How Much Does A Footballer Earn?

How Much Does a Footballer Earn? Career Guide, Salaries & Training Route

Footballers are professional athletes who play for clubs in competitive leagues. While the top names in the Premier League earn millions, most players earn far less and face short careers full of physical and mental challenges. Success depends on talent, timing, discipline—and a bit of luck.

This guide explains how much footballers earn in the UK, what’s required to become one, what levels exist in the sport, and where the top-earning opportunities are.

Job Description: What Does a Footballer Do?

Footballers are paid to train, compete and perform for their clubs. They play in national and international competitions and represent their team on and off the pitch.

Responsibilities:

• Attending regular training and coaching sessions

• Competing in matches (league, cup, friendlies, international)

• Maintaining peak physical and mental condition

• Following tactical and fitness instructions from coaching staff

• Representing the club in media and community appearances

• Managing contracts, image rights and endorsements

• Recovering from injuries and undergoing physiotherapy when required

How Hard Is It to Become a Footballer?

Very hard. Thousands of young players compete for limited spots in academy systems. Less than 1% of academy players make it to full-time professional contracts. The career is short, high-pressure, and incredibly competitive.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

• Exceptional skill and fitness

• Quick decision-making under pressure

• Discipline in training, nutrition and recovery

• Resilience, especially after injury or rejection

• Coachability and teamwork

• Strong mentality – handling wins, losses, media and contracts

• Professionalism, especially with rising public scrutiny

Do You Need Qualifications?

Not academic ones—but you’ll need:

• Elite football skills

• Early entry into a club academy or development squad

• Experience in youth competitions or high-performance leagues

• A football agent for contract negotiation at higher levels

• Optional: coaching badges (for life after playing)

Most players enter full-time training by age 16 if they are going pro.

Career Levels and Footballer Types

Academy Player (U9–U18) - Training under club system

Scholar (16–18) - Full-time education + football

Professional Player - Signed to club on contract

First-Team Player - Plays regularly in professional matches

National Team Player - Represents country

Player-Coach / Captain - Senior leadership roles

Footballer Types:

• Goalkeeper

• Defender (centre-back, full-back)

• Midfielder (defensive, box-to-box, attacking)

• Forward / Striker

• Winger

What Experience Do You Need?

• Youth club or school performance

• Scouted into a club academy

• National or regional competitions

• Success in under-18 or under-21 leagues

• Trials or loans to lower-league clubs for match fitness

• Agent representation for higher-level negotiation

Benefits of Being a Footballer

• Potential for high earnings

• Playing a sport you love for a living

• Celebrity status at top levels

• Travel opportunities

• Early financial independence

• Access to elite fitness, healthcare, and coaching

• Post-career options (coaching, punditry, business)

Drawbacks and Negatives

• Short career span – average retirement age is 35 or younger

• High injury risk

• Mental health pressure from public attention and social media

• Income drops drastically outside top leagues

• Rejection and competition from a young age

• Uncertainty post-retirement without planning

Footballer Salary Levels in the UK

Academy Scholar (U18) - £6,000 – £12,000

League Two Player -£20,000 – £50,000

League One Player - £50,000 – £120,000

Championship Player - £150,000 – £500,000+

Premier League Average - £2m – £4m+

International / Top-tier Star - £5m – £20m+

Tax Example (Championship player on £300,000/year):

• Income Tax: ~£107,432

• National Insurance: ~£8,732

• Take-home pay: ~£183,836/year or £3,535/week

Top players often use agents and accountants to optimise tax through sponsorship and image rights companies.

What Factors Affect Salary?

• League level – Premier League > Championship > League One

• Club wealth and sponsorship deals

• Experience and age – youth contracts pay less

• International caps and reputation

• Bonuses – goals, clean sheets, win bonuses

• Sponsorship and social following

• Position – attacking players often earn more

• Transfer value and agent negotiation

What’s the Future for Football Careers?

Evolving, but strong.

• Salaries at the top still rising

• Growth in women’s football = more opportunities

• Technology – wearables, performance analytics, recovery science

• Mental health and injury awareness improving

• Increased focus on career planning post-retirement

• Social media branding offers side income for players

But competition remains fierce—and the number of well-paid top-tier jobs is very limited.

Best Football Clubs to Work For in the UK

Manchester City / United - Top pay, world-class facilities

Liverpool FC - Huge global brand and player support

Arsenal / Chelsea / Spurs - London location and elite status

Leicester / Brighton - Player development pathways

Championship Clubs (e.g. Leeds, Southampton) - Strong salaries, realistic step up

Wrexham / Salford City - Rising clubs with media attention

Celtic / Rangers (Scotland) - Regular European competition

National League Clubs - Lower income, but good entry-level visibility

Final Thought

Football offers one of the most glamorous and high-earning careers—but only for a select few. For every Premier League star, thousands fall short. Still, if you combