Top 5 highest paid teenagers in world football in 2026

How much young footballers should be earning — given the lifestyle and opportunities that kind of money brings — has long been debated. In 2007, former Gordon McQueen and Manchester United defender said in The Guardian that young players were being paid far too much. He argued that they were enjoying “the trappings of being a successful player without actually being one,” meaning they were living like stars before truly proving themselves on the pitch.

Here are the top five highest paid teenagers in world football in 2026.

5. Archie Gray – €89,277 per week

Archie Gray’s wages say a lot about how highly Tottenham Hotspur F.C. rate the teenager. The club moved quickly to sign him in 2024, making it clear they saw him as a key part of their future.

Since arriving in North London, the midfielder has become an important member of the squad, showing maturity beyond his years. His salary reflects that belief, placing him among the highest-paid teenagers in football — a strong statement of Tottenham’s confidence in his talent and potential.

4. Mathys Tel – €96,154 per week

Mathys Tel arrived at FC Bayern Munich with the reputation of being one of Europe’s brightest young prospects. The teenage forward didn’t need much time to show flashes of his talent whenever he was given the chance, impressing fans with his pace, confidence, and eye for goal.

However, consistent opportunities were hard to come by, and his development stalled. A loan move to Tottenham Hotspur F.C. changed everything.

During the second half of the 2024–25 season, Tel played a key role in Spurs’ UEFA Europa League triumph, quickly becoming a fan favorite in North London. His impact was so strong that the club decided to make the move permanent.

Now, Tel isn’t just a promising youngster — he’s seen as one of Spurs’ most exciting talents and a cornerstone for their future.

3. Leny Yoro – £145,000 per week

It was seen as a major statement when Manchester United beat competition from heavyweights like Real Madrid and Liverpool to sign 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro — a deal that made him one of the most expensive young defenders ever.

With several top clubs chasing him, United knew they would have to stretch financially to get the deal over the line. Yoro is set to earn a base salary of £115,000 per week, which could rise to around £145,000 with performance-related bonuses included.

2. Warren Zaire-Emery – €219,231 per week

After stars like Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar left Paris Saint-Germain, the club had to rethink its approach. Instead of chasing another global superstar, PSG appear to be building around young talent — and Warren Zaïre-Emery looks like a key part of that plan.

At just 19, he may not command the eye-watering salaries of the club’s former icons, but earning around €219,231 per week is still an incredible figure for a teenager. It shows just how much faith PSG have in him as they aim to build a team capable of winning the Champions League.

1. Lamine Yamal – €307,692 per week

No 18-year-old in football history has ever signed a contract quite like this.

According to BEIN Sports, Lamine Yamal will now be one of Hansi Flick’s highest-paid players at FC Barcelona. His new deal reportedly includes a base salary of €15 million per season, which could rise to €20 million with performance-related bonuses.

For Barcelona, tying down their brightest young star was essential. Yamal has quickly become one of the club’s most valuable assets, and securing his future — while rewarding him with a significant pay rise — sends a clear message about how highly he is valued.

Most importantly, he continues to prove on the pitch that he’s worth every euro.

Cover Credits - 90Min.com