Top 10 Highest-Earning Female Footballers in 2026

Following a recent contract extension, Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman has become the top-earning female footballer worldwide.

Women's football is witnessing rapid growth, both in fanbase and professionalism, which is reflected in rising player salaries. Leading figures such as Alexia Putellas, Sam Kerr, and Aitana Bonmati are shaping the sport's future.

Once marginalized, women's football now stands as a fully professional and fiercely competitive arena. Its players enjoy greater visibility and financial rewards than ever before. Below is a rundown by SheKicks of the ten highest-paid women in the game today.

Despite these impressive earnings, female players' wages remain far below those of male stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly earns £3.4 million weekly at Al Nassr. Still, with leaders like England's Leah Williamson encouraging players to consider alternative careers just a year ago, this list signals progress toward pay equity.

10. Wendie Renard (Lyon & France)

• Yearly salary: £309,000

Lyon’s legendary defender, Wendie Renard, embodies club loyalty, having played there since 2006. She boasts eight Champions League titles, leading Lyon’s defense and scoring 101 league goals despite her defensive role. A true pillar for club and country, Renard's leadership is unmatched.

9. Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)

• Yearly salary: £335,000

Regarded by many as one of the greatest female footballers ever, Marta has six FIFA World Player of the Year awards, including five in a row from 2006 to 2010, plus one in 2018. She holds Brazil's all-time scoring record with 122 goals and leads World Cup scoring with 17 goals. Marta was the first player to score in five different World Cups and also the first to score across five consecutive Olympic Games.

8. Ada Hegerberg (Lyon & Norway)

• Yearly salary: £345,000

Ada Hegerberg stands out as Lyon’s top striker and the all-time leading scorer in UEFA Women’s Champions League history with 69 goals. She set the record for most goals in a single Champions League season (15) and won the inaugural Ballon d’Or Feminin in 2018. Lyon renewed her contract in 2024 despite injury setbacks, securing her services amid interest from Barcelona.

7. Keira Walsh (Chelsea & England)

• Yearly salary: £382,000

Keira Walsh made headlines with her £333,000 transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona in 2022, setting a record. Since returning to England to join Chelsea, she earns more annually than her transfer fee. Known as the midfield anchor, Walsh quietly controlled key matches such as England’s 2022 European Championship final victory.

6. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City & England)

• Yearly salary: £400,000

Lauren Hemp’s talent emerged early, climbing from Bristol City’s youth ranks to Manchester City’s senior squad before turning 18. Praised by Karen Carney as signaling the future of England’s team, Hemp shines as a versatile forward, tallying 20 goals in 72 caps since her 2019 debut. Her consistent threat on the frontline is well recognized.

5. Sam Kerr (Chelsea & Australia)

• Yearly salary: £466,000

Sam Kerr has become an iconic figure in women's football. The Chelsea striker led Australia to the World Cup semifinals on home soil less than two years ago. Despite recent injuries and off-field challenges, she remains Australia's all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 131 appearances. Kerr’s charisma and skill have earned her the nickname “Wizard of Oz” and a lucrative salary reflecting her status.

4. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)

• Yearly salary: £607,000

Few hold the stature of Alexia Putellas in women's football. With two Ballon d’Or trophies, she spearheaded Barcelona’s rise to its first Champions League title. A La Masia graduate, Putellas promotes equality and empowerment through her foundation and documentary. Her contract renewal in May 2024 reflects her immense value on and off the pitch.

3. Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns & USWNT)

• Yearly salary: £739,000

Known formerly as Sophia Smith, Wilson secured a contract extension in late 2025 earning £739,000 per year. She has scored 44 goals for Portland Thorns and 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USWNT. Named US Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2022, Wilson’s speed and ambidexterity make her a potent attacker with potential for a future move to Europe.

2. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona & Spain)

• Yearly salary: £856,000

Aitana Bonmati is Barcelona’s heir apparent to Putellas. Her midfield mastery was crucial to Barcelona’s recent Champions League wins and Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title. The current Ballon d’Or holder signed a lucrative contract extending to 2028. Raised in La Masia, Bonmati is a symbol of success both on the field and through her advocacy of values, humility, and equality.

1. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit & USWNT)

• Yearly salary: £1,480,000

The USWNT has set the benchmark in women’s football, winning four World Cup titles. Trinity Rodman, daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, has forged her own path in the NWSL and national team. In 2026, she signed a record-breaking contract with Washington Spirit, becoming the highest-paid female footballer globally.

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 provided by SheKicks and accurate as of January 27, 2026.