The highest-paid players in women’s football after Trinity Rodman’s record deal | OneFootball

Jan 22, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit answers questions during a press conference at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

After much speculation, Trinity Rodman has signed a record contract extension with the Washington Spirit, and here, SheKicks takes a look at the list of the highest-paid players in women’s football.

How much will Trinity Rodman earn at the Washington Spirit?

Trinity Rodman now tops the list of the highest-paid players in women’s football, after her contract saga with the Washington Spirit came to an end.

Her agent, Mike Senkowski, said the deal is worth in excess of $2 million (£1.48m) annually, including bonuses.

Despite interest from clubs including Chelsea, Rodman decided to stay in Washington as she felt she had more to contribute to the Spirit.

Her new deal is a huge jump from the reported $250,000 (£185,000) she was previously making.

The deal was made possible by the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule, which allows clubs to exceed the league’s salary cap by up to $1 million (£741,600) for ‘high-impact’ players.

Who previously held the record?

Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati previously held the record as the highest paid player in women’s football.

According to AS Sport, the three-time Ballon d’Or winner is on a salary worth around €1m (£867,000).

Bonmati, who is currently out with a broken leg, signed her current deal in September 2024.

Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati (FC Barcelona)

Portland Thorns star Sophia Wilson is believed to be the third-highest paid player, after signing a $1m (£739,000) deal last month.

Bonmati’s Barcelona teammate Alexia Putellas also features high on the list, earning a reported €700,000 (£607,000) per year. Putellas is under contract until this summer, although Barcelona have a one-year option which has not yet been triggered.

Who is the highest-paid WSL player?

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr is reportedly the highest-paid player in the Women’s Super League on a salary worth around £466,000 per year.

Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp reportedly makes £400,000 while her England teammate Keira Walsh is on roughly £382,000 at Chelsea.

There are some players whose wages have not been widely reported or vary significantly across reports, such as Lauren James, who have been left off the list of the top 10 highest-paid players below.

Top 10 highest-paid players in women’s football