Top 20 highest-paid women soccer players in the world currently

Top 20 highest-paid women soccer players in the world currently

Jackline Wangare, Grace Waruguru
updated at October 24, 2023 at 10:21 AM
In this article:
English Football League Championship logo
ENG EFL Championship
England

While soccer is male-dominated, the last few decades have seen an upsurge of women footballers honing their skills and earning impressive salaries. Discover some of the highest-paid women soccer players in the world today.

highest-paid women soccer players in the world
Highest-paid women soccer players in the world. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski, Matt McNulty, Vaughn Ridley (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Women's soccer has seen remarkable growth in recent years. The highest-paid women soccer players have made a name for themselves on the field and leveraged their skills, securing lucrative endorsements and contracts. Here is a list of the highest-paid women soccer players.

Top 20 highest-paid women soccer players in the world

From thriving in the FIFA World Cup to various clubs in the league, these women have become pacesetters. Here is a ranked list of the average women's soccer salary as of 2023.

20. Sydney Leroux - $45k

highest-paid female footballer weekly
Sydney Leroux #2 of Angel City FC warms up during the NWSL game between Angel City FC and Washington Spirit at Audi Field in Washington, DC. Photo:Brad Smith/ISI
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sydney Rae Leroux
  • Date of birth: 7 May 1990
  • Age: 33 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Surrey, Canada

Sydney is an American-Canadian football player who started playing professionally at 15. She joined the American national team in 2011. Sydney Leroux earns approximately $45,000 annually and boasts a net worth of $3.5 million.

19. Nilla Fischer - $67,500

highest-paid female footballer premier league
Nilla Fischer of Sweden runs with the ball during the Women's International Friendly match between Sweden and the United States. Photo: Linnea Rheborg
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Åsa Nilla Maria Fischer
  • Date of birth: 2 August 1984
  • Age: 39 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Kristianstad, Sweden

Nilla Maria Fischer, a retired Swedish footballer, concluded her career with Linköpings FC as her last club. She represented the Swedish national team from 2001 to 2022 and previously served as FC Rosengård's captain. Her retirement decision was announced on 27 December 2022. During her career, Nilla Fischer's salary is around $67,500 annually.

18. Nicole Banecki - $90k

average women's soccer salary
Nicole Banecki poses during SC Freibug women's team presentation in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Photo: Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Nicole Banecki
  • Date of birth: 3 September 1988
  • Age: 35 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Berlin, Germany

German footballer Nicole Banecki is a member of the German national team and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Banecki played for Germany at the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup finals in Chile. Nicole Banecki's salary is around $90,000 annually.

17. Stina Blackstenius - $100k

how much do female soccer players make in europe
Stina Blackstenius of Arsenal FC during the Barclays Women´s Super League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England. Photo: Alex Livesey - The FA/The FA
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Emma Stina Blackstenius
  • Date of birth: 5 February 1996
  • Age: 27 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Vadstena, Sweden

Stina is a Swedish football player and striker for Arsenal WFC and the Sweden national women's team. Stina's career took root during her youth when she joined Vadstena GIF in 2002. Stina Blackstenius' salary is an estimated $100,000 yearly.

16. Lucy Bronze - $240k

Who is the highest-paid female soccer player in 2023?
Lucy Bronze of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Liga F match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Johan Cruyff in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Alex Caparros
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze
  • Date of birth: 28 October 1991
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Berwick-upon-Tweed, United Kingdom

English player Lucy Bronze is one of the highest-paid women's soccer players. She plays for the Liga F club Barcelona and is also an England national women's team member. Lucy Bronze earns an estimated $240k annually as a player.

15. Alex Morgan - $250k

Who is the highest-paid player in the FIFA Women's World Cup?
Alex Morgan #13 of the United States in action against South Africa during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Michael Reaves
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alexandra Morgan Carrasco
  • Date of birth: 2 July 1989
  • Age: 34 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: San Dimas, California, United States

Megan is an American female footballer playing as a San Diego Wave FC striker and the team captain for the United States women's national soccer team. She joined Tottenham briefly in 2020 before joining the Orlando Pride. Alex Morgan's salary is approximately $250,000.

14. Trinity Rodman - $281k

How much is the highest female football player paid?
Trinity Rodman #25 of the United States runs with the ball against South Africa during the first half at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Michael Reaves
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Trinity Rain Moyer-Rodman
  • Date of birth: 20 May 2002
  • Age: 21 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Newport Beach, California, United States

Trinity is one of the highest-paid women's soccer players in the USA. She is a forward for Washington Spirit and the United States women's national soccer team. Rodman made history at 18 when she became the youngest drafted player in the National Soccer Women's League (NWSL) record after coming in second in 2021. Trinity's base salary is $281,000 annually. She is currently the highest-paid player in NWSL history.

