Key Findings from the Salary Data
According to the initial 2025 salary data released by the MLS Players Association, Lionel Messi of Inter Miami remains the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer, with total compensation reaching $20.4 million. The latest figures also show a shake-up in the top five, with two new faces: Miguel Almiron, back at Atlanta United from Newcastle United, is now the fourth-highest earner at $7.87 million, while Hirving `Chucky` Lozano, signed by expansion side San Diego FC for their debut season, ranks fifth with $7.63 million. Rounding out the top ten is Jonathan Bamba, who joined Chicago Fire FC in the offseason and earns $5.58 million.
MLS Top Ten Earners (2025)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): $20,446,667
- Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC): $15,400,000
- Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami): $8,774,996
- Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United): $7,871,000
- Chucky Lozano (San Diego FC): $7,633,333
- Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC): $6,295,381
- Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls): $6,035,625
- Jordi Alba (Inter Miami): $6,000,000
- Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy): $5,779,688
- Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire): $5,581,806
The Broader Implications
These salary figures underscore the MLS`s increasing financial power and its success in attracting high-profile international stars, reflecting the league`s growth on the global stage.
What Comes Next?
As the 2025 season is now in progress, the focus shifts to these top earners and whether their performance on the pitch will match their substantial compensation packages.
