Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Footballers Worldwide in 2026
Following her recent contract extension, Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman has become the highest-paid female footballer globally.
Women's football has rapidly grown in popularity and professionalism, with player salaries increasing substantially. Leading figures like Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, and Aitana Bonmati continue to leave a significant mark on the sport.
Once sidelined as a semi-professional or recreational activity, women's football now stands as a fully professional and fiercely competitive sport in 2026. The players have stepped into the global spotlight, enjoying better pay and opportunities than ever before. While female salaries still lag far behind male stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly earns £3.4 million weekly at Saudi club Al Nassr, the progress is clear. England Lioness captain Leah Williamson's recent advice to players to have backup career plans contrasts with this promising list of top female earners.
10. Wendie Renard (Lyon & France)
- Yearly salary: £309,000
Wendie Renard is often affectionately called "Mrs Lyon" by fans for her unwavering loyalty and influence at the club. Since 2006, she has been central to Lyon's success, winning eight Champions League titles. A commanding centre-back and leader, Renard has also scored 101 league goals, showing her threat on both ends of the pitch.
9. Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)
- Yearly salary: £335,000
Widely regarded as one of the greatest female footballers ever, Marta has claimed the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times. She is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 122 goals and holds the record for most World Cup goals (17). Marta was the first player to score in five different World Cups and five consecutive Olympic Games. Now 39, if her prime had coincided with the modern spotlight on women’s football, she would rank even higher on this list.
8. Ada Hegerberg (Lyon & Norway)
- Yearly salary: £345,000
Ada Hegerberg, the Norwegian forward, is the all-time top scorer in UEFA Women’s Champions League history with 69 goals and set a record with 15 goals in one season. The first Ballon d’Or Feminin winner in 2018, she overcame a tough ligament injury in 2020 but Lyon remained committed, renewing her contract in April 2024 despite interest from Barcelona.
7. Keira Walsh (Chelsea & England)
- Yearly salary: £382,000
Keira Walsh made headlines when she moved from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022 for £333,000, setting a new transfer record. After securing two league and two Champions League titles, she returned to England with Chelsea and now earns more annually than her transfer fee. Though not flashy with goals or assists, Walsh is crucial in midfield, having been vital during England's Euro 2022 win.
6. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City & England)
- Yearly salary: £400,000
Lauren Hemp’s rise has been so impressive that former player Karen Carney joked she retired because Hemp represented the future. Starting senior football young, Hemp is a versatile forward and consistent threat across the frontline. Since debuting internationally in 2019, she’s scored 20 goals in 72 appearances and continues to develop as a key England player.
5. Sam Kerr (Chelsea & Australia)
- Yearly salary: £466,000
Sam Kerr is a global star in women's football, leading Australia to the 2023 World Cup semi-finals at home. Despite recent injuries and a legal dispute over racism allegations, Kerr remains a fan favorite. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Oz," she is Australia's all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 131 caps and formerly held the NWSL scoring record. Besides endorsements like Nike, she earns £466,000 yearly.
4. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
- Yearly salary: £607,000
Alexia Putellas is among the royalty of women's football. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner renewed her contract in May 2024 after leading Barcelona to their first Champions League title. A La Masia graduate, she supports causes for girls’ empowerment through her foundation and is an icon both on and off the pitch, expected to add more honors before retiring.
3. Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns & USWNT)
- Yearly salary: £739,000
Formerly known as Sophia Smith, Wilson extended her contract in late 2025 and now earns £739,000 a year. She has scored 44 goals for Portland Thorns and won the NWSL MVP in 2022. A Colorado native, Wilson has 24 goals in 58 matches for the USWNT. Known for speed and skill, she may eventually move to Europe, increasing her profile further.
2. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona & Spain)
- Yearly salary: £856,000
Aitana Bonmati is seen as the heir to Putellas. Her midfield mastery helped Barcelona win multiple Champions League titles and Spain secure their first World Cup two years ago. Last year, she signed a contract until 2028, becoming the highest-paid female player at Barcelona. Raised at La Masia, Bonmati embodies values of humility and equality, making her a beloved figure worldwide.
1. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit & USWNT)
- Yearly salary: £1,480,000
The success of the USWNT reflects the growth of women's football. Holding four World Cup titles, the US invested early in the women's game. As veterans like Megan Rapinoe step back, new stars like Trinity Rodman rise. Daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, Trinity earned her place through talent alone. In 2026, she signed a record-breaking contract with Washington Spirit, becoming the highest-paid female footballer in the world.
Highest-Paid Female Footballers in 2026
- Rank 1: Trinity Rodman – USWNT, Washington Spirit – £1,480,000
- Rank 2: Aitana Bonmati – Spain, Barcelona – £856,000
- Rank 3: Sophia Wilson – USWNT, Portland Thorns – £739,000
- Rank 4: Alexia Putellas – Spain, Barcelona – £607,000
- Rank 5: Sam Kerr – Australia, Chelsea – £466,000
- Rank 6: Lauren Hemp – England, Manchester City – £400,000
- Rank 7: Keira Walsh – England, Chelsea – £382,000
- Rank 8: Ada Hegerberg – Norway, Lyon – £345,000
- Rank 9: Marta – Brazil, Orlando Pride – £335,000
- Rank 10: Wendie Renard – France, Lyon – £309,000
All figures are from SheKicks and are accurate as of January 27, 2026.
