Top 10 Highest Paid Female Soccer Players: Earnings and Insights
As women’s soccer continues its rapid rise across the globe, so do the salaries and sponsorship earnings of its leading stars. This comprehensive overview breaks down the 10 highest-earning female soccer players based on their combined salaries and off-field income over the past year. We’ll also put their earnings into context by comparing them with leading male footballers, highlighting the ongoing gender wage gap in the sport.
Sofia Huerta: Rising Star’s Net Worth
- Total Annual Earnings: $1.3 million
- On-Field Salary: $800,000
- Off-Field Income: $500,000
Sofia Huerta, with roots in both the U.S. and Mexico, is the tenth highest-paid female football player. After briefly representing Mexico internationally, she switched allegiance to the US, where she now plays for Seattle Reign and the USWNT. Endorsement deals significantly boost her earnings, adding half a million dollars to her income.
Rose Lavelle: Consistent Performer and Fan Favorite
- Total Annual Earnings: $1.4 million
- On-Field Salary: $800,000
- Off-Field Income: $600,000
Rose Lavelle, a key figure in the US national team and club soccer, has competed in multiple world cups and Olympics. Beyond her on-pitch salary, endorsement deals—such as those with beverage brands—supplement her earnings, reflecting her stature in the sport and appeal to sponsors.
Lindsey Horan: Breaking Salary Ceilings in Women’s Soccer
- Total Annual Earnings: $1.5 million
- On-Field Salary: $900,000
- Off-Field Income: $600,000
Currently playing for Olympique Lyon, Lindsey Horan commands one of the highest club salaries in women’s football. Known for her midfield prowess, she complements her wages with significant endorsement deals.
Sophia Smith: The Next Generation’s Commercial Powerhouse
- Total Annual Earnings: $2 million
- On-Field Salary: $800,000
- Off-Field Income: $1.2 million
Sophia Smith’s meteoric rise saw her picked first in the 2020 NWSL Draft. She has already led Portland Thorns to a championship and collected MVP honors. Her growing social media presence and brand partnerships with major companies like Nike and Chipotle greatly boost her annual income.
Julie Ertz: Two-Time World Champion’s Earning Power
- Total Annual Earnings: $2 million
- On-Field Salary: $700,000
- Off-Field Income: $1.3 million
Julie Ertz ended her playing days in 2023, having achieved 123 caps, 20 goals for the US, and two World Cup victories. Her final year saw significant income from endorsements, surpassing her club salary and reflecting her iconic status in women’s soccer.
Crystal Dunn: Versatility Pays Off
- Total Annual Earnings: $2 million
- On-Field Salary: $700,000
- Off-Field Income: $1.3 million
Crystal Dunn’s dynamic ability across positions has made her indispensable for both club and country. Now with NJ/NY Gotham FC, Dunn also benefits from sponsorships with global brands such as Mastercard and Therabody, making off-field ventures a key part of her financial success.
Trinity Rodman: Youthful Talent Earning Big
- Total Annual Earnings: $2.3 million
- On-Field Salary: $800,000
- Off-Field Income: $1.5 million
Trinity Rodman, recognized for her impressive skills and famous lineage, has quickly established herself as one of soccer’s most marketable young stars. Major brand collaborations, especially with Adidas, highlight her significant endorsement income, which exceeds her playing salary.
Alexia Putellas: Global Icon Outside the US
- Total Annual Earnings: $4 million
- On-Field Salary: $800,000
- Off-Field Income: $3.2 million
Spain’s Alexia Putellas, captain of FC Barcelona and double Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, is the highest-earning non-American on this list. Her immense popularity is reflected in her social media reach and endorsement deals, placing her among football’s most influential women worldwide.
Megan Rapinoe: From Pitch Legend to Global Figure
- Total Annual Earnings: $7 million
- On-Field Salary: $700,000
- Off-Field Income: $6.3 million
Megan Rapinoe’s legendary career spanned over 200 caps for the US, with two World Cup titles and numerous individual honors. She is not only known for her on-field success but also for advocacy and commercial appeal, with numerous high-profile endorsements from global corporations like Nike, Samsung, and Google.
Alex Morgan: Soccer’s Highest Paid Female Athlete
- Total Annual Earnings: $7.1 million
- On-Field Salary: $800,000
- Off-Field Income: $6.3 million
Alex Morgan stands at the top, both in earnings and global recognition. A two-time World Cup winner and the first female cover athlete for the FIFA video game franchise, she is a force on and off the field. Her commercial endorsements with companies like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America far surpass her player salary, reflecting her massive global influence.
Understanding the Gender Pay Gap in Soccer
Despite the increasing visibility and commercial success of women’s soccer, a substantial disparity remains when comparing top female and male players. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported $260 million annual earnings are more than 37 times greater than Alex Morgan’s income. This discrepancy is rooted in historical factors, commercial investments, and media rights.
- Men’s leagues have much higher valuation of broadcast deals ($2.1 billion per year for the Premier League vs. $9.8 million for the Women’s Super League).
- Brand partnerships and ticket sales for men’s soccer far outpace those in the women’s game.
- Prize money in international tournaments is still heavily tilted in favor of men’s competitions.
Progress Towards Equal Pay in Women’s Soccer
In recent years, slow but significant steps have been taken towards bridging this gap:
- Federations in countries like the US and England now offer equal salaries to their male and female national teams.
- The Premier League has provided financial support to raise the profile of the women’s game in England.
- Calls for FIFA and other governing bodies to match prize money between men’s and women’s World
