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Ligue 1 has undoubtedly been the talk of the town during this year's summer transfer window. Things seem to be working just in the right direction for France's top-level football.
The league that was dominated by PSG saw a new champion in Lille just last term. In order to bolster their side and regain the Ligue 1 trophy, PSG went all in to sweep the transfer market in their favor.
While the French league is one of the much-anticipated battlegrounds this season, let's take a look at who's paid the most within the Ligue 1. However, with PSG being the sole dominant force when it comes to financial matters within Ligue 1, it won't be much of a surprise to see where these 10 players hail from.
Top 10 highest paid Ligue 1 players in 2021:
#10 Presnel Kimpembe (PSG) — €212,000/Week
Unfortunately, the team's vice-captain Kimpembe poses a threat to his position in the form of new arrival and veteran of the game, Sergio Ramos. However, the same does not change the fact that Presnel Kimpembe is indeed one of the most valuable players in Ligue 1.
Since 2016, the French international has cemented his position at the heart of defense with the Parisians. He is also an influential figure in France's international outings.
Presnel Kimpembe started off his career with the Parisians and has donned the PSG jersey for over 220+ games so far across all competitions.
#9 Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG) — €230,000/Week
Widely considered goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon's successor, Gianluigi Donnarumma, has already started living up to expectations at a young age.
Signing the EURO 2020 Player of the Tournament as a free agent from AC Milan has been an absolute bargain for Pochettino's side. Even though the Italian shot-stopper is yet to mark his debut at the club, he is one of the most handsomely paid players within Ligue 1.
At a young age of 22, Donnarumma's experience is massive. The Italian goalie has played over 250+ games across all competitions at club level. The only downside of his career so far has been the trophy count.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has laid hands on just one trophy at club level — the 2016 Supercoppa Italiana. The youngster's main motive for signing for the Ligue 1 side should undoubtedly be to collect as many trophies as possible to decorate his scintilliating career.
#8 Keylor Navas (PSG) — €230,000/Week
Keylor Navas arrived in Paris after a highly decorated stint at Real Madrid. Despite being at the pinnacle of his form, the Costa Rican had to make way for Los Blancos' high-profile signing Thibaut Courtois.
History seems to be repeating for Keylor Navas as the club has got a new keeper who is none other than Gianluigi Donnarumma himself. As of now, Pochettino still believes in deploying Keylor between the sticks. But what lies ahead for the former Real Madrid number 1, is unbeknownst.
Due to his experience with Real Madrid in continental competitions, Keylor Navas has proven handy to the Ligue 1 side on numerous occasions. Especially in the UEFA Champions League.
#7 Angel Di Maria (PSG) — €270,000/Week
With PSG, Angel Di Maria's career took a positive turn for the first time since leaving the Bernabeu. The Argentine struggled to find his form with Manchester United for various reasons. However, all of his misery came to an end after signing for the Ligue 1 giants.
At Real Madrid, facing competition from the club's record in-bound player Gareth Bale forced Angel Di Maria to move away without even putting up a challenge. Unfortunately for him at Old Trafford, he couldn't perform as well as his price tag. Inconsistent playing roles and tactics cost Di Maria his form at Manchester United.
However, all these are now bygones as the Argentine has found his rhythm once again. At PSG, he remains one of the most respected players. Di Maria won numerous titles with the club and even lifted the Copa America 2021 with his national side. The Argentine pockets €270,000/week in terms of wages.
#6 Marco Verratti (PSG) — €288,000/Week
Marco Verratti is one of those players who has proven stature doesn't matter when it comes to football. The Italian has collected a massive amount of trophies with the Ligue 1 club and has added EURO silverware just recently.
PSG have often struggled to find a replacement for Marco Verratti each time the Italian was sidelined due to an injury. The same shows how irreplaceable he is in Paris. Marco Verratti has always been a manager's favorite and the same can be accredited for his hard work on the field.
The 28-year-old's work rate has been impressive in every game and his versatility has helped him switch between aiding his forwards and defenders from time to time.
A brainiac in midfield, Verratti has the ability to control the tone of the game from the center of the park. For his services, PSG pays him €288,000/Week.
#5 Marquinhos (PSG) — €288,000/Week
The club's captain has shown a high level of maturity and leadership quality from a young age itself.
Marquinhos is one of the most formidable center-backs in the world right now and he just keeps getting better season after season. Apart from guarding PSG's defense, the Brazilian has also been handy in scoring goals during clutch moments.
With age being on his side, the 27-year-old stopper seemingly has a lengthy career lying ahead of him. He has already entered his 9th season with the Ligue 1 outfits and is highly expected to remain with them until he hangs his boots.
#4 Sergio Ramos (PSG) — €405,000/Week
One of the most shocking moves this year saw Real Madrid's legend and long-term player move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.
PSG got Sergio Ramos for free as the former Los Blancos skipper saw an end to his contract with Real Madrid. However, the Ligue 1 outfit didn't shy away from offering the veteran a handsome sum in the form of salary.
Ramos, who is enduring a recovery period, is set to mark his debut in the PSG jersey soon enough. The French side, who were desperately looking for a similar character following Thiago Silva's departure, have found their answers in the Spaniard.
Along with the individual skillset, Ramos also brings in great leadership and big-game experience to the team. The team's current captain, Marquinhos, can learn a thing or two from the natural leader called Sergio Ramos.
#3 Kylian Mbappe (PSG) — €480,800/Week
Arguably the most sought after young talent in the world of football right now has to be Kylian Mbappe. The French international, who was almost roped in by Spanish giants Real Madrid this season, remains at the Ligue 1 club. At least until the end of this season.
Mbappe has been wreaking havoc in Ligue 1 and world football ever since he joined PSG. Combining with other talented forwards within the team just makes the former Monaco man much more lethal.
Mauricio Pochettino's side are considering this term their best shot at the UEFA Champions League title. With the depth that they possess at the moment, it doesn't seem impossible.
#2 Neymar Jr. (PSG) — €710,000/Week
Neymar Jr. can be labeled responsible for single-handedly raising the bar when it comes to transfer fees. The Brazilian's whopping €222 million move from Barcelona is, to date, the most-expensive transfer of all time.
Neymar couldn't flourish as much as he did with the La Liga outfit in terms of winning team and individual accolades. But the 29-year-old has been earning a mammoth sum with the Parisians.
Neymar, who entered his 5th season with Paris Saint-Germain, has already got into the team's top 10 list of all-time goal scorers. Linked with former teammate Leo Messi, it is expected of Neymar to bring the much-anticipated Champions League trophy to Paris.
#1 Lionel Messi (PSG) — €729,000/Week
Having been tipped as the most successful 'one club man', Leo Messi's future presented him with something that no one expected. Not even him. Arguably the best player ever on the planet is all set for new beginnings at his new home — Paris.
The Argentine, who has kissed almost every trophy at individual and club level, has embarked on a new stint by making two appearances for PSG. Though Messi is yet to be featured on the goal scorers' list, with his prowess, it's definitely just around the corner.
Signing Lionel Messi for free was an absolute win for the Ligue 1 giants. Hence they didn't hold back in paying their best and most experienced player with a hefty wage of €729,000/Week.
