Money talks: Europe's highest earning football stars

Turkey’s Super Lig: Robin van Persie of Fenerbahce – approximately £240,000 a week

Outside of Europe’s “big five” leagues, it comes as a surprise that the highest paid player actually earns more than the best paid in Germany, Italy and France. Robin van Persie, formerly of Arsenal and Manchester United, earns approximately £240k a week at Fenerbahce.

The Dutch striker made the move to Turkey in July 2015, and what makes his massive wage packet almost more shocking is the fact that Fenerbahce claimed to have only paid Manchester United just over £3m for his signature.

Seen largely as past his prime these days at the age of 33, Van Persie scored 22 goals in 48 appearances in his first season at Fenerbahce, but the investment didn’t quite pay off as it was Besiktas who ended up winning the league. The side currently sit third in the league too which suggests their investment in Van Persie perhaps wasn’t worth the money.

Money talks in football, so don’t be surprised to see these figures continue to rise over the next few seasons!

Until next time....

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

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Edited by Staff Editor