MLS Money Kings: The 10 Highest-Earning Stars Dominating American Soccer
The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) has published its latest salary report covering all league participants.
Inter Miami superstars including Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba predictably dominate the highest earners list, while fresh faces joining the league in 2025 also secure spots in the top 10. LAFC's summer acquisition Son Heung-min and San Diego FC's Designated Player Hirving Lozano both feature among the top earners.
Inter Miami stands as the sole franchise with multiple representatives in the top 10.
View the complete rankings below.
Top Earning Players in MLS
Player | Team | Base Salary | Guaranteed Comp. |
|---|---|---|---|
Lionel Messi | Inter Miami CF | $12,000,000 | $20,446,667 |
Son Heung-min | LAFC | $10,368,750 | $11,152,852 |
Sergio Busquets | Inter Miami CF | $8,499,996 | $8,774,996 |
Miguel Almirón | Atlanta United | $6,056,000 | $7,871,000 |
Hirving Lozano | San Diego FC | $6,000,000 | $7,633,333 |
Emil Forsberg | New York Red Bulls | $5,405,000 | $6,035,625 |
Jordi Alba | Inter Miami CF | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 |
Riqui Puig | LA Galaxy | $5,125,000 | $5,779,688 |
Jonathan Bamba | Chicago Fire | $5,000,000 | $5,581,806 |
Hany Mukhtar | Nashville SC | $3,900,000 | $5,311,667 |
Data Supplied by MLS Players Association
Messi tops both base salary and guaranteed compensation categories, with Son trailing closely behind.
From the previous year's rankings, five positions have changed hands. Lorenzo Insigne, Héctor Herrera, Sebastián Driussi, Christian Benteke and Carles Gil previously held spots. The 2025 rankings now feature Son, Miguel Almirón, Lozano, Alba and Jonathan Bamba in their places.
Overall, 135 MLS players earn a minimum of $1 million in guaranteed compensation. The league's minimum compensation stands at $80,622.
Significant changes await next year's top 10 as both Busquets and Alba plan to retire following their playoff campaign. With two openings emerging, particularly a Designated Player position at Miami, the Herons may continue their dominance on future lists.
Messi Advocates for Relaxed MLS Financial Rules
Before the salary report's publication, Messi addressed MLS financial regulations. The Argentine star advocated for relaxing these restrictions to accelerate soccer's development in America.
"First and foremost, every franchise should possess the ability to recruit players and sign whomever they desire—without constraints or regulations limiting player acquisitions," Messi stated.
"Currently, not all American teams, all clubs, possess this capability, and I believe granting them this freedom would attract many more elite players and accelerate soccer's growth in the United States."