13. Wendie Renard - $392k

highest-paid female footballer weekly
Wendie Renard calls for a play during the French Women's Champions Trophy match between Olympique Lyonnais and PSG at Stade de l'Aube in Troyes, France. Photo: Catherine Steenkeste
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Wendie Thérèse Renard
  • Date of birth: 20 July 1990
  • Age: 33 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Schœlcher, Martinique

Wendie is a French professional footballer playing as a centre-back for Féminine club Lyon and the France national team, both of which she serves as the captain. Renard is among the top-earning players in the world. Wendie Renard's salary is alleged to be $392,000 annually.

12. Amandine Henry - $394,500

highest-paid female footballer premier league
Amandine Henry clears the ball during a game against the Orlando Pride at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Katharine Lotze
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Amandine Chantal Henry
  • Date of birth: 28 September 1989
  • Age: 34 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lille, France

Amandine is a French professional footballer currently playing for Angel City FC and the France national team. Henry made her senior international debut in 2009. She captained the national team from October 2017 to 2020. Amandine Henry earns an annual salary of $394,500.

11. Nadine Angerer - $400k

average women's soccer salary
Nadine Angerer of Germany arrives for the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2015 at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland. Photo: Stuart Franklin
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Nadine Marejke Angerer
  • Date of birth: 10 November 1978
  • Age: 44 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Lohr a. Main, Germany

Nadine Marejke Angerer serves as the player-coach for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and is a German football coach and player. She has played for Bayern Munich, Turbine Potsdam and FFC Frankfurt. Nadine Angerer's salary is estimated to be $400,000.

10. Marta - $400k

how much do female soccer players make in europe
Marta of Brazil during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne / Naarm, Australia. Photo: Alex Pantling
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Marta Vieira da Silva
  • Date of birth: 19 February 1986
  • Age: 37 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Dois Riachos, State of Alagoas, Brazil

Marta Vieira is a Brazilian athlete playing as a forward for Orlando Pride and the Brazilian national team. Thanks to her prowess, she has been described as the greatest female footballer ever. She is a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year Award winner. Marta's annual salary is $400,000.

9. Ada Hegerberg - $416k

Who is the highest-paid female soccer player in 2023?
Ada Hegerberg of Norway after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Japan and Norway at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: Catherine Ivill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Ada Martine Stolsmo Hegerberg
  • Date of birth: 10 July 1995
  • Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Sunndalsøra, Norway

Ada Hegerberg comes from Norway and is a striker for Féminine club Lyon and the Norway national team. She represented Team Norway in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, the 2017 UEFA Women's Championship, and the 2022 UEFA Women's Championship. Ada Hegerberg earns an annual salary of around $416,000 (£343,000).

8. Julie Ertz - $430k

Who is the highest-paid player in the FIFA Women's World Cup?
Julie Ertz #8 of the United States smiles before the game against South Africa at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Julie Beth Ertz
  • Date of birth: 6 April 1992
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Mesa, Arizona, United States

Julie is a United States national women's soccer team member, where she debuted in 2013. In 2018, Ertz received a nomination for the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award, and she clinched the honour in 2019. She is one of America's finest female players. Julie Ertz's earnings are around a whopping $430,000 yearly.

7. Megan Rapinoe - $447k

How much is the highest female football player paid?
Megan Rapinoe #15 of OL Reign smiles after her last home regular-season NWSL match at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Photo: Steph Chambers
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Megan Anna Rapinoe
  • Date of birth: 5 July 1985
  • Age: 38 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Redding, California, United States

Megan Rapinoe is one of the top three earners among female footballers. She is a winger for OL Reign and the USA national women's team. She has won the Ballon d'Or Féminin and was named The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2019. Megan Rapinoe earns $447,000 annually.

6. Christine Sinclair - $450k

highest-paid female footballer weekly
Christine Sinclair #12 of Canada looks on against Jamaica during a Paris 2024 Olympic Games Qualifier match at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Photo: Vaughn Ridley
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Christine Margaret Sinclair
  • Date of birth: 12 June 1983
  • Age: 40 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Burnaby, Canada

Christine Sinclair is a highly accomplished Canadian soccer player widely regarded as one of the greatest female soccer players in the world. She is the team captain for Portland Thorns FC and the Canadian national team. Christine Sinclair earns an annual base salary of $450,000.

5. Hope Solo - $500k

highest-paid female footballer premier league
Hope Solo speaks after being inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Photo: Carmen Mandato
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Hope Amelia Stevens
  • Date of birth: 30 July 1981
  • Age: 42 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Richland, Washington, United States

Hope Solo is a former American goalkeeper who played for the United States women's national soccer team. She is a World Cup Champion and two-time Olympic medalist. Hope Solo's salary is approximately $500,000 annually.

