Union Saint‑Gilloise (Belgium) — £9.4 million
- 30. FC Copenhagen (Denmark) — £15.2 million
- 29. Olympiacos FC (Greece) — £16.3 million
- 28. Club Brugge KV (Belgium) — £23.3 million
- 27. Sporting CP (Portugal) — £27.5 million
- 26. PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) — £28.1 million
- 25. AFC Ajax (Netherlands) — £28.9 million
- 24. S.L. Benfica (Portugal) — £35.4 million
- 23. AS Monaco (France) — £48.2 million
- 22. Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) — £51 million
- 21. Atalanta BC (Italy) — £55.4 million
- 20. Villarreal CF (Spain) — £56.9 million
- 19. Olympique Marseille (France) — £64.5 million
- 18. Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Germany) — £65.8 million
- 17. Athletic Club Bilbao (Spain) — £66.1 million
- 16. Galatasaray S.K. (Turkey) — £77.6 million
- 15. Newcastle United (England) — £96.8 million
- 14. Borussia Dortmund (Germany) — £100.2 million
- 13. SSC Napoli (Italy) — £102.1 million
- 12. Juventus F.C. (Italy) — £105 million
- 11. Atlético Madrid (Spain) — £121.5 million
- 10. Inter Milan (Italy) — £124 million
- 9. Tottenham Hotspur (England) — £127 million
- 8. Paris Saint‑Germain (France) — £149 million
- 7. Chelsea F.C. (England) — £150.4 million
- 6. Liverpool F.C. (England) — £155 million
- 5. Arsenal F.C. (England) — £178.5 million
- 4. FC Barcelona (Spain) — £182.4 million
- 3. Manchester City (England) — £194.9 million
- 2. Bayern Munich (Germany) — £201.7 million
- 1. Real Madrid CF (Spain) — £247.6 million
- What This Means for the Champions League
36. Kairat Almaty – £2.6m
The Kazakh champions have reached Europe’s grandest stage for the first time in their history, but their financial muscle is minimal compared to their opponents.
Spending just £2.6 million annually on wages, around £50,000 per week across the squad, Kairat’s resources resemble those of a mid-table side in England’s League One.
After their 5–0 opening defeat to Real Madrid, expectations remain humble. For the players, the experience itself is invaluable.
Their highest earner, captain Yerkin Tapalov, reportedly makes around £5,000 a week, a figure that wouldn’t cover a top-tier player’s car allowance at Europe’s elite clubs.
35. Pafos FC (Cyprus) — £3.1 million
Next up, Pafos FC spend around £3.1 m in wages. For a club from a smaller league, that is a significant amount. They made headlines by signing a well-known defender (formerly of Chelsea and Arsenal) in hopes of raising their level and experience in bigger matches.
The budget is modest in the Champions League context, but for Pafos, competing in this tournament is a statement in itself.
34. Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) — £5.4 million
Slavia Prague sit at £5.4 m. They may be from a less commercially booming league, but they bring strong local support and a passionate stadium atmosphere.
Their wage budget still lines up with what smaller-Europe clubs typically manage. It means they’ll be fighting for every result, understanding the financial headwind they face compared to the big spenders.
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33. Bodo/Glimt (Norway) — £6.4 million
Bodo/Glimt have built a reputation for exceeding expectations in European play.
With a budget of £6.4 m in wages, they are modest by Champions League standards, yet among the higher spenders of the smaller clubs. They show how smart management, scouting and culture can allow a club to participate at this level even without huge funds.
32. Qarabag (Azerbaijan) — £6.5 million
Qarabag’s wage bill of £6.5 m might not turn heads in Western Europe, but it is meaningful in their context. As regulars in European competition from Azerbaijan, they know that their budget places them in a different tier.
They may not have the luxury of matching the giants, but they still bring ambition and represent important pathways for clubs from lesser-heralded leagues.
31. Union Saint‑Gilloise (Belgium) — £9.4 million
At £9.4 m, Union Saint-Gilloise are further up in the wage bill ranking. They are a club with a strong local identity and a rising profile.
Their budget shows their ambition to make a mark in Europe. While they are still far behind the mega-spenders, they are at a level where incremental improvements can make a difference in group stages and knockout ties.
30. FC Copenhagen (Denmark) — £15.2 million
FK Copenhagen’s £15.2 m wage bill is small compared to the giants, but significant domestically and within Nordic football. They are the biggest club in Denmark and have to bridge the gap when facing big clubs from larger leagues.
Their spending tells a story of a club that is punching above its geographic weight yet still constrained by its market.
29. Olympiacos FC (Greece) — £16.3 million
Olympiacos, long a dominant force in Greece and regular in European competition, reports a wage bill of £16.3 m. While still modest compared to the richest clubs, this level of wage spending reflects their standing in their home league and their expectation to compete internationally.
