Kalidou Koulibaly Tops FIFA Club World Cup Pay Chart with Eye-Watering €34.7M Salary

The world’s highest-paid footballer at the FIFA Club World Cup isn’t a flashy striker or a midfield maestro—it’s Al Hilal’s stalwart defender, Kalidou Koulibaly.

According to a new salary analysis by AceOdds, the Senegalese centre-back leads the tournament’s rich list with a staggering €667,308 weekly wage, translating to an annual income of €34.7 million.

Once the defensive rock for Napoli and Chelsea, Koulibaly's move to Saudi Arabia has not only shifted his career path but also catapulted him to the top of global football’s pay scale.

■ Haaland and Mbappé Follow Closely Behind

Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland comes in second. With his lucrative contract extension—reportedly running until 2034—Haaland is earning €615,617 per week, totalling over €32 million annually.

French superstar Kylian Mbappé, who’s expected to be Real Madrid-bound in 2025, ranks third with €600,962 per week, or roughly €31.25 million per year.

■ Kane and Milinković-Savić Neck and Neck in Fourth Spot

Bayern Munich’s leading man, Harry Kane, and Al Hilal midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić are tied, each earning €480,769 weekly and €25 million annually—proving that both European and Middle Eastern leagues are rewarding top talent handsomely.

■ The Millionaire Midfield and Goalkeeping Elite

Real Madrid defender David Alaba bags €432,692 weekly, totalling €22.5 million per year, while Bayern Munich’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer isn’t far behind, with €403,846 per week.

Goalkeepers are also holding their ground financially—Jan Oblak of Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, at just 21 years old, each earn €400,577 weekly or €20.83 million per year.

■ Money Talks at Club World Cup

As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup gears up to showcase the best clubs across continents, the astronomical wages of these elite players underscore the massive financial muscle behind the global game.