4. Carli Lloyd - $518k

average women's soccer salary
Former US football player Carli Lloyd poses with the Women's World Cup trophy during a trophy promotion event in Wellington. Photo: Marty Melville
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Carli Anne Hollins
  • Date of birth: 16 July 1982
  • Age: 41 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Delran, New Jersey, United States

Hollins is a former American professional football player and two-time Olympic gold medallist (2008 and 2012). She is a two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion and a two-time FIFA Player of the Year. She is among the highest-paid female footballer in the world. Carli Lloyd earns an average salary of $518,000.

3. Sam Kerr - $600k

how much do female soccer players make in europe
Sam Kerr of Chelsea Women during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Chelsea FC and West Ham United at Kingsmeadow in Kingston upon Thames, England. Photo: Visionhaus
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Samantha May Kerr
  • Date of birth: 10 September 1993
  • Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: East Fremantle, Australia

Chelsea FC Women's forward Sam Kerr is the highest-paid female footballer in the Premier League. Kerr joined the club in 2019 and is the only footballer to win three Golden Boots in three different leagues. Sam Kerr earns $600,000 annually.

2. Crystal Dunn - $1 million

Who is the highest-paid female soccer player in 2023?
Crystal Dunn #19 of the United States passes the ball during the first half against South Africa at Soldier Field23 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Daniel Bartel/ISI
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Crystal Alyssia Soubrier
  • Date of birth: 3 July 1992
  • Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: New Hyde Park, New York, United States

Crystal is an American footballer who made a fortune in 2015 after bagging the NWSL Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot awards, earning $6 million. Crystal Dunn's salary is alleged to be $1 million annually.

1. Steph Houghton - Over $1.4million

Who is the highest-paid player in the FIFA Women's World Cup?
Steph Houghton of Manchester City during the FA Women's Super League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England. Photo: James Gill
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Stephanie Jayne Darby
  • Date of birth: 23 April 1988
  • Age: 35 years old (as of 2023)
  • Place of birth: Durham, United Kingdom

Steph is an English footballer who is one of the highest-earning football players. Her first team in her career was Sunderland FC before joining the national team in 2007. Her annual salary is over $1.4 million. Steph Houghton earns around $30,190 per week. She is the highest-paid female footballer on weekly basis.

Summary table of highest-paid women soccer players in the world

Rank

Name

Net worth

Nationality

1

Steph Houghton

Over $1.4million

English

2

Crystal Dunn

$1 million

American

3

Sam Kerr

$600k

Australian

4

Carli Lloyd

$518k

American

5

Hope Solo

$500k

American

6

Christine Sinclair

$450k

Canadian

7

Megan Rapinoe

$447k

American

8

Julie Ertz

$430k

American

9

Ada Hegerberg

$416k

Norwegians

10

Marta

$400k

Brazilian

11

Nadine Angerer

$400k

German

12

Amandine Henry

$394,500

French

13

Wendie Renard

$392k

French

14

Trinity Rodman

$281k

American

15

Alex Morgan

$250k

American

16

Lucy Bronze

$240k

English

17

Stina Blackstenius

$100k

Swedish

18

Nicole Banecki

$90k

German

19

Nilla Fischer

$67,500

Swedish

20

Sydney Leroux

$45k

American-Canadian

How much do female soccer players make in Europe?

Determining the precise earnings of female soccer players proves challenging due to the clubs' limited public disclosure. On average, the estimated annual salary is around $58,000.

Who is the highest-paid female soccer player in 2023?

The highest-paid female soccer player as of 2023 is Steph Houghton. She earns more than $1.4 million annually.

Who is the highest-paid player in the FIFA Women's World Cup?

Some of the highest-paid players in the FIFA Women's World Cup include Steph Houghton (Over $1.4million), Crystal Dunn ($1 million) and Sam Kerr ($600k).

How much is the highest female football player paid?

The current highest-paid female football player is Steph Houghton. According to Playersbio, she earns more than $30,190 per week.

These are the highest-paid women soccer players in the world. From salaries to bonuses and brand partnerships, these women are smiling to the bank, thanks to their skill and commitment to what they do best.

Highest-paid women soccer players
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Sportsbrief.com recently posted an article about players with the highest-paid players in Ligue 1. This premier professional football league has long been a stage for some of the world's most talented and celebrated footballers.

Over the years, the league has seen a significant influx of international talent, resulting in increased competition and, as a natural consequence, higher salaries for its top players.

Authors
Jackline Wangare photo
Jackline Wangare
Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Sports Brief covering sports and lifestyle topics. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University and as a Content Creator (Briefly.co.za, Legit.ng, Tuko.co.ke, Yen.com.gh).
Grace Waruguru photo
Grace Waruguru
Grace has over 4 years of experience in article writing and digital media content creation for various local and global brands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University, Kenya.