Premier League Player Named Highest-Taxed Footballer of the Year
Premier League player Erling Haaland has cemented his position not only as one of the most prolific strikers in football but also as the highest-taxed footballer of the year. According to the latest Sunday Times Football Tax List, the Manchester City forward paid nearly £17 million in tax over the past year, leading all other footballers in terms of tax contribution. This impressive figure underscores Haaland’s substantial earnings and his significant impact on the financial landscape of Premier League stars.
Erling Haaland: The Highest-Taxed Footballer of the Year
Erling Haaland’s remarkable tax contribution can largely be attributed to his lucrative salary and earnings outside of his basic pay. The Norwegian striker, who joined Manchester City in 2022, receives a basic weekly salary of approximately £500,000. However, his total earnings go far beyond this, with an additional £10 million coming from image rights and performance-based bonuses. These combined income streams pushed Haaland’s taxable earnings to a level unmatched by his peers in the sporting world.
The tax figure of nearly £17 million not only highlights the scale of Haaland’s remuneration but also reflects broader trends in football, where top players command huge salaries and endorsement deals. This financial prowess has earned him the distinction of being the highest contributor on the Sunday Times Football Tax List.
Financial Impact and Broader Recognition
Haaland’s status as the highest-taxed footballer coincided with his exceptional on-field performances. His dynamic presence and goal-scoring ability have played a crucial role in Manchester City’s achievements, including their historic Treble win during his debut season. This blend of athletic excellence and financial success illustrates how elite athletes today embody significant economic influence beyond the pitch.
Moreover, Haaland’s tax contributions positioned him well within the wider context of the UK’s top taxpayers. On the broader Sunday Times list, which includes individuals from various sectors, Haaland ranked 72nd among the top 100 taxpayers in the country. This serves as a testament to how footballers, especially those at the pinnacle, are integral contributors to national tax revenue.
Other Top Taxpayers in Premier League Football
While Haaland leads the pack, several other prominent Premier League stars follow closely in terms of tax contributions. Liverpool’s Mo Salah ranked as the second-highest taxpayer among football professionals, paying £14.5 million. Salah’s consistent performances for Liverpool and his status as one of the world’s best forwards have earned him not only sporting accolades but also significant financial rewards.
Trailing behind Salah is Manchester United’s Casemiro, who paid £10.9 million in tax. Casemiro, known for his commanding midfield presence and experience in top-flight football, has become a key figure for his club. His contract and associated earnings ensure that he remains among the elite taxpayers within the sport.
Why Do Footballers Pay Such High Taxes?
Top-level footballers like Haaland, Salah, and Casemiro face significant tax bills due to their enormous salaries, various bonuses, and lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals. In the UK, high earners are subject to a top income tax rate of 45%, and footballers often fall into this bracket due to their multimillion-pound incomes.
Additionally, image rights and bonuses form a considerable portion of footballers’ revenue streams, which also attract taxation. The combination of these factors results in hefty tax contributions, reflecting both their success on and off the field.
Erling Haaland’s Earnings and Tax Contributions
Erling Haaland’s position as the highest-taxed footballer is largely due to his substantial earnings. His weekly basic salary reportedly stands at a staggering £500,000. In addition to this, Haaland earned around £10 million through image rights and bonus payments, which are common income streams for high-profile footballers recognizing their global brand value. These combined earnings resulted in the massive tax contribution of nearly £17 million.
This tax amount places Haaland not just at the top within the footballing community but also high on the wider Sunday Times list of the UK’s top 100 taxpayers, where he ranked 72nd. The level of his tax contribution reflects both the lucrative wages offered in the Premier League and the UK’s progressive tax system applied to high earners.
