Raphinha, the Brazilian winger who joined FC Barcelona from Leeds United in 2022, has become a pivotal figure for the Catalan giants. Known for his flair, goal-scoring ability, and leadership on the pitch, he has cemented his place as a key player and even serves as the team’s captain at times. Beyond his contributions on the field, Raphinha’s financial status at Barcelona has drawn attention, especially given the club’s well-documented financial challenges. This article delves into Raphinha’s earnings at Barcelona, compares his salary to the club’s highest earners, and examines where he stands among La Liga’s top-paid players.
Raphinha salary at Barcelona
Raphinha’s move to Barcelona in 2022 came with a significant pay increase from his time at Leeds United, reflecting his status as a marquee signing. According to reliable sources, Raphinha earns an estimated gross annual base salary of €12.5 million for the 2024-2025 season, which equates to approximately €240,385 per week, excluding bonuses. After accounting for Spain’s high tax rate of around 45%, his net annual salary is estimated to be around €6.875 million.
His five-year contract, set to expire in June 2027, is reportedly worth €62.5 million in total gross salary, with recent discussions suggesting a potential extension that could include an €80 million release clause. This substantial wage reflects his importance to Barcelona, where he has delivered consistent performances and taken on leadership roles. However, his salary places him among the upper echelon but not at the very top of the club’s wage bill, as Barcelona’s financial constraints have forced a more cautious approach to salaries in recent years.
Highest earners at Barcelona
Barcelona’s wage structure has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the departure of high earners like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba helping to alleviate financial pressures. Despite these efforts, the club still boasts some of La Liga’s top salaries. Leading the pack is Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker, who earns an estimated gross annual base salary of €33.33 million, or roughly €640,962 per week, making him the highest-paid player at the club.
Following closely is Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder, whose salary is reported to be around €25 million annually, though he has publicly stated that some figures are exaggerated due to deferred wages from the COVID-19 period. Other notable earners include Dani Olmo and Iñigo MartÃnez, both on approximately €9.38 million per year, and Jules Koundé, who earns over €13.5 million annually. Raphinha’s €12.5 million per year places him among the top earners, likely in the top five, but below the likes of Lewandowski and De Jong. Young stars like Pedri and Gavi, who recently signed new contracts, earn around €10 million and €9 million per year, respectively, while Lamine Yamal is expected to join the top earners with a new deal in 2025.
Highest earners in La Liga
La Liga’s salary landscape is dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Atlético Madrid occasionally featuring among the top earners. Frenkie de Jong holds the title of the highest-paid player in La Liga for the 2024-2025 season, with his €25 million annual salary, followed closely by Robert Lewandowski at €33.33 million. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, a marquee signing in 2024, ranks third with an estimated €20 million per year, joined by teammates like VinÃcius Jr., Toni Kroos, and Luka Modrić, who earn between €15 million and €20 million annually. Atlético Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Antoine Griezmann also feature in the top 25, with salaries around €15 million and €12 million, respectively.
Outside the big three clubs, Athletic Club’s Iñaki and Nico Williams are notable, with Iñaki earning approximately €11.4 million per year. Raphinha’s €12.5 million annual salary places him comfortably within the top 20 highest-paid players in La Liga, reflecting his status as a key player for one of Spain’s elite clubs. However, the gap between the top earners at Barcelona and Real Madrid and those at smaller clubs highlights the financial disparity within the league, with only a handful of players outside the big three breaking into the upper salary brackets. La Liga’s financial controls, enforced by president Javier Tebas, have compelled clubs to manage their wage bills more sustainably, yet the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid in both titles and salaries remains evident.