Courtois and the cash kings: La Liga’s top 10 highest-paid players

La Liga is where the football magic happens, and where the salaries can make your head spin. Here's a rundown of the top 10 highest-paid players in Spain’s top football league, featuring heavyweights, a couple of surprises, and our very own Red Devil Thibaut Courtois.

1. Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona

Annual wage: €37M

Topping the list is Barcelona's midfield maestro, Frenkie de Jong, who’s raking in more cash than a small bank. Apparently, threading the needle in midfield is a skill highly valued at Camp Nou. Yes, we were a bit surprised. Especially since he hasn’t played due to his injury - which caused him to miss EURO2024 and transfer rumours still come and go. De Jong’s staying put, nevertheless. Which we understand, because who’d leave a salary like that?

2. Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona

Annual wage: €33M

Next up, Robert Lewandowski, the Polish goal machine. After years of terrorizing Bundesliga defenders at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, he’s now doing the same in La Liga, and getting handsomely paid for it. His salary suggests he’s not just there to score goals but also to empty the coffers at Camp Nou.

3. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid

Annual wage: €30M

Surprise, surprise! Kylian Mbappé, the French sensation and new crown jewel of Real Madrid, IS NOT the highest earner in La Liga. While many would have bet their house on him leading this list, he comes in at a respectable third. But he still earns enough money to buy an island. He’s La Liga’s golden boy, and Real Madrid fans are hoping he’ll stay long enough to earn every cent of his substantial wage.

4. David Alaba – Real Madrid

Annual wage: €22M

Versatility pays off, just ask David Alaba. Whether in defense or midfield, his hefty salary ensures he’s compensated for every position he covers. Real Madrid values his Swiss Army knife capabilities, and it shows in his paycheck.

5. Jan Oblak – Atletico Madrid

Annual wage: €20,5M

Jan Oblak’s goalkeeping skills are worth a fortune. Literally. With reflexes that defy physics, he’s the wall Atletico Madrid relies on. His salary is a nod to his importance – and probably to keep him from thinking about moving elsewhere.

6. Vinícius Jr. – Real Madrid

Annual wage: €20,5M

Vinícius Jr. brings Brazilian flair and, yes, an eye-watering salary to Real Madrid. His speed and dribbling skills make defenders look silly, while his pay check ensures he’s laughing all the way to the bank. (And ‘Vini’ loves to laugh…) Rumour has it, he’s not planning to leave Madrid anytime soon.

7. Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Annual wage: €18,6M

Jude Bellingham’s move from Dortmund to Real Madrid didn’t just boost his career – it also boosted his bank balance. The young Englishman’s earning enough to fund a football academy back home. But with his talent, Madrid’s getting a bargain.

8. Ilkay Gündogan – Barcelona

Annual wage: €16,4M

Ilkay Gündogan’s switch to Barcelona came with a hefty salary package. Known for his midfield mastery, Gündogan’s earnings are enough to make anyone consider a career change. Barcelona’s betting big on his experience and leadership.

9. Federico Valverde – Real Madrid

Annual wage: €14,8M

Federico Valverde’s blend of power and precision in the midfield is rewarded with a handsome salary. Real Madrid’s investment in Valverde is a clear sign they see him as a cornerstone for the future. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love that pay check?

10. Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid

Annual wage: €14,3M

Our very own Red Devil Thibaut Courtois rounds out the top ten. As the second highest-paid goalkeeper in La Liga, his performances are worth every euro. Whether it’s a spectacular save or commanding the box, Courtois is living the dream – and earning like it too.

What do we think?

These players aren’t just football stars; they’re walking treasure chests. With talent, flair, and salaries that could make your eyes water, they make La Liga one of the most exciting leagues in the world. Tune in for the goals, stay for the drama – and marvel at the sheer amount of cash floating around.