Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Footballers in 2026
Following a new contract deal, Trinity Rodman of Washington Spirit has claimed the top spot as the highest-paid female footballer globally.
Women's football has grown rapidly, gaining professionalism and drawing larger audiences, which has led to significant increases in player salaries. For many years, the sport was either banned or considered semi-professional, but by 2026 it has transformed into a highly competitive and fully professional arena. Players now enjoy not just fame but also financial rewards that were unimaginable before.
While female players' earnings are still modest compared to male stars like Cristiano Ronaldo—who reportedly earns £3.4 million weekly at Al Nassr—the rise in women's salaries is promising. England captain Leah Williamson had advised players to have backup plans just a year ago, making this list of the richest female footballers an encouraging sign.
10. Wendie Renard (Lyon & France)
- Yearly salary: £309,000
Renard is synonymous with Lyon's dominance, having spent her entire career there since 2006. The centre-back has won eight Champions League titles and is pivotal both defensively and offensively, scoring 101 league goals.
9. Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)
- Yearly salary: £335,000
Often called one of the greatest female footballers ever, Marta holds six FIFA World Player of the Year awards. She is Brazil’s top scorer with 122 goals and leads all players in World Cup goals with 17. Her record for scoring in five different World Cups and Olympic Games stands unmatched.
8. Ada Hegerberg (Lyon & Norway)
- Yearly salary: £345,000
Hegerberg holds records for most goals in a single UEFA Women's Champions League season and total goals scored in the competition. The first Ballon d’Or Feminin winner in 2018, she overcame injury setbacks to secure a contract extension with Lyon.
7. Keira Walsh (Chelsea & England)
- Yearly salary: £382,000
Walsh moved from Manchester City to Barcelona for a record fee in 2022 and now earns more than that after returning to Chelsea. Known for her midfield control, she played a key role in England’s 2022 European Championship win and the domestic treble with Chelsea.
6. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City & England)
- Yearly salary: £400,000
Recognized as the future of English football, Hemp debuted young and quickly made an impact. A versatile forward with 20 international goals in 72 appearances, she continues to be a constant threat on the field.
5. Sam Kerr (Chelsea & Australia)
- Yearly salary: £466,000
Kerr is a star on and off the pitch, leading Australia to the World Cup semi-finals recently. She holds the record for most goals for Australia and was once the top scorer in the NWSL. Despite recent challenges, her influence remains strong.
4. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
- Yearly salary: £607,000
Putellas is a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and a symbol of women’s football royalty. She led Barcelona to their first Champions League title and promotes equality and empowerment through her foundation and public presence.
3. Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns & USWNT)
- Yearly salary: £739,000
Wilson secured a contract extension in late 2025, making her one of the highest earners in the NWSL. Known for her speed and skill, she earned the US Soccer Female Player of the Year award in 2022 and continues to be a key player for Portland and the national team.
2. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona & Spain)
- Yearly salary: £856,000
Bonmati is seen as the heir to Putellas at Barcelona, driving the midfield with her skillful play. She helped Spain win their first World Cup and has a contract paying around one million euros per year until 2028. She is respected on and off the pitch for her values and humility.
1. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit & USWNT)
- Yearly salary: £1,480,000
Rodman embodies the rise of the USWNT, a team with four Women's World Cup titles. Daughter of NBA star Dennis Rodman, she has earned her reputation independently and recently signed a groundbreaking contract with Washington Spirit, becoming the top-paid female footballer worldwide.
Highest-Paid Female Footballers in 2026
- 1. Trinity Rodman – USWNT, Washington Spirit, £1,480,000
- 2. Aitana Bonmati – Spain, Barcelona, £856,000
- 3. Sophia Wilson – USWNT, Portland Thorns, £739,000
- 4. Alexia Putellas – Spain, Barcelona, £607,000
- 5. Sam Kerr – Australia, Chelsea, £466,000
- 6. Lauren Hemp – England, Manchester City, £400,000
- 7. Keira Walsh – England, Chelsea, £382,000
- 8. Ada Hegerberg – Norway, Lyon, £345,000
- 9. Marta – Brazil, Orlando Pride, £335,000
- 10. Wendie Renard – France, Lyon, £309,000
All figures sourced from SheKicks as of January 27, 2026.
