Premier League's Highest Tax Payers: Top 10 Stars Contribute Over £100 Million

Professional footballers earn eye-watering salaries, but they're also among the largest individual taxpayers in the United Kingdom. The Premier League's highest-paid players collectively contributed more than £100 million to the UK Treasury in the past year.

Between income tax rates reaching 45%, corporation tax, dividend tax, and additional levies for those operating through personal companies, these elite athletes are significant contributors to public coffers. According to analysis by The Sunday Times, the numbers reveal just how substantial these tax bills have become.

Here's a breakdown of the Premier League's top 10 taxpayers.

Players Ranked 6-10

Coming in at tenth place, Arsenal's Kai Havertz contributed £7.8 million in taxes. His Gunners teammate Gabriel Jesus paid slightly more at £7.9 million. Jesus's journey to financial success is remarkable—before the 2014 World Cup, he was painting street curbs in Brazil to earn extra money.

Manchester City's winter signing Omar Marmoush paid £8.8 million in taxes, reflecting the substantial signing bonus the club reportedly offered to secure his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt during the January window. His on-pitch performances haven't yet justified the investment, something City supporters and football bettors have certainly noticed.

Bernardo Silva (£9 million) and Bruno Fernandes (£9 million) occupy the middle positions. Fernandes could theoretically eliminate his UK tax burden by relocating to Saudi Arabia, which has no income tax. However, he would need to remain outside Britain for more than 12 months to qualify for that benefit.

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk contributed £9.7 million following a contract extension that established him as the world's highest-paid defender. It's a remarkable achievement for someone who once earned €3 per hour washing dishes in the Netherlands.

The Top Five Contributors

Raheem Sterling ranks fourth with £9.8 million paid, though this figure will decline significantly in future years. After terminating his Chelsea contract, he's now earning less than one-third of his previous £325,000-per-week wages.

Casemiro paid £10.9 million in taxes, but his appearance on this list may be temporary. The Manchester United midfielder is expected to depart this summer, with Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer both offering considerably more favourable tax environments.

Mohamed Salah ranks second with £14.5 million in taxes. His performance this season hasn't matched previous campaigns—surprisingly, even Tottenham's Richarlison has registered more combined goals and assists. His public disagreement with manager Arne Slot earlier in the season has intensified speculation about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League.

Taking the top spot is Erling Haaland with £16.9 million paid. His contract extension runs through 2034 and includes a salary to match that extraordinary commitment. The Norwegian striker appeared completely unfazed by the massive deal, describing the signing as feeling "really normal." When you're scoring at Haaland's rate, substantial tax obligations are simply part of doing business.