Premier League's Biggest Tax Bills Revealed: Which Stars Pay the Most?
Not even Premier League stars can avoid life's inevitable duo: mortality and taxation.
The league's top performers enjoy the world's finest luxuries, but those astronomical salaries come with a price in a nation where income tax can reach 45%. For players who establish companies to benefit from financial structuring advantages, The Sunday Times has also factored in corporation tax, dividend tax, capital gains tax and certain payroll taxes when calculating their 2025 projections.
The Premier League's top 10 tax contributors collectively paid over £100 million ($137.6 million) combined. Who claims footballers don't benefit society?
10. Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
Projected tax contribution: £7.8 million
The versatile German was previously regarded as Arsenal's top earner before Bukayo Saka secured his lucrative new contract in January. The England star will likely appear on this ranking next year with that substantial paycheck coming his way.
9. Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Projected tax contribution: £7.9 million
A seven-figure tax obligation shows quite a journey from Gabriel Jesus's humble origins. To generate additional income as a football-obsessed youngster, the Brazilian decorated his neighborhood streets in anticipation of the 2014 home World Cup.
Two years afterward, Jesus claimed Olympic gold at the Rio de Janeiro games for Brazil alongside Neymar Jr., one of the figures he had painted on his local sidewalks.
8. Omar Marmoush (Man City)
Projected tax contribution: £8.8 million
Among the more unexpected entries on this ranking. Omar Marmoush's substantial tax obligation might reflect the financial package Manchester City provided as motivation to depart Eintracht Frankfurt mid-season.
So far, this appears to have benefited Marmoush's finances—and the U.K. Treasury's revenues—more than City's performance.
7. Bernardo Silva (Man City)
Projected tax contribution: £9 million
Among Bernardo Silva's subtle attributes that Pep Guardiola values beyond his evident technical skills is his ability to maintain composure even after losses. Reviewing his recent tax statement might have tested that composure.
6. Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)
Projected tax contribution: £9 million
Bruno Fernandes could eliminate tax obligations by accepting those massive Saudi Arabian offers. The Kingdom imposes no personal income tax.
Yet, as Jordan Henderson learned, it's more complex. Former U.K. residents must remain outside Britain for the remainder of that tax year plus the entire following year to avoid U.K. tax regulations.
5. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Projected tax contribution: £9.7 million
The two-year extension Virgil van Dijk signed last April established him as the globe's highest-earning defender. What a transformation.
During his youth development in Breda, the Dutch center-back worked washing dishes at a neighborhood restaurant for €3 hourly.
4. Raheem Sterling (Formerly of Chelsea)
Projected tax contribution: £9.8 million
Raheem Sterling's future tax obligations will be significantly reduced. After voluntarily terminating his Chelsea contract this month, the former England player reportedly agreed to accept under one-third of his previous £325,000 weekly salary at Stamford Bridge.
3. Casemiro (Man Utd)
Projected tax contribution: £10.9 million
Casemiro's tax obligations won't continue much longer. Manchester United's midfield anchor has confirmed his departure at season's end.
Saudi Arabia with its tax benefits remains a possibility while Major League Soccer could provide another destination. American taxation varies by state, influencing Casemiro's considerations among his summer suitors.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Projected tax contribution: £14.5 million
Throughout most of his Liverpool tenure, Mohamed Salah has fully warranted his position among the Premier League's top earners. That justification has diminished this season—Tottenham's unpredictable striker Richarlison, for instance, has more league goal contributions than Liverpool's star.
Salah's Premier League future appears uncertain, with persistent Saudi Pro League connections intensified by mid-season tensions with Arne Slot.
1. Erling Haaland (Man City)
Projected tax contribution: £16.9 million
Haaland's January 2025 contract extension involved impressive figures. While attention focused on its remarkable duration through summer 2034, the included salary is equally substantial.
"This feels completely natural for me," Haaland remarked casually. "I have positive feelings about it."