Top 10 Highest-Earning Female Footballers Worldwide in 2026
Trinity Rodman has become the highest-paid female footballer globally after renewing her contract with Washington Spirit. The growth of women’s football continues to push salaries upward, reflecting the sport's rising popularity and professionalism.
Years ago, women's football struggled for recognition and was often considered semi-professional or purely recreational. Now, in 2026, it stands as a fully professional, fiercely competitive arena where players thrive both on and off the pitch. Below is a detailed list compiled by SheKicks featuring the 10 top earners in the women's game.
While female players still earn significantly less than male stars—Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly earns £3.4 million weekly at Al Nassr—the advances in pay for women like England captain Leah Williamson show promise for more balanced earnings in the future.
10. Wendie Renard (Lyon & France)
- Yearly salary: £309,000
Known affectionately as "Mrs Lyon," Wendie Renard has been a pillar of her club since 2006. Her leadership and defensive skills have helped Lyon secure eight Champions League titles. Renard is also a formidable goal scorer, netting 101 league goals.
9. Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)
- Yearly salary: £335,000
Marta is often called the greatest female footballer ever. She holds records including six FIFA World Player of the Year awards and Brazil's all-time top scorer with 122 goals. Marta also set milestones in World Cup and Olympic scoring history.
8. Ada Hegerberg (Lyon & Norway)
- Yearly salary: £345,000
Ada Hegerberg holds the record for most goals in a UEFA Women's Champions League season and the highest total in the competition overall. Despite injuries, Lyon extended her contract in 2024, ensuring she remains a key player.
7. Keira Walsh (Chelsea & England)
- Yearly salary: £382,000
After a record transfer to Barcelona in 2022, Walsh returned to Chelsea, earning more annually than her original fee. She plays a crucial role controlling midfield for club and country and recently helped Chelsea secure a domestic treble.
6. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City & England)
- Yearly salary: £400,000
Lauren Hemp's talent propelled her into senior football as a teenager. Known for versatility and constant threat across the frontline, she has scored 20 goals in 72 appearances for England and earned a spot in the WSL Team of the Year.
5. Sam Kerr (Chelsea & Australia)
- Yearly salary: £466,000
Sam Kerr is a superstar known as the "Wizard of Oz" in Australia. She led her country to the 2023 World Cup semifinals and remains Australia’s all-time leading scorer with 69 goals. Injuries and legal issues slowed her but she continues to inspire.
4. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
- Yearly salary: £607,000
Alexia Putellas is often regarded as royalty in women's football. A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, she guided Barcelona to their first Champions League title and advocates for equality through her foundation and public influence.
3. Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns & USWNT)
- Yearly salary: £739,000
Sophia Wilson, formerly Smith, extended her contract in late 2025. She has scored 44 goals for Portland and 24 for the USWNT, earning MVP honors in 2022. Known for pace and skill, she might attract European interest soon.
2. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona & Spain)
- Yearly salary: £856,000
Aitana Bonmati is seen as Alexia Putellas' heir at Barcelona. Her midfield mastery helped clinch multiple Champions League titles and Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup in 2024. She promotes values of equality and humility.
1. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit & USWNT)
- Yearly salary: £1,480,000
Trinity Rodman represents the progress of US women's football, which boasts four World Cup titles. Daughter of NBA star Dennis Rodman, she earned a record-breaking contract in 2026, becoming the highest-paid female footballer worldwide.
Highest-Paid Female Footballers in 2026
- 1. Trinity Rodman - USWNT, Washington Spirit: £1,480,000
- 2. Aitana Bonmati - Spain, Barcelona: £856,000
- 3. Sophia Wilson - USWNT, Portland Thorns: £739,000
- 4. Alexia Putellas - Spain, Barcelona: £607,000
- 5. Sam Kerr - Australia, Chelsea: £466,000
- 6. Lauren Hemp - England, Manchester City: £400,000
- 7. Keira Walsh - England, Chelsea: £382,000
- 8. Ada Hegerberg - Norway, Lyon: £345,000
- 9. Marta - Brazil, Orlando Pride: £335,000
- 10. Wendie Renard - France, Lyon: £309,000
All figures sourced from SheKicks as of January 27, 2026.
