Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun shine, yet remain modest earners at Monaco | OneFootball

Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun are spearheading Monaco’s 2026 revival, yet neither ranks among the club’s best-paid players. According to L'Équipe, their performances currently outstrip their salaries.

They featured in the 1-0 Champions League win over Galatasaray on 9 December. Balogun leads Monaco with nine, while Akliouche has six goals and two assists and has carried his form into France duty.

Akliouche’s season began unevenly but he has finished at a far higher level after digesting his new international status. He has balanced Sébastien Pocognoli’s defensive demands with attacking influence.

The 24-year-old extended two years ago to June 2028 and earns 200,000 euros gross a month, near the lower end of Monaco’s top 10. A 70 million euro valuation blocked a move last summer and a switch is planned for this one, so no fresh talks followed.

Balogun’s situation is similar. Signed from Arsenal for 30 million euros, he is under contract to June 2028. He arrived at 21 with only one full senior season, a 21-goal campaign with Reims.

Unlike other foreign players who are paid net in the Principality, his American nationality means he pays 30% of his 230,000 euros gross monthly in tax.

He has not extended since joining. Injuries, notably a left shoulder issue last season, limited him to seven Ligue 1 goals in 2023-2024 then four the next. He stayed to complete a full season, and improved maturity has drawn England’s attention.

Source: L'Équipe