Pau Cubarsí, an 18-year-old centre-back, has rapidly emerged as one of Barcelona’s brightest talents. Rising through the club’s famed La Masia academy, he transitioned from a surprise debutant in January 2024 to a regular starter in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. His composure, tactical intelligence, and maturity on the pitch have drawn comparisons to some of Barcelona’s legendary defenders. As his prominence grows, so does interest in his financial standing at the club. This article explores Cubarsí’s salary at Barcelona, compares it to the club’s highest earners, and situates it within the broader context of La Liga’s top wage earners.
Pau Cubarsí salary at Barcelona
For the 2024-2025 season, he earns an estimated gross base salary of €4 million annually, equating to approximately €76,923 per week, excluding bonuses. His deal, which runs until June 2027, includes a €500 million release clause, a significant increase from the €10 million clause in his previous contract, underscoring Barcelona’s determination to secure his future.
Reports indicate that Cubarsí’s salary is structured to grow progressively, potentially reaching €12 million per season by 2029, assuming a new five-year deal is finalized when he turns 18. This graduated pay structure aligns with Barcelona’s financial strategy, balancing investment in young talent with fiscal constraints imposed by La Liga’s salary cap. While his current earnings are modest compared to Barcelona’s top stars, they reflect his status as a cornerstone of the club’s future.
Highest earners at Barcelona
Barcelona’s wage bill for the 2024-2025 season is estimated at €201.12 million, one of the highest in La Liga, though tempered by recent financial restructuring. Leading the pack is midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who commands a staggering €721,154 per week (€37.5 million annually), making him the highest-paid player in Europe’s top five leagues. His contract, which includes significant performance-related bonuses, has sparked debate among fans due to perceived inconsistencies in his performances.
Close behind is striker Robert Lewandowski, earning €640,962 weekly (€33.33 million annually), a figure justified by his prolific goal-scoring and leadership at 36 years old. Other notable earners include Pedri (€240,385 per week), Gavi (€180,385 per week), and Marc-André ter Stegen (€120,000 per week). Emerging stars like Lamine Yamal, at €31,115 per week, earn significantly less but are expected to see substantial raises as their contracts are renegotiated. Cubarsí’s €76,923 weekly wage places him among the lower tier of Barcelona’s first-team earners, reflective of his youth and relatively recent breakthrough.
Highest earners in La Liga
Across La Liga, the highest earners are concentrated at Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Atlético Madrid occasionally competing. Frenkie de Jong tops the list with his €721,154 weekly salary, followed by Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski at €640,962. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who joined in 2024, earns approximately €520,769 per week, a figure that could rise with bonuses. His teammates Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham each earn €400,577 per week, with potential bonuses pushing their earnings higher.
Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois also ranks among the elite, with a weekly wage of €400,577. Atlético Madrid’s Jan Oblak, one of the world’s premier goalkeepers, earns significantly less than the top tier but remains a high earner relative to most La Liga players. La Liga’s strict salary cap regulations have forced clubs to adopt creative financial strategies, yet Barcelona and Real Madrid continue to dominate the wage landscape. Cubarsí’s salary, while modest in this context, highlights the disparity between established stars and emerging talents, even at top clubs.