Ranking the Top 7 Highest Paid Female Football Players

In recent years, the popularity and recognition of women's soccer have witnessed a remarkable upswing, accompanied by a notable increase in the financial rewards for top-tier players.

Despite the disparities between men's and women's soccer, player compensation has made significant strides since 1999.

As the beautiful game continues to gather momentum, female footballers sign lucrative contracts that aptly reflect their outstanding skills and contributions to the sport.

In 2023, as reported by Statista, we can identify ten standout female soccer players who command substantial salaries.

1. Sam Kerr - $513,000 per year

At the forefront is the Australian striker, Sam Kerr, who commands a remarkable yearly income of $513,000. She enjoys widespread acclaim as one of the foremost forwards in soccer history and is prominently featured among the standout female soccer players in 2023. As of 2022, she proudly holds the title of the all-time leading scorer for both the Australian national team and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. Remarkably, she stands as the sole female soccer player to have clinched the Golden Boot in three distinct leagues spanning three continents.

2. Alex Morgan - $450,000 per year

As the captain of San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and a key player for the United States women's national soccer team, Alex Morgan holds a prominent role in the realm of women's professional soccer in the United States. In addition to her on-field prowess, she has successfully secured a multitude of endorsement deals with major corporations such as Nike, Panasonic, AT&T, Chobani, McDonald's, P&G, Mondelez International, and Coca-Cola. Her status as the highest-earning American women's soccer player, as recognized by Time magazine in June 2015, can be primarily attributed to these lucrative endorsement agreements.

3. Megan Rapinoe - $447,000 per year

Celebrated for her magnetic charisma both on and off the field, Megan Rapinoe, a versatile winger and midfielder, has been a driving force behind the achievements of the U.S. Women's National Team. She stands as a central figure in the team's numerous victories at FIFA Women's World Cups and Olympic Games. At present, Rapinoe continues to contribute actively while representing the Seattle-based OL Reign in the MLS. Her impressive career includes nearly 200 appearances for the US Women's national team and a remarkable tally of 63 goals.

4. Julie Ertz - $430,000 per year

Julie Ertz, known for her versatility as both a midfielder and defender, has gained renown for her remarkable work ethic and defensive skills. She has proven to be a dependable cornerstone for both the U.S. Women's National Team and her club, consistently delivering outstanding performances. Although she spent the majority of her career with the Chicago Red Stars in the MLS, Ertz recently made a significant transition to join the Los Angeles-based team, Angel City FC.

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5. Ada Hegerberg - $425,000 per year

Hegerberg is a sensation when it comes to scoring goals, and her brilliance has consistently shone on both the club and international stages. With an annual salary of $425,000, Hegerberg's exceptional skills and prolific goal-scoring prowess have firmly established her as one of the highest-earning figures in the world of women's soccer. Her rapid ascent to stardom at a young age cemented her status as one of the globe's most prolific goal-scorers. To date, Hegerberg has impressively notched 156 goals in just 136 appearances for her club, Lyon, playing a pivotal role in securing numerous domestic and international titles, including multiple UEFA Women's Champions League trophies.

6. Marta Vieira - $400,000 per year

Martina, often referred to as "Marta," is a Brazilian forward who enjoys widespread recognition as one of the most illustrious female soccer players in history. She is presently an active player for Orlando Pirates in the MLS and is celebrated as one of the most decorated female athletes in the sport's rich history, having played a pivotal role in Brazil's success for more than two decades. Marta boasts a remarkable club career that has spanned multiple countries and has garnered numerous individual accolades, including the impressive achievement of six FIFA World Player of the Year titles.

7. Amandine Henry - $394,500 per year

Amandine Henry, the French midfielder, has been a cornerstone for her national team and club alike. Widely recognized as an exceptional defensive midfielder, she adeptly harmonizes technical skills, vision, and physical prowess in her playing style. Her impressive passing abilities allow her to set the game's tempo and craft scoring opportunities for her teammates. As the captain of the French national team, she led them to the Quarterfinals in recent Women's World Cups.