Women’s football may have experienced huge growth over the past decade, but the finances in the game still cower in comparison to the men’s game. The women’s game lags behind in comparison, but the highest earners in the sport still make significantly more than the average worker. While Ronaldo earns over €200m per year, the highest-paid women soccer player is Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, earning a reported €480,000 annually.
Kerr, an Australian international, has long been recognized as one of the game’s top players, although she has yet to win the Ballon d’Or. In both 2021 and 2022, she finished third, with Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas winning in both years.
USWNT legends Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe may be entering the twilight of their careers, but they are second and third on the list of the best paid women’s footballers. Morgan earns a reported €432,000 per year at San Diego Wave, slightly ahead of Megan Rapinoe’s €430,000 annual salary with OL Reign.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Women Soccer Players in 2023:
Please note that this is a ranking based on salary alone. It does not take into account other factors such as on-field performance, popularity, or endorsements.
| RANK | PLAYER | SALARY (GBP) | SALARY (USD) |
| 1 | Sam Kerr | 417,000 | 511,565 |
| 2 | Alex Morgan | 375,000 | 456,397 |
| 3 | Megan Rapinoe | 373,000 | 454,481 |
| 4 | Julie Ertz | 359,000 | 439,450 |
| 5 | Ada Hegerberg | 355,000 | 434,361 |
| 6 | Marta | 344,000 | 420,135 |
| 7 | Amandine Henry | 320,540 | 392,133 |
| 8 | Wendie Renard | 318,510 | 390,590 |
| 9 | Christine Sinclair | 308,760 | 377,866 |
| 10 | Trinity Rodman | 228,320 | 280,458 |
10. Trinity Rodman- £228,320
Trinity Rodman, aged only 20, secured a lucrative deal worth nearly £1 million in 2022. As the daughter of renowned NBA player Dennis Rodman, she made history by becoming the youngest player ever to be drafted into the NWSL. Despite her limited experience and unfamiliarity with Washington DC, Rodman seamlessly adjusted to the higher level of play.
She earned accolades such as Rookie of the Year, a spot in the Best XI, and even a nomination for the 2022 Ballon d’Or Féminin. Rodman has already made her debut for the US national team, and her future looks promising for a successful international career. She is at No 10 on our list of highest-paid female soccer players in 2023.
9. Christine Sinclair – £308,760
Christine Sinclair, a prolific goal-scorer, holds the record for the most international goals in both men’s and women’s football. She is also one of only three players, alongside Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo, to score in five different FIFA World Cups.
While Sinclair began her club career in Vancouver, she has been a member of the Portland Thorns since 2013, showcasing her talent and experience in the National Women’s Soccer League. She is no 9th in our list of highest-paid women soccer players in 2023.
8. Wendie Renard – £318,510
Wendie Renard, a towering presence both physically and metaphorically in women’s football, has an illustrious career with Lyon, boasting an incredible 14 league titles and eight European cups. Despite being just 32 years old, the Schœlcher native has ample time to further expand her trophy cabinet.
Renard’s consistently outstanding performances have earned her multiple selections to the IFFHS Women’s World Team between 2017 and 2022, acknowledging her excellence.
7. Amandine Henry- £320,540
As another integral member of Lyon’s dominant squads, Amandine Henry may not possess as extensive a collection of accolades as Renard, but she has been twice chosen for the IFFHS Women’s World Team and received the Silver Ball at the 2015 World Cup.
Holding down the midfield for both Lyon and France, Henry has consistently ranked in the top three of the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year voting on four occasions, showcasing her influential presence in the game.
6. Marta- £344,000
Marta is widely regarded as the greatest female footballer ever, renowned for her exceptional playmaking and frequent goal-scoring abilities. Her mesmerizing dribbling skills and captivating flair have drawn comparisons to legendary figures such as Ronaldinho and Pelé, with six FIFA World Player of the Year awards to her name.
