Premier League's Top Earners Face Multi-Million Pound Tax Bills
The financial realities of being a Premier League superstar have been laid bare, with new figures revealing the enormous tax contributions made by the division's highest-paid players. Leading the way are Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, whose combined tax payments exceed £31 million over the past twelve months.
Haaland Tops Football Tax List With Record Contribution
Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has emerged as the Premier League's highest taxpayer, contributing almost £17 million to the UK Treasury in the last year. The 25-year-old, who reportedly earns a basic salary of £500,000 per week at Manchester City, also received approximately £10 million in additional payments through image rights and performance bonuses.
Haaland's substantial tax contribution comes following his decision to sign a new long-term contract with Manchester City last January, which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034. His financial commitment to the UK extends beyond his football earnings, positioning him as one of the country's most significant individual taxpayers.
Salah's Tax Burden Amidst Transfer Speculation
Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah follows closely behind Haaland, having paid £14.5 million in tax over the same period. According to the Sunday Times Football Tax List, Salah earns a basic weekly salary of £400,000, supplemented by at least another £10 million annually from bonuses and image rights agreements.
The revelation of Salah's substantial tax contribution emerges during a challenging period for the Liverpool star. Earlier this season, he was temporarily dropped from the squad for a Champions League match against Inter Milan after publicly stating he no longer had a relationship with head coach Arne Slot. Although Salah quickly rejoined the team following discussions and an apology to colleagues, persistent rumours continue to link him with a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
The Saudi Arabia Tax Advantage
The financial incentives for such a transfer are particularly compelling when considering the tax implications. Unlike the UK, where footballers pay 45% income tax on salaries exceeding £125,000, Saudi Arabia imposes no income tax on players' earnings. This significant difference explains why stars like Cristiano Ronaldo have been attracted to the Middle Eastern league, where they can retain their entire multi-million pound salaries.
Other Premier League Stars Making Substantial Contributions
The tax list reveals several other Premier League players making substantial contributions to the UK Treasury:
- Manchester United's Casemiro ranks third with £10.9 million in tax payments, despite the club confirming his impending departure when his contract expires at season's end
- Former Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, who recently terminated his contract by mutual agreement, contributed £9.8 million
- Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk follows closely with £9.7 million
- Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City's Bernardo Silva are level on £9 million each
Broader Context of UK Taxation
The football tax revelations come as the Treasury emphasises the UK's competitive tax environment. A spokesperson stated: "The UK remains an attractive place to live, invest and run a business, with a highly progressive tax system. Our tax-to-GDP ratio and main capital gains tax rate are lower than any other European G7 member."
Beyond football, the Sunday Times list was topped by bookmakers Betfred, who contributed £400 million to public finances - equivalent to almost £1.1 million daily. The top 100 taxpayers also include entertainment figures such as Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, and Anthony Joshua, demonstrating the diverse sources of substantial tax revenue in the UK.
These revelations provide unprecedented insight into the financial commitments of Premier League stars, highlighting how their extraordinary earnings translate into significant contributions to the UK's public finances while simultaneously illustrating the global financial pressures shaping modern football careers.
