With a viewership of over 3.5 billion, soccer undoubtedly stands as one of the most popular sports globally. Featuring big-name teams and players along with top-tier sponsorships, the beautiful game also establishes itself as a lucrative sport. While the men’s side needs no introduction—with multi-million-dollar transfer fees and contracts continuing to make history daily—we’re rather keen to know more about the women’s side of the game. Today, we delve into discovering the Highest-Paid Women’s Soccer Player of 2024.

1. Aitana Bonmati

Is there any list where Aitana Bonmatí wouldn’t refuse to let another player take the top spot? We’re not sure about that, but the Barcelona Femení midfielder once again finds herself leading this one. Thanks to her remarkable performances in helping the Catalans dominate La Liga F and UEFA W Champions League, Bonmati earned herself a new contract.

Per sources, as her previous deal kept her in Barcelona until 2025, Joan Laporta and Co. offered the Spanish star a contract until 2028. This deal made Bonmati one of the highest-paid female footballers in the world. While the exact numbers aren’t out, it has been said that the 2x Ballon d’Or winner earns close to a million dollars.

2. Alexia Putellas

Another dazzling Spanish international who plays for Barcelona, Alexia Putellas takes the second place in this list. Coming through the ranks of La Masia just like Aitana Bonmati, the midfielder has also a significant place on this star-studded Catalan side. No wonder she secured her contract renewal with the club last May, making her one of the highest earners at the time—until Bonmati signed her new deal this year.

As per the reports, Alexia Putellas earns a little around $728K at Barcelona. Well, such numbers don’t surprise us considering how crucial the 2x Ballon d’Or has been for the Spanish giants. With over 190 goals in more than 430 appearances for Barcelona, the 30-year-old has claimed an impressive 30 major trophies with the Spanish giants.

3. Sam Kerr

Another unsurprising name on this list is Sam Kerr, who, unfortunately, finds herself overshadowed by the Barcelona duo mentioned earlier. Renowned as the only player to win the Golden Boot in three different leagues, Kerr reportedly earns $560K at Chelsea—a figure she secured in her second contract renewal with the club.

Notably, the 31-year-old joined the London-based side in 2020 and has since claimed three WSL titles under Emma Hayes’ leadership. However, with the forward now beyond her prime, it seems unlikely she will secure a lucrative contract extension like the toppers of this highest-paid women’s soccer player list.

4. Sophia Smith

The fourth place on the list of highest-paid players in women’s soccer is Sophia Smith. One of the first standouts from the NWSL, the USWNT superstar played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal for her nation at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She recently signed a groundbreaking deal with the Portland Thorns. Reports suggest that Smith earns over $500,000—a historic figure in NWSL history.

Considering the potential that Sophia possesses, we wouldn’t be surprised to see her contend for the top spot currently held by Aitana Bonmatí in the coming years. Notably, before Smith, it was Maria Sanchez who had set a record in the NWSL by earning a major breakthrough deal from Houston Dash that was close to $500,000. So consider the 27-year-old Mexican having tied with the USWNT forward on this list as well.

5. Keira Walsh

Another Barcelona star on this list, Keira Walsh takes the 5th place on this list thanks to her transfer from Manchester City in 2022. That saw the Lionesses star secure a significant contract from the Catalans, earning $476K per annum. Since then, the 27-year-old continues to play a crucial role for the Spanish giants.

6. Ada Hegerberg

One of the pioneers in winning the Women’s Ballon d’Or in 2018, Ada Hegerberg is the obvious name to come up in this list. The Norwegian forward, who has spent over nine years representing Olympique Lyonnais, was recently rewarded with a new contract by the French giants. However, the exact details of Hegerberg’s earnings from the deal have not been disclosed. While several reports suggest that Ada Hegerberg earns similar to what Alexia Putellas earns, the new deal sees her pocket around $400K.

7. Marta

Age is just a number for Marta, as the Brazilian veteran continues to push forward. While she announced her retirement at the end of the season—at least on the international stage, following a loss to the USWNT in the 2024 Paris Olympic final—she shows no signs of slowing down domestically. Recently, she helped her team win both the NWSL Shield and Championship. For her contributions, Orlando Pride reportedly pays Marta around $400K.

8. Mallory Swanson

Another NWSL and USWNT superstar, Mallory Swanson doesn’t need an introduction. The forward has proved to be a crucial chess piece not just on the international front but even on the domestic side. That’s why, Chicago Red Stars, now called Chicago Stars, pay Swanson a little around $400K. This figure makes her tie not only with Marta, but other renowned names in NWSL including fellow national teammate and Gotham FC defender Crystal Dunn and Portland Thorns goalie Nadine Angerer.

9. Christine Sinclair

While the 41-year-old may have called it quits for the Canadian National Team, Sinclair continues to do her most for the Portland Thorns. That sees her pocket a little over $360K per annum. Considering she has just years left to display her best on the pitch, we ought to praise the Cannucks icon for earning such a significant amount, surpassing even what many renowned youngsters aren’t earning today’s date!

10. Trinity Rodman

Yes, surprising as it may look but your favorite sensation in the women’s game takes the tenth spot on the highest-paid female footballers in the world list. Having secured a starring role at both the USWNT and Washington Spirit, Rodman penned a record deal at that time. This makes her earn around $281,000 per annum. Then again, if you add her off-pitch earnings, the daughter of Dennis Rodman is surely overshadowing many big names in women’s soccer.