Since his arrival in 2021, David Alaba has seamlessly integrated himself into the fabric of Real Madrid, becoming an indispensable figure both on and off the pitch. The Austrian international, who left Bayern Munich after a glittering career in Bavaria, brought with him not only experience but also a winning mentality that resonated deeply with Los Blancos’ ethos. As one of the highest-paid players at Real Madrid, Alaba’s earnings reflect his importance to the squad, even as new stars like Kylian Mbappé have shifted the wage dynamics at the club.
Alaba’s journey from Bayern Munich’s academy to the pinnacle of European football underscores his status as one of the most versatile and accomplished defenders of his generation. His debut season in Spain culminated in a Champions League triumph, cementing his place in Real Madrid folklore. But beyond his performances, what exactly does Alaba earn for his services? Let’s delve into the numbers behind his lucrative deal and explore how he stacks up against his peers in La Liga and globally.
According to data compiled by Capology , David Alaba earns approximately £356,659 ($455,608) per week while playing for Real Madrid. This translates to an annual salary exceeding £18 million ($23 million), making him one of the top earners at the club. Until recently, Alaba held the distinction of being the highest-paid player in the squad—a title he relinquished following Kylian Mbappé’s blockbuster move to the Santiago Bernabéu ahead of the 2024-25 season.
To put this into perspective, Alaba’s weekly wage is nearly eight times the average UK worker’s annual income, highlighting the staggering sums involved in modern football. Yet, within the context of elite sports, his compensation aligns with his role as a cornerstone of Carlo Ancelotti’s team. Whether deployed as a center-back or occasionally in midfield, Alaba’s adaptability and leadership qualities justify his position among Real Madrid’s financial elite.
While Alaba remains one of the club’s highest earners, the landscape has changed significantly with Mbappé’s arrival. The French superstar now tops the wage bill, earning a staggering £498,248 ($629,355) per week. However, Alaba still ranks second, ahead of Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr., who share identical wages at third and fourth place. Fede Valverde rounds out the top five, further illustrating the depth of talent—and wealth—within the Real Madrid roster.
Interestingly, it might come as a surprise to some that Alaba outearns younger stars like Bellingham and Vinícius, whose market values and potential arguably surpass those of the veteran defender. Nevertheless, Alaba’s seniority, trophy-laden résumé, and consistent performances provide ample justification for his elevated pay grade.
Beyond the confines of Real Madrid, Alaba’s earnings place him firmly among the top earners in La Liga. In fact, he ranks third in the league’s wage hierarchy, trailing only Barcelona talisman Robert Lewandowski and Mbappé. Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak occupies the fourth spot, followed closely by Jude Bellingham in fifth.
This ranking reinforces Alaba’s standing as one of the premier talents in Spanish football. Despite competing against household names like Lewandowski and Mbappé, Alaba holds his own thanks to his unwavering professionalism and contributions to Real Madrid’s success.
Though Alaba’s wages are impressive by European standards, they pale in comparison to the astronomical figures commanded by players in the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo leads the pack with a jaw-dropping weekly wage of £3,224,935 ($4,166,513), dwarfing even the most generously compensated athletes in Europe. Karim Benzema follows suit, with Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, and Kalidou Koulibaly completing the top five.
The disparity between salaries in Europe and the Middle East highlights the growing influence of Gulf-based clubs in attracting global superstars. For Alaba, however, the allure of playing for a historic institution like Real Madrid appears to outweigh the prospect of chasing higher wages elsewhere.
Critics might question whether Alaba’s contributions warrant such a hefty paycheck, especially given the emergence of younger talents at Real Madrid. Yet, his impact extends far beyond statistics. Since joining the club, Alaba has demonstrated remarkable versatility, excelling in multiple positions and providing stability to a defense often plagued by injuries. Moreover, his composure under pressure and ability to deliver in crucial moments make him invaluable during high-stakes encounters.
Off the pitch, Alaba’s professionalism sets a benchmark for his teammates. Known for his meticulous preparation and dedication to fitness, he embodies the work ethic synonymous with Real Madrid’s culture. It is no wonder that the club entrusted him with the responsibility of wearing the iconic number four jersey previously donned by legends like Sergio Ramos.
As Real Madrid continues its quest for domestic and continental supremacy, David Alaba will undoubtedly remain a linchpin of their plans. While his wages may raise eyebrows, they are commensurate with his stature and contributions to one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
For fans of Los Blancos, Alaba represents more than just a highly paid athlete; he symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and excellence. And as long as he continues to uphold these virtues, few will begrudge him his generous paycheck. After all, in the rarefied world of elite football, quality comes at a premium—and David Alaba delivers precisely that.