They show how clubs outside the “big five” leagues invest with ambition.
28. Club Brugge KV (Belgium) — £23.3 million
Club Brugge’s spending of £23.3 m brings them into mid-tier territory in this list.
With experienced players, including those who have played in the Premier League, they have the budget to expect European nights and aim for competitive performances. They still face a big step when going head-to-head with clubs spending ten times more.
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27. Sporting CP (Portugal) — £27.5 million
Sporting CP, with a wage bill of £27.5 m, is a strong example of a club that mixes domestic dominance with smart European ambition.
Portugal has given the world many great players, and Sporting’s wage budget reflects their role as a stepping-stone club: they buy and develop talent, compete for domestic titles, and make their mark in Europe.
26. PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) — £28.1 million
PSV’s £28.1 m ties in with the Dutch league’s tradition of combining youth development, smart recruitment, and European participation.
Their budget puts them in a respectable position among the 36 teams, and with the right form and consistency, they can challenge in the group stages and aim for the knockout rounds.
25. AFC Ajax (Netherlands) — £28.9 million
Ajax, a club with storied European history and a global brand, reports a wage bill of £28.9 m. for 2025-26. That figure might seem modest compared to others on this list, but the club’s identity and academy give them a competitive edge.
They may not match the biggest spenders, but they remain a club with deep infrastructure, talent pipeline and smart business.
24. S.L. Benfica (Portugal) — £35.4 million
Benfica’s £35.4 m in wages reflects their place as one of Portugal’s top clubs, a significant exporter of talent, and a regular in Europe.
Their budget shows ambition balanced with sustainability: they invest in players while keeping a core of home-grown or value buys that help maintain financial stability.
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23. AS Monaco (France) — £48.2 million
Monaco’s £48.2 m wage bill shows how clubs outside the biggest spenders still command significant resources. With a roster that may include big names and marketable players, they aim to make a splash in Europe.
The challenge for them is bridging the gap to the elite spenders and sustaining performance in both domestic and European competition.
22. Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) — £51 million
With £51 m in wages, Eintracht Frankfurt demonstrates how clubs from major leagues outside the very top tier can still field competitive sides. The Bundesliga has strong revenue streams, and clubs like Frankfurt use that to invest smartly.
While they may not have the budget of Bayern or Dortmund, they show that with good recruitment and management, they can make splash appearances in Europe.
21. Atalanta BC (Italy) — £55.4 million
Atalanta’s contribution of £55.4 m for wages reflects a club that has surged in recent years in Italy and Europe.
Known for their vibrant attacking football and ability to punch above their financial weight, Atalanta demonstrate how investment in culture, coaching, and infrastructure can accompany wage spending to yield performance.
20. Villarreal CF (Spain) — £56.9 million
Villarreal, with a wage bill of £56.9 m, are an excellent example of a club that bridges the gap between domestic powerhouses and elite spenders.
They have a European pedigree (including a Europa League title) and invest accordingly. They may not have the largest payroll, but their consistency and experience mean they can compete even when facing richer opponents.
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19. Olympique Marseille (France) — £64.5 million
Marseille’s £64.5 m wage bill situates them in a strong European position.
They combine sizeable investment with sporting ambition. With recognizable names and a large fanbase, investment at this level demands performance. Their challenge lies in maintaining consistency and translating budgetary muscle into deep Champions League runs.
18. Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Germany) — £65.8 million
Leverkusen spends £65.8 m in wages, and in recent seasons, they’ve become one of Europe’s increasingly consistent clubs.
They harness solid infrastructure, youth pathways, and smart acquisitions. At this level, wage spending is substantial enough to support strong squads, yet still significantly lower than the very top.
17. Athletic Club Bilbao (Spain) — £66.1 million
Athletic Bilbao’s £66.1 m is all the more impressive when you consider the club’s unique philosophy (recruiting only from Basque players).
Operating within that constraint while still paying large wages demonstrates the club’s ambition and the value placed on culture, identity and competitive performance together.
16. Galatasaray S.K. (Turkey) — £77.6 million
Galatasaray’s wage bill of £77.6 m reflects not only their standing in Turkish football but also their ambition in Europe. With recognizable stars, commercial power and a large fanbase, they are positioning themselves to compete more consistently in the continental competition.
Their budget puts them among the higher mid-tier spenders.
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15. Newcastle United (England) — £96.8 million
Newcastle United, at £96.8 m, show how recent investment and ownership changes can drive wage budgets upward. In the Premier League context, this is still moderate compared to the biggest clubs, but in the Champions League, this places them well above many.
