Alejandro Balde, the dynamic young left-back for FC Barcelona, has emerged as one of the brightest talents in European football. Born in Barcelona to a Guinea-Bissau father and a Dominican mother, Balde’s rise through the club’s famed La Masia academy to the first team has been meteoric. Known for his blistering pace, directness, and versatility, he has become a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defense under manager Hansi Flick. As his prominence grows, so does interest in his financial standing at the club. This article explores Balde’s salary at Barcelona, compares it to the club’s highest earners, and places it within the context of La Liga’s top-paid players, drawing on the latest available data.
Alejandro Balde salary at Barcelona
Balde’s current contract with FC Barcelona, signed in September 2023, runs until June 30, 2028, and reflects his growing importance to the team. According to Capology, a reliable source for football salaries, Balde earns an estimated gross base salary of €1,670,000 for the 2024-2025 season, equating to approximately €32,115 per week. This figure excludes performance-related bonuses, which could increase his earnings.
His contract, with a €1 billion release clause, underscores Barcelona’s commitment to retaining the 21-year-old, who has already proven his worth in high-stakes matches. While this salary is substantial for a player of his age, it is modest compared to Barcelona’s top earners, reflecting his status as a developing star rather than a veteran leader.
Highest earners at Barcelona
Barcelona’s wage bill for the 2024-2025 season is estimated at €201,120,000 annually, or €3,867,692 per week, per Capology. Leading the pack is striker Robert Lewandowski, whose estimated gross annual base salary is €33,330,000, or €640,962 per week, making him the highest-paid player at the club. Frenkie de Jong follows as the second-highest earner, with a reported €37,500,000 annually (approximately €721,154 per week), though this figure has been debated due to salary deferrals during the pandemic.
Other notable high earners include Ilkay Gündogan (€18,750,000 per year), Jules Koundé (€13,550,000), and Raphinha (€12,500,000), according to Planet Football and Football Transfers. These salaries reflect Barcelona’s strategy of investing heavily in experienced stars while managing financial constraints, a contrast to Balde’s more modest earnings as a homegrown talent.
Highest earners in La Liga
Across La Liga, the salary landscape is dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Atlético Madrid trailing behind. Robert Lewandowski tops the league’s earners with his €33,330,000 annual salary, followed closely by Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé at €30,840,000, per FootyStats. Frenkie de Jong ranks third with €25,200,000, though his teammate Lewandowski’s higher weekly wage often places him at the forefront in weekly breakdowns.
Real Madrid’s David Alaba (€18,900,000), VinÃcius Júnior (€17,400,000), and Jude Bellingham (€17,400,000) also feature prominently, alongside Atlético Madrid’s Jan Oblak (€17,400,000), as reported by AiScore and TeamTalk. Balde’s €1,670,000 annual salary is significantly lower than these figures, placing him outside the top tier of La Liga earners. This gap highlights the financial hierarchy in Spanish football, where established superstars command salaries far exceeding those of emerging talents like Balde, despite his critical role at Barcelona.