Ballon d’Or, FIFA The Best, Laureus Sportswoman of the Year—these are just some of the individual awards won by Aitana Bonmati. That’s just the beginning. Her collective achievements are equally impressive, including five Spanish league titles, three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, the 2023 World Cup, and the UEFA Women’s Nations League. But this doesn’t end here as well.

Now, her impressive record extends to being the highest-paid woman soccer player, thanks to her groundbreaking contract extension with FC Barcelona. As Aitana and her fans proudly celebrate this number, we take a look at some names that she left behind on the list of highest-paid women’s players.

Aitana Bonmati

Addressing the elephant in the room, Aitana Bonmati has signed a contract extension deal with FC Barcelona that keeps her at the cub until 2028. This makes her the highest-paid player in the history of women’s soccer. According to various sources, though the specific figure remains undisclosed, Bonmati’s salary now reaches €1 million ($1.1 million). Even her new release clause is nearly impossible to meet.

This crucial step came after various clubs from NWSL and specifically Chelsea from WSL were reportedly ready to meet her previous release clause and even agreed to offer the 26-year-old a triple salary. However, Barca was keen to maintain their dominance in domestic soccer by holding out one of their best players in the world.

Alexia Putellas

Before Aitana Bonmati, FC Barcelona had tied down another one of their star player, Alexia Putellas. The deal was signed earlier in May and runs until 2026, with the option of a third year. Per reports, it had also made the Spaniard enjoy the crown of the highest-paid player in women’s soccer. Although the exact figure is not disclosed, Putellas is earning €600,000 ($670,000) at the Catalonia-based club.

Having amassed over 190 goals in over 430 games for Barca, the 30-year-old has lifted a whopping 30 major trophies with the Spanish giants. With two more years down the road, she can surely increase her tally alongside her fellow teammate Bonmati.

Ada Hegerberg

Regarded as one of the generational talents in women’s soccer, Ada Hegerberg is the obvious name to come up in this list. Having represented Olympique Lyonnais for more than nine years, the Norwegian forward was also awarded a new contract by the French giants recently. Unfortunately, no exact number has been shared on how much Hegerberg earns from it.

However, several reports suggest that Ada Hegerberg earns similar to what Alexia Putellas earns, €600,000 ($670,000). Of course, this should be the closest to the amount that she pockets, considering her annual pay before the new deal was reported to be €420,000 ($470,000).

Sam Kerr

Another expected name on this list, Sam Kerr, unfortunately, found herself slipping to fourth place. The only player to win the Golden Boot across three different leagues, the Australian international earns a reported figure of €486,000 ($541,00) at Chelsea. It is certainly an amount that made her one of the highest-paid players in women’s soccer at one moment.

The 31-year-old arrived at the London-based club in 2020, and since then, has lifted three WSL titles under Emma Hayes’ reign. Given the forward is beyond her prime, it’s unlikely that she would get a bumper contract extension to match what the aforementioned three stars are earning.

Sophia Smith

Finally, a player from NWSL, Sophia Smith, makes the list of the top 5 highest-paid players in women’s soccer. The USWNT superstar who played a crucial role in helping her nation win a gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics recently acquired a landmark deal from Portland Thorns. Per reports, Smith earns more than $500,000, a landmark number in the history of NWSL.

Earlier, it was Maria Sanchez of San Diego Wave FC who broke records concerning pay with a number closer to $500,000. However, Smith successfully takes the first spot in NWSL and fifth in the overall highest-paid player list. Just 24, the winger surely has the potential to further rally for the top spot taken by Aitana Bonmati.