Marta’s remarkable record of 17 World Cup goals surpasses any other player, male or female, and her illustrious career has seen her thrive at clubs ranging from Vasco da Gama to Los Angeles, Stockholm, and Orlando.
5. Ada Hegerberg- £355,000
Ada Hegerberg, the winner of the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2018, is a once-in-a-generation talent in scoring goals. Since joining Lyon in 2014, she has averaged more than a goal per game, establishing herself as a prolific striker.
Hegerberg holds the record for the most goals in the history of the UEFA Champions League, further solidifying her reputation as an extraordinary goal-scoring force.
4. Julie Ertz- £359,000
Julie Ertz, who gained recognition as a standout player during her college years with the Santa Clara Broncos, spent her entire club career with the Chicago Red Stars before being traded to Angel City FC in 2021.
As a vital member of two World Cup-winning teams for the USA, Ertz exhibits elite skills in both central defense and midfield, often dictating play with her impressive passing range from deeper positions. While her future may hold uncertainties after becoming a mother in August 2022, Ertz has already built an extraordinary playing career.
3. Megan Rapinoe- £373,000
Megan Rapinoe, perhaps the most renowned female footballer globally, is not only a talented and intelligent winger but also an outspoken activist. Honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden in 2022, Rapinoe’s influence extends beyond her on-pitch achievements, which are remarkable in their own right.
With two World Cup victories under her belt, she claimed the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2019, securing a considerable lead over Lucy Bronze and Alex Morgan. While the duration of Rapinoe’s active playing career remains uncertain as she enters her thirties, she continues to be one of the sport’s highest earners.
2. Alex Morgan- £375,000
Alex Morgan, with 120 international goals to her name and two appearances on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list, has represented several clubs worldwide and currently plays for the San Diego Wave. Her Champions League victory with Lyon in 2017 highlights her exceptional goal-scoring abilities at both club and international levels.
Morgan’s status as one of the world’s most marketable footballers is evident and her brief stint with Tottenham in late 2020, garnered additional attention for the WSL before she returned to the Orlando Pride in Florida.
1. Sam Kerr- £417,000
At the No 1 spot in our list of the top 10 highest-paid female soccer players is Sam Kerr. Sam Kerr, the only female player to secure the Golden Boot in three different leagues, stands as one of the most prominent stars in the game.
Since joining Chelsea Women, Kerr has claimed three Super League titles while accumulating further individual honors. Her exceptional goal-scoring prowess and overall impact have propelled her to the top of the women’s football hierarchy, making her the highest-paid female footballer in 2023.
Sam Kerr, a versatile forward, possesses an incredibly impressive CV that few players can match. Watching her play is a delight as she seamlessly combines mobility with exceptional technical skills, and her goal-scoring record is the envy of most strikers.
Highest-Paid Women Soccer Players- Frequently Asked Questions.
There are several reasons why female soccer players are paid less than male soccer players. One reason is that women’s soccer is not as popular as men’s soccer. This means that there is less money in the women’s game, which leads to lower salaries. Another reason is that women’s soccer is not as well-marketed as men’s soccer. This means that there are fewer opportunities for women’s soccer players to earn money through endorsements and other sponsorships.
There are several things that can be done to close the gender pay gap in soccer. One thing is to increase the popularity of women’s soccer. This can be done by investing in women’s soccer leagues and tournaments, and by promoting women’s soccer players through media coverage and marketing campaigns. Another thing is to improve the marketing of women’s soccer. This can be done by creating more opportunities for women’s soccer players to earn money through endorsements and other sponsorships.
Female soccer players face several challenges. One challenge is that they are often paid less than male soccer players. Another challenge is that they may not have the same opportunities to play at the highest level as men. Additionally, female soccer players may face discrimination and harassment.
Female soccer players have achieved several successes. In 2019, the United States women’s national team won the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This was the fourth time that the United States had won the World Cup. Additionally, female soccer players have been successful in other areas, such as the Olympics and the professional leagues.
