Jules Koundé has emerged as one of the most versatile and reliable defenders in world football since his high-profile transfer to FC Barcelona from Sevilla in the summer of 2022. Known for his ability to play as both a centre-back and right-back, the French international has become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defense under managers Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick. His performances have not only solidified his place in the starting lineup but also earned him a lucrative contract reflective of his importance to the Catalan giants. Amid Barcelona’s financial challenges and La Liga’s strict salary cap regulations, Koundé’s earnings have drawn attention, as has the broader wage structure at the club and across the Spanish top flight. This article delves into Koundé’s salary at Barcelona, compares it to the club’s highest earners, and examines the top earners in La Liga for the 2024-2025 season.
Jules Koundé salary at Barcelona
Koundé’s move to Barcelona came with a transfer fee of €50 million plus variables, and his contract reflects his status as a key signing. According to Capology, Koundé earns an estimated gross base salary of €13,550,000 for the 2024-2025 season, equating to approximately €260,577 per week. This figure excludes potential bonuses, which could further boost his earnings.
Despite Barcelona’s financial difficulties, including delays in registering Koundé for the 2022-2023 season due to salary cap issues, the club has ensured his wages are paid in full, as Koundé himself confirmed in a 2022 statement addressing speculation about unpaid salaries. His weekly wage of over €250,000 places him among the highest-paid defenders in La Liga, a testament to his value both defensively and in contributing to Barcelona’s build-up play.
Highest earners at Barcelona
Barcelona’s wage bill has been a focal point in recent years, with the club navigating financial constraints while maintaining a squad of world-class talent. For the 2024-2025 season, Frenkie de Jong remains the club’s top earner, reportedly taking home €365,385 per week, a figure inflated by deferred wages from the pandemic era. Robert Lewandowski, the team’s star striker, follows as the second-highest earner with an estimated €400,577 per week, justified by his prolific goal-scoring. Jules Koundé ranks among the top earners, with his €260,577 weekly wage placing him alongside players like Raphinha (€240,385 per week) and Pedri (€240,385 per week).
Defenders Ronald Araujo (€192,308 per week) and Inigo Martinez (€180,385 per week) also feature prominently, though Koundé’s salary surpasses both, reflecting his ever-present role in the squad. The departure of high earners like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in 2023 has alleviated some pressure on the wage bill, but Barcelona continues to pay substantial sums to its core players, with Koundé’s earnings underscoring his status as a defensive linchpin.
Highest earners in La Liga
Across La Liga, the 2024-2025 season sees a mix of Barcelona and Real Madrid players dominating the list of highest earners, with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone also commanding a significant salary as a manager. Robert Lewandowski leads the league’s players with an estimated gross annual base salary of €33,330,000 (€640,962 per week), making him the top-paid player in Spain. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé follows closely with €26,100,000 annually (€501,923 per week), reflecting his status as one of the world’s best forwards. Other Real Madrid stars, including David Alaba (€19,300,000 per year), Vinícius Junior (€17,900,000 per year), and Jude Bellingham (€17,900,000 per year), round out the top five.
Frenkie de Jong’s €18,000,000 net annual salary at Barcelona also places him among the elite, though his gross figure is likely higher. Jules Koundé’s €13,550,000 annual salary, while substantial, falls below these top earners but remains competitive, especially for a defender. Outside the big three clubs (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid), Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams is a notable high earner at €219,000 per week, highlighting the financial disparity between La Liga’s giants and other clubs. Diego Simeone, Atletico’s manager, reportedly earns over €670,000 per week, dwarfing most player salaries in the league.