Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Militão, and Endrick among the club’s highest-paid players

Real Madrid continues its tradition of investing in Brazilian talent, currently boasting four players from the country in its squad: Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes, Éder Militão, and Endrick. In addition to their technical impact on the pitch, these players also stand out in the club’s payroll, ranking among the highest-paid members of the squad. The substantial financial investment reflects their prominence and the management’s confidence in their performance. Their contracts include impressive salaries and performance-related bonuses, reinforcing Real Madrid’s position as one of the clubs that most value Brazilian talent in European football.

Star forward Vinícius Júnior, a key figure in Real Madrid’s attack, earns one of the highest salaries on the team, surpassed only by Kylian Mbappé and David Alaba. Rodrygo Goes, another attacking talent, secured a lucrative contract renewal until 2028 and is among the club’s top ten earners. In defense, Éder Militão, despite being sidelined by injury, remains one of the most highly valued center-backs in European football. Endrick, the newest Brazilian prospect to join Madrid, has a more modest salary compared to his compatriots, but his contract includes clauses that could increase his earnings over the coming years.

Real Madrid’s significant investment in acquiring and retaining these players highlights the club’s strategy of relying on young talents to maintain its dominance in Europe. Besides their on-field contributions, these Brazilians are valuable assets in the transfer market, providing both technical and financial returns. Below is a detailed analysis of their contracts, positions in the payroll, and economic impact on the Spanish giants.

vinícius júnior: attacking star and one of the highest-paid players

Vinícius Júnior has established himself as one of Real Madrid’s most important players, which is reflected in his salary. The forward currently earns a gross annual salary of €20.83 million (R$123 million), equating to approximately R$10.25 million per month. His contract also includes performance-related bonuses of up to €4.17 million (R$25 million) per year, depending on whether he meets certain club objectives.

Arriving at Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018, Vinícius transitioned from a promising prospect to a key player in the attack. His performances helped secure major titles for the club, leading to a contract renewal in 2023 that extends until 2027, ensuring one of the squad’s top salaries. In Real Madrid’s wage hierarchy, he holds the third-highest salary, behind only Kylian Mbappé and David Alaba.

• Year of arrival at Real Madrid: 2018
• Annual gross salary: €20.83 million (R$123 million)
• Monthly salary: R$10.25 million
• Annual performance bonuses: €4.17 million (R$25 million)
• Current contract duration: Until 2027
• Position in club’s payroll: Third-highest salary in the squad

rodrygo goes: rising star with a lucrative contract until 2028

Rodrygo Goes, aged 23, has also secured a key role in Real Madrid’s starting lineup, and his salary reflects his growing influence in the squad. The forward earns €12.5 million annually (R$74 million), which translates to approximately R$6.17 million per month. In 2022, he extended his contract until 2028, guaranteeing his long-term stay at the club with a substantial financial package.

Rodrygo joined Real Madrid in 2019 from Santos and quickly showcased his potential. He has been instrumental in decisive matches, solidifying his importance to the team. Although he earns less than Vinícius Júnior, he still ranks among the top ten highest-paid players in the squad, earning similar figures to midfielders such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

• Year of arrival at Real Madrid: 2019
• Annual gross salary: €12.5 million (R$74 million)
• Monthly salary: R$6.17 million
• Current contract duration: Until 2028
• Position in club’s payroll: Among the top ten highest salaries

éder militão: highly valued defender despite injury setback

Despite being sidelined with a knee injury, Éder Militão remains one of the highest-paid defenders in European football. The Brazilian center-back earns an annual salary of €14.58 million (R$87 million), equating to R$7.25 million per month. Militão renewed his contract in 2024, securing a long-term future at Real Madrid.

Since joining the club from FC Porto in 2019, Militão has become a defensive stalwart for Real Madrid. Before his injury, he was considered an essential part of the team’s backline. His continued high salary reflects his consistent performances in previous seasons, where he played a crucial role in securing recent titles.

• Year of arrival at Real Madrid: 2019
• Annual gross salary: €14.58 million (R$87 million)
• Monthly salary: R$7.25 million
• Current contract duration: Renewed in 2024
• Position in club’s payroll: Among the highest-paid defenders in Europe

endrick: young talent with a promising future and potential salary growth

At just 18 years old, Endrick is Real Madrid’s latest Brazilian signing. His salary is lower than that of his more experienced compatriots, but he still earns €4.16 million annually (R$24.5 million), which equals R$2.04 million per month. His contract is expected to be adjusted as he adapts to European football and cements his place in the squad.

Endrick was signed from Palmeiras, where he stood out from a young age. His acquisition aligns with Real Madrid’s long-term strategy of investing in promising youth talents, aiming to develop future superstars.

• Year of arrival at Real Madrid: 2025
• Annual gross salary: €4.16 million (R$24.5 million)
• Monthly salary: R$2.04 million
• Contract duration: Initial contract, with potential for future increases
• Position in club’s payroll: Among the lowest salaries in the first-team squad

financial impact of real madrid’s payroll

Real Madrid maintains one of the most expensive wage bills in world football. For the 2024-2025 season, the club is projected to spend around €272.96 million annually (R$1.61 billion) on salaries, which equates to R$31 million per week in player wages. These high costs highlight the club’s commitment to retaining top talent and remaining competitive in domestic and international competitions.

Top salaries at Real Madrid:

• Kylian Mbappé: €31.25 million (R$184 million)
• David Alaba: €22.5 million (R$133 million)
• Vinícius Júnior: €20.83 million (R$123 million)
• Jude Bellingham: €20.83 million (R$123 million)
• Éder Militão: €14.58 million (R$87 million)
• Rodrygo Goes: €12.5 million (R$74 million)
• Endrick: €4.16 million (R$24.5 million)

Real Madrid’s reliance on Brazilian talent is nothing new. Legendary figures such as Ronaldo Nazário, Kaká, Marcelo, and Casemiro have left a lasting legacy at the club. The current generation, featuring Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Militão, and Endrick, continues this tradition, securing both financial and sporting success for the Spanish giants.