With a strong core and growing ambition, the increase in spend is matched by expectation.
14. Borussia Dortmund (Germany) — £100.2 million
Dortmund’s £100.2 m in wages demonstrates how they sit as Germany’s “second tier” financially behind Bayern Munich.
Yet their wage budget still allows them to field a strong squad, attract young talent and compete in Europe. The challenge is converting that spending into sustained deep runs in the Champions League.
13. SSC Napoli (Italy) — £102.1 million
Napoli’s wage spending of £102.1 m positions them as one of Italy’s leading clubs.
The funds reflect a club with growing ambition, strong fans, and the desire to make headway in Europe. At this budget, they belong in the conversation of serious contenders — provided they align sporting performance and management.
12. Juventus F.C. (Italy) — £105 million
Juventus, with £105 m in wages, remains one of Europe’s most recognisable brands. While they may not always match the spending of rivals across Europe, their budget still allows them to maintain large squads, attract top players and pursue European competition.
Their challenge continues to be bridging the gap from participation to competing for and winning titles.
11. Atlético Madrid (Spain) — £121.5 million
Atlético Madrid spend £121.5 m in wages this season. As one of La Liga’s top clubs and a frequent Champions League participant, this level of spending reflects their dual demands: compete domestically (often against clubs with larger resources) and make a significant impact in Europe.
Wages are only one part of the challenge, but necessary at this caliber.
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10. Inter Milan (Italy) — £124 million
Inter Milan sits at about £124 m for wages. They are Italy’s highest spending side in this competition this season (among those listed here). With that budget comes the expectation of performance, progression and the ability to match up with Europe’s best.
Balancing Italian league pressures, European ambitions and financial planning is complex — but their numbers reflect serious investment.
9. Tottenham Hotspur (England) — £127 million
Tottenham’s £127 m in wages places them high among the Champions League field.
Their Premier League status, recent European success (including a Europa League title), and growing squad strength all feed into this budget. With heavy expectations from fans and ownership alike, the wage bill tells part of the story of their ambition to become regular deep-run contenders in Europe.
8. Paris Saint‑Germain (France) — £149 million
Paris Saint-Germain spend around £149 m on wages this season. Given their history of attracting global stars, commercial power and expectations of European success, the figure aligns with their status.
They are among the highest spenders in this list and their challenge is transforming that spending into sustained Champions League dominance rather than occasional runs.
7. Chelsea F.C. (England) — £150.4 million
Chelsea, with £150.4 m in wages, are in the top tier of spenders. Ownership change, transfer activity, and ambition in European competition all feed into this number. With a squad full of high earners and strong expectations, the financial commitment is significant. The key question for Chelsea remains: how efficiently does that spending convert into the highest level of results?
6. Liverpool F.C. (England) — £155 million
Liverpool, at £155 m, shows how a major club with a global brand, massive fanbase and strong infrastructure invests in wages. With marquee players and high wages come both expectation and scrutiny. Consistency at the uppermost level in the Champions League is the goal — and the budget places them in the conversation among Europe’s elite.
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5. Arsenal F.C. (England) — £178.5 million
Arsenal’s wage bill at £178.5 m signals their serious aim: to compete with the best in England and Europe. As a club rising in stature and ambition, the number reflects commitment.
In the Champions League this season, they stand among the highest spenders and must marry that with performance if they want to progress to the latter stages.
4. FC Barcelona (Spain) — £182.4 million
Barcelona’s £182.4 m spend places them in the top four of this list. A club steeped in history, global reach and expectation, their wage budget reflects the scale of their operation.
With significant talent on the books, they aim to reclaim their place at the very top of Europe. Balance between wages, infrastructure and sustainable performance remains vital.
3. Manchester City (England) — £194.9 million
Manchester City leads the Premier League contingent in terms of wage spending with £194.9 m.
A club that has successfully translated hefty resources into both domestic dominance and European success, its budget reflects the full scale of modern elite football. With top-earning players, global fanbase, and consistent ambition, City’s wage bill underlines their status among the very top clubs.
2. Bayern Munich (Germany) — £201.7 million
Bayern Munich, with a wage bill of £201.7 m, shows how the dominant club in Germany invests heavily in talent, squad depth and performance.
They are perennial German champions, frequent deep-stage Champions League participants, and one of the continent’s richest clubs. That budget places them second in this list and among those whose financial muscle matches their prestige.
1. Real Madrid CF (Spain) — £247.6 million
At the top of the list sits Real Madrid, with a wage bill of £247.6 m. It is perhaps no surprise given their star-studded squad, global brand, vast commercial revenue and expectation for European success.
They sit above all other clubs this season, and the number reflects their dominance both on and off the field. With the likes of global icons earning significant salaries, Real Madrid’s budget is a reflection of their full ambitions.
