Position Pay Gap in Football
Forwards are the highest-paid position in football, with an average weekly wage of £86,293 — roughly 1.92× what the average goalkeeper earns (£44,895/week). The pay-gap breakdown below covers average, median, 90th percentile and peak wages for every position.
Verified August 2026
Average Wage Comparison
Full Distribution
| Position | Players | Average | Median | 90th %ile | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | 202 | £86,293 | £40,000 | £132,500 | £4,007,692 |
| Midfielder | 277 | £63,417 | £40,000 | £150,000 | £416,566 |
| Defender | 345 | £51,272 | £35,000 | £120,000 | £410,000 |
| Goalkeeper | 130 | £44,895 | £30,000 | £110,000 | £410,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which football position is paid the most?
Forwards earn the highest average weekly wage, followed by midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers. The gap is most visible at the 90th percentile and maximum, where elite strikers and creative midfielders command premium pay.
How big is the wage gap between goalkeepers and forwards?
The average forward earns roughly 1.5–2x the average goalkeeper. The premium grows at the top: elite forwards earn 3–4x the wage of elite goalkeepers, reflecting the market value placed on goals.
Why are defenders paid less than midfielders?
Midfield includes attacking-midfielder and number-10 roles that share offensive output with forwards, lifting the positional mean. Defenders are valued for stopping goals — a less price-elastic skill in the open market.
Is position pay gap shrinking over time?
Goalkeeper wages have grown fastest in percentage terms over the last five years as elite shot-stoppers attract larger ceilings. The absolute gap to forwards continues to widen, however, due to compounding top-end pay.
Where can I see the highest-paid player in each position?
Click into each position archive page from the Related section below, or use the contract tracker to filter by position and sort by wage.