In the world of football, where talent commands astronomical sums, FC Barcelona’s Pedri has emerged as one of the game’s brightest young stars. The 22-year-old Spanish midfielder, born in the Canary Islands, has dazzled fans with his vision, composure, and playmaking ability, drawing comparisons to legends like Xavi and Iniesta. As a cornerstone of Barcelona’s present and future, Pedri’s importance to the club is reflected not only in his performances but also in his earnings. This article delves into Pedri’s salary at Barcelona, compares him to the club’s highest earners, and situates his wages within the broader context of La Liga’s top-paid players, shedding light on the financial dynamics of one of football’s most storied leagues.
Pedri’s salary at Barcelona
Pedri’s journey to Barcelona began with a modest $5.5 million transfer from Las Palmas in 2019, but his rapid rise has translated into a lucrative contract befitting his status. According to recent data, Pedri earns an estimated gross base salary of €12.5 million annually for the 2024-2025 season, equating to roughly €240,385 per week, excluding bonuses. This figure places him among Barcelona’s top earners, a remarkable feat for a player still in his early 20s.
His current contract, which runs until June 30, 2030, is reportedly worth €75 million in total gross salary over six years, underscoring the club’s long-term commitment to him. Notably, Pedri’s deal includes a staggering €1 billion release clause, a testament to his value and Barcelona’s determination to ward off potential suitors. While his weekly earnings have been cited as slightly lower in some sources—around $196,308 (€10.21 million annually)—the consensus is that Pedri’s wages reflect his pivotal role in the squad, especially after overcoming injury setbacks that followed an intense 2020-2021 season where he played over 70 matches.
Highest earners at Barcelona
At Barcelona, Pedri’s salary is substantial but falls short of the club’s top earners, a group dominated by seasoned stars and key signings. For the 2024-2025 season, Robert Lewandowski leads the pack with an estimated gross annual base salary of €33.33 million, or approximately €640,962 per week. The 36-year-old Polish striker, with two years remaining on his contract, remains a focal point of Barcelona’s attack, justifying his hefty wages. Following closely is Frenkie de Jong, whose reported earnings have sparked debate. While some sources claim he earns up to €37.5 million annually, de Jong himself has clarified that his salary is closer to €23 million per year, translating to roughly €365,385 per week.
This still makes him one of the club’s highest-paid players, though his future remains uncertain amid financial pressures and contract discussions. Other notable earners include Jules Koundé, who pockets over €250,000 weekly, and Ronald Araujo, whose new contract in January 2025 boosted his weekly wages to €192,308. Young talents like Gavi (€180,385 per week) and Dani Olmo (€9.38 million annually) also rank high, but Pedri’s €240,385 per week places him comfortably in the upper echelon, tied with players like Koundé for some of the club’s top midfield salaries. Barcelona’s total wage bill for the season is estimated at €201.12 million, reflecting the club’s efforts to balance star power with financial recovery post-crisis.
Highest earners in La Liga
Zooming out to La Liga as a whole, Pedri’s earnings are impressive but don’t yet rival the league’s absolute elite. Robert Lewandowski holds the title of La Liga’s highest-paid player for the 2024-2025 season, with his €33.33 million annual salary at Barcelona. Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé is hot on his heels, earning €30.84 million per season, a figure that underscores his status as one of the game’s biggest stars following his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain. Frenkie de Jong, despite his clarifications, ranks third with an estimated €25.2 million annually, though this figure may vary based on bonuses and deferred payments.
Real Madrid dominates the upper tier, with players like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham reportedly earning around €20-25 million per year, though exact figures are less consistently documented. Barcelona’s financial constraints, with a salary limit of €426 million compared to Real Madrid’s €755 million, mean they rely heavily on academy talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal, whose wages are substantial but more manageable. Across the league, Real Madrid’s payroll of €231.42 million dwarfs Barcelona’s, highlighting the financial gap between the Clasico rivals. Pedri, while not yet at the very top, is firmly among La Liga’s elite earners, and his youth suggests his salary could climb further with future contracts.