Marc-André ter Stegen has solidified his reputation as one of the world’s premier goalkeepers, anchoring FC Barcelona’s defense with remarkable reflexes, distribution, and leadership. Since joining the club from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, the German shot-stopper has become a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Barcelona’s ambitions, both domestically and in Europe. As a key figure in the squad, his earnings reflect his importance to a club navigating financial challenges while maintaining a roster of global stars. This article explores ter Stegen’s salary at Barcelona, compares it to the club’s highest earners, and places it within the broader landscape of La Liga’s top-paid players, offering insight into the financial dynamics of elite football.
Marc-André ter Stegen’s salary at Barcelona
Ter Stegen’s current contract with Barcelona, extended in August 2023, runs until June 2028 and includes a €500 million release clause, signaling the club’s determination to retain him. For the 2024-2025 season, ter Stegen earns an estimated gross base salary of €14 million annually, translating to approximately €269,231 per week, excluding performance-based bonuses.
This figure aligns with reports from 2020, when his previous contract extension to 2025 was set to pay him €10 million per year, a number that has since increased with his growing stature and the 2023 renewal. His wages reflect not only his role as the first-choice goalkeeper but also his leadership as one of the team’s captains, especially evident in his recovery from a serious knee injury in 2024.
Highest earners at Barcelona
At Barcelona, ter Stegen’s €14 million annual salary is substantial but falls behind the club’s top earners, who command some of the highest wages in football. Robert Lewandowski leads the way for the 2024-2025 season, earning an estimated €33.33 million per year, or roughly €640,962 per week, a reflection of his status as a prolific goalscorer and global icon. Frenkie de Jong follows, with reported earnings of around €23 million annually, equating to €365,385 per week, though he has publicly disputed claims of higher figures like €37.5 million.
Defenders Jules Koundé and Ronald Araujo also rank high, with Koundé earning over €250,000 weekly and Araujo, fresh off a January 2025 contract renewal, making approximately €192,308 per week. Young stars like Pedri and Gavi are not far behind, with Pedri earning €12.5 million per year (€240,385 per week) and Gavi at €180,385 weekly. Ter Stegen’s €269,231 per week places him in the upper tier, alongside Koundé and Pedri, but below Lewandowski and de Jong. Barcelona’s total wage bill for the season stands at €201.12 million, a carefully managed figure as the club works to comply with La Liga’s €426 million salary limit while rebuilding its competitive edge.
Highest earners in La Liga
In the broader context of La Liga, ter Stegen’s earnings are impressive but don’t reach the pinnacle of the league’s salary hierarchy. Robert Lewandowski holds the top spot, with his €33.33 million annual salary at Barcelona making him the highest-paid player in La Liga for the 2024-2025 season. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé is a close second, earning €30.84 million per year, a figure that reflects his superstar status after his move from Paris Saint-Germain. Frenkie de Jong ranks third, with an estimated €25.2 million annually, though this may vary with bonuses and deferred payments.
Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham are also among the elite, reportedly earning between €20-25 million per year, though precise figures are less consistently reported. Ter Stegen’s €14 million places him in the top tier of La Liga earners, but he trails the attacking superstars who dominate the league’s wage structure. Real Madrid’s payroll, at €231.42 million, overshadows Barcelona’s, reflecting their higher €755 million salary cap and ability to attract blockbuster signings. Ter Stegen’s salary, while substantial, benefits from Barcelona’s reliance on long-term contracts for homegrown or established players to balance their books.