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Wage Bill of All 36 Teams
| Rank | Club | Wage Bill | Average Salary | Highest Paid (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Madrid | €284.3m | €11.8m | Kylian Mbappe (€31.5m) |
| 2 | Bayern Munich | €231.6m | €8.9m | Harry Kane (€25m) |
| 3 | Manchester City | €223.8m | €7.5m | Erling Haaland (€29.8m) |
| 4 | Barcelona | €209.4m | €9.1m | Robert Lewandowski (€31m) |
| 5 | Arsenal | €204.9m | €7.2m | Bukayo Saka (€17.9m) |
| 6 | Liverpool | €177.9m | €6.1m | Mohamed Salah (€23.9m) |
| 7 | Chelsea | €172.7m | €5.5m | Raheem Sterling (€17.9m) |
| 8 | Paris Saint-Germain | €171.1m | €7.1m | Ousmane Dembélé (€17m) |
| 9 | Tottenham Hotspur | €145.8m | €5.4m | Cristian Romero (€12m) |
| 10 | Inter Milan | €142.4m | €5.9m | Lautaro Martinez (€16.6m) |
| 11 | Atletico Madrid | €139.5m | €5.8m | Jan Oblak (€19.5m) |
| 12 | Juventus | €120.5m | €5.0m | Dušan Vlahović (€22.2m) |
| 13 | Napoli | €117.2m | €4.2m | Romelu Lukaku (€11.1m) |
| 14 | Borussia Dortmund | €115m | €4.1m | Niklas Süle (€10m) |
| 15 | Newcastle United | €111.1m | €4.3m | Bruno Guimarães (€9m) |
| 16 | Monaco | € 55.3m | € 2m | Eric Dier (€5.2m) |
| 17 | Galatasaray | €89.1m | €3.4m | Victor Osimhen (€18.8m) |
| 18 | Athletic Club | €75.9m | € 2.9m | Nico Williams (€12.9m) |
| 19 | Bayer Leverkusen | €75.5m | € 2.8m | Patrik Schick (€10m) |
| 20 | Olympique Marseille | €74m | €2.8m | Benjamin Pavard (€6.5m) |
| 21 | Villarreal | €65.3m | € 2.4m | Georges Mikautadze (€10m) |
| 22 | Atalanta BC | €63.6m | €2.5m | Gianluca Scamacca (€5.9m) |
| 23 | Eintracht Frankfurt | €58.5m | €2.1m | Robin Koch (€5m) |
| 24 | Benfica | €40.6m | €1.6m | Anatoliy Trubin (€5m) |
| 25 | Ajax | €33.2m | €1.3m | Ko Itakura (€3.9m) |
| 26 | PSV Eindhoven | €32.3m | €1.3m | Alassane Pléa (€3.9m) |
| 27 | Sporting CP | €31.6m | €1.1m | Francisco Trincão (€3.9m) |
| 28 | Club Brugge KV | €26.8m | €1.0m | Simon Mignolet (€3m) |
| 29 | Olympiacos | €18.7m | €750,000 | Sasha Vezenkov (€3.7m) |
| 30 | FC Copenhagen | €17.4m | €700,000 | Mohamed Elyounoussi (€1.5m) |
| 31 | Union Saint-Gilloise | €10.8m | €420,000 | Sofiane Boufal (€1m) |
| 32 | Qarabağ | €7.5m | €310,000 | Kady Borges |
| 33 | FK Bodø/Glimt | €7.39m | €280,000 | Kasper Høgh |
| 34 | Slavia Prague | €6.2m | €240,000 | |
| 35 | Pafos FC | €3.5m | €550,000 | |
| 36 | Kairat Almaty | €2.96m | €120,000 |
What This Means for the Champions League
For fans and observers, this ranking adds dimension to how we understand the competition. When a group stage schedules a club spending £10–30 million in wages against one spending £150–200+ million, the difference in resources is stark.
But football is not purely arithmetic: smaller clubs may have game plans, momentum, and heart that allow upsets. However, over time, deep runs to semifinals and finals have tended to favour those clubs that can assemble squads of high calibre and depth, which often correlates with higher wage bills.
For the clubs themselves, being on the lower end of the scale forces different strategies.
Smart recruitment, developing local or younger talent, focusing on one competition at a time, and ensuring financial discipline have become essential.
Being mid- or high-spenders in smaller leagues means walking a careful line between ambition and overreach.
For the highest spenders, the challenge is managing expectations, keeping squad harmony (when many players earn high wages), maintaining performance across multiple fronts (league, cup, Europe), and ensuring that wage bills do not cripple the club if results falter.
