Champions League: Wage Bill of All 36 Teams in League Phase Revealed

You know how the old adage goes: money just makes the world go round – and this is also true for football clubs across Europe, which want to sign and, as a result, pay the best footballers in the world as much as possible. So much so that it is frequently used as a bargaining tool in transfer discussions.

However, when it comes to those competing in the Champions League this season, it’s no surprise that there is a wage disparity between what Real Madrid and Bayern Munich can afford and that of Qarabag and Pafos FC, two clubs regarded as minnows in the competition.

Historically and theoretically, teams with the financial capacity to play at the highest level of European competition are more likely to win in the final stages of the competition and hence carry the trophy aloft. All 36 teams are now in the thick of things, and SalaryLeaks has revealed the details behind each club’s payroll.

36. Kairat Almaty – £2.6 million

Kairat Almaty, who began their campaign with a 5-0 loss to Real Madrid, are one of the lowest-ranked clubs at Europe’s top table this season, and it’s not surprising that they’re near the bottom. This season, the Kazakhstan Premier League club is spending a measly £2.6 million on wages.

35. Pafos – £3.1 million

Pafos FC signed ex-Chelsea and Arsenal defender David Luiz in the summer, and they’re hoping his experience will help them win some games. In the aim of doing so, they are reportedly spending £3.1 million on wages this year.

34. Slavia Prague – £5.4 million

Aside from football, there are few stadiums as loud as Slavia Prague’s Fortuna Arena. Losing their curtain raiser 3-0 to Inter Milan will not dampen the spirits of fans from the Czech capital, a team that spends only £5.4 million on wages.

33. Bodo/Glimt – £6.4 million

Bodo/Glimt are only ahead of Slavia Prague in 33rd place, with player wages totalling £6.4 million. Being back in the top leagues means that paying their players a little more is expected, and centre-forward Kasper Hogh, 24, is their highest-paid player.

32. Qarabag – £6.5 million

Qarabag, as expected, is towards the bottom of GIVEMESPORT’s 2025/26 Champions League Power Rankings – but that is to be expected from a team with something to prove in Europe. This season, the founding members of the Azerbaijan Premier League in 1992 will spend £6.5 million on wages.

31. Union Saint-Gilloise – £9.4 million

Soufiane Boufal, a Paris native who previously played for Southampton and Angers, is now Union Saint-Gilloise’s highest-paid player. The Belgian team spends £9.4 million and is rated 31st overall.

30. Copenhagen – £15.2 million

FC Copenhagen is by far Denmark’s biggest club, although its pay cost of £15.2 million is one of the lowest in Europe. In fact, they are rated 30th, with Mohamed Elyounoussi the highest earning.

29. Olympiacos – £16.3 million.