Soccer, often referred to as the “beautiful game,” has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. While the sport has historically been dominated by male athletes, the women’s game has risen in prominence, attracting immense talent and widespread recognition.
Beyond their prowess on the pitch, these remarkable athletes have leveraged their success to become powerful entrepreneurs and savvy businesswomen. In this list, we celebrate the top 10 richest women’s soccer players, whose achievements extend far beyond their performances on the field.
From endorsements with major brands to groundbreaking entrepreneurial ventures, these women have shattered glass ceilings and redefined the traditional boundaries of female athletes’ financial success.
Their inspirational journeys demonstrate that talent, determination, and resilience can pave the way for extraordinary achievements both within the sports arena and in the world of business.
Let’s delve into the lives of these trailblazing soccer stars who have not only changed the game but also amassed significant wealth along the way.
Top 10 Richest Women’s Soccer Players
One way to rank the richest women’s soccer players is by their annual salaries, which is the amount of money they earn from playing for their clubs and national teams.
Based on this criterion, here are some of the top 10 highest-paid women’s soccer players in 2023:
1. Sam Kerr
She is an Australian forward who plays for Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League (FAWSL). She is the highest-paid female soccer player in the world, earning over £417,000 ($500,000) annually.
She is the all-time leading scorer for Australia and the NWSL and has won multiple Golden Boot awards in different leagues and continents. She has also helped Chelsea win eight trophies, including three consecutive FAWSL titles and one UEFA Women’s Champions League final appearance.
2. Jodie Taylor
She is an English forward who plays for Lyon in the Division 1 Féminine (D1F). She earns £420,000 per year (or $522,000 USD) from her club contract.
She is a prolific scorer for England and has won several trophies with Lyon, including two D1F titles and one UEFA Women’s Champions League title 2.
3. Ada Hegerberg
She is a Norwegian forward who plays for Lyon in the D1F. She earns $425,000 annually from her club contract.
She is one of the best strikers in the world and has won five Ballon d’Or Féminin awards, the most by any player in history. She has also won six D1F titles and five UEFA Women’s Champions League titles with Lyon 2.
4. Carli Lloyd
She is an American forward who plays for NJ/NY Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She earns over $518,000 a year from playing in the NWSL and for the USWNT.
She is a former USWNT star who retired in August 2021 after winning two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals, and one Ballon d’Or Féminin. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players of all time.
5. Alex Morgan
She is an American forward who plays for San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL. She earns around £375,000 ($450,000) annually from playing for her club and national team.
She is one of the most popular and influential female players in the world and co-captains the USWNT. She has won two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, one Olympic gold medal, and one Ballon d’Or Féminin.
She is also the third-highest scorer in USWNT history, with 111 goals in 180 games.
6. Megan Rapinoe
She is an American winger who plays for OL Reign in the NWSL. She earns around £375,000 ($450,000) annually from playing for her club and national team.
She is one of the most outspoken and influential female players in the world and co-captains the USWNT.
She has won two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, one Olympic gold medal, and one Ballon d’Or Féminin. She is also known for her activism on social justice issues 32.
7. Julie Ertz
She is an American midfielder who plays for Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL. She earns around $4.5 million annually from playing for her club and national team.
She is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and a key player for the USWNT.
She has won two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and one Olympic gold medal.
8. Marta Vieira da Silva
She is a Brazilian forward who plays for Orlando Pride in the NWSL. She earns around $400,000 annually from playing for her club and national team1.
She is widely considered the greatest female soccer player of all time and has won six FIFA World Player of the Year awards, the most by any player in history.
She is also the all-time leading scorer in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, with 17 goals in 20 games.
9. Amandine Henry
She is a French midfielder who plays for Lyon in the D1F. She earns around $7 million annually from playing for her club and national team.
She is one of the best midfielders in the world and has won several trophies with Lyon, including six D1F titles and five UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.
She has also helped France reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.
10. Wendie Renard:
She is a French defender who plays for Lyon in the D1F. She earns around $7 million annually from playing for her club and national team1.
She is one of the best defenders in the world and has won numerous trophies with Lyon, including eight D1F titles and seven UEFA Women’s Champions League titles. She has also captained France to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.
Who Is The Highest-Paid Women’s Soccer Player?
Here are some descriptions on who is the highest-paid women’s soccer player-
- According to the results from my search, the highest-paid women’s soccer player in the world is Carli Lloyd, who earns over $518,000 a year from playing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for NJ/NY Gotham FC1.
She is a former USWNT star who retired in August 2021 after winning two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals, and one Ballon d’Or Féminin. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players of all time.
- The second highest-paid women’s soccer player is Sam Kerr, who earns over £400,000 ($500,000) annually from playing for Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League (FaAWSL).
She is the all-time leading scorer for Australia and the NWSL and has won multiple Golden Boot awards in different leagues and continents.
She has also helped Chelsea win eight trophies, including three consecutive FAWSL titles and one UEFA Women’s Champions League final appearance.
- The third highest-paid women’s soccer player is Alex Morgan, who earns around £375,000 ($450,000) annually from playing for San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL.
She is one of the most popular and influential female players in the world and co-captains the USWNT. She has won two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, one Olympic gold medal, and one Ballon d’Or Féminin. She is also the third-highest scorer in USWNT history, with 111 goals in 180 games.
How Much Do Female Soccer Players Earn?
Women’s soccer has been gaining significant attention and recognition worldwide. The sport has seen remarkable growth in recent years, leading to increased investment and opportunities for female players.
Average Salary of Women’s Soccer Leagues in Different Countries
The salary of female soccer players varies widely depending on the country and the league they play in. Some of the most popular and competitive women’s soccer leagues in the world are:
– The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States
– The Women’s Super League (WSL) in England
– The Division 1 Féminine (D1F) in France
– The Frauen-Bundesliga in Germany
– The Primera División Femenina (Liga Iberdrola) in Spain
According to Soccer Blade, the NWSL has a salary cap that limits how much players can earn. The minimum salary is $22,000 per season, and the maximum is $52,200. Franchises can supplement their players’ incomes with healthcare, housing, and transport allowances.
According to BBC News, the average WSL player earns £47,000 a year. However, this figure is skewed by the high earners like Sam Kerr and Alex Morgan. The WSL also has a salary cap of £450,000 per team.
According to SportMob, the average D1F player earns 4,000 euros per month, which is 48,000 euros per year or $53,000. However, this figure is also influenced by the top earners like Ada Hegerberg and Wendie Renard.
According to DW, the average Frauen-Bundesliga player earns between 500 and 2,500 euros per month or between $6,000 and $30,000 per year. However, some players earn more than that due to bonuses or sponsorships.
According to AS, the average Liga Iberdrola player earns between 12,000 and 40,000 euros per year or between $13,500 and $45,000. However,
Some players earn more than that due to national team payments or endorsements.
FAQs
Why is there a gender pay gap in women’s soccer?
The gender pay gap in women’s soccer exists due to various factors, including historical disparities in investment, media coverage, and commercial opportunities between men’s and women’s sports.
Women’s soccer has historically received less funding and support from governing bodies, clubs, and sponsors.
Are there any efforts to close the gender pay gap in women’s soccer?
Yes, there are ongoing efforts to close the gender pay gap in women’s soccer. Advocacy from players, fans, and various organizations has brought increased attention to the issue.
How do female players’ salaries compare to male players’ salaries?
On average, female soccer players earn significantly less than their male counterparts. The pay disparity is most pronounced at the highest levels, where male players in top leagues and national teams often earn exponentially higher salaries than female players in comparable positions.
Which countries are leading in terms of supporting women’s soccer?
Several countries have made significant strides in supporting women’s soccer. The United States has been a frontrunner, with a well-established National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and strong investments in the women’s national team.
European countries like Germany, England, and France have also shown increasing support.
How can fans and the public help promote gender equality in women’s soccer?
Fans and the public can play a crucial role in promoting gender equality in women’s soccer. Supporting women’s soccer by attending matches, following leagues and players on social media, and watching televised games can increase visibility and generate more interest in the sport.
Bottom Line
These remarkable women’s soccer players have not only revolutionized the sport but have also set new standards for financial success and empowerment.
Through their dedication and passion for the game, they have become role models for aspiring athletes and ambitious entrepreneurs alike. Their achievements on and off the pitch have shattered stereotypes, showing that women can excel in any field they choose.
As we conclude our list of the top 10 richest women’s soccer players, it’s essential to acknowledge the significant strides made in women’s soccer and women’s sports overall.
These athletes’ success is a testament to the increasing support and recognition of women’s athletic accomplishments, leading to more opportunities for future generations of female athletes.
As these soccer icons continue to inspire and pave the way for others, we eagerly anticipate a future where women’s soccer will continue to thrive, both competitively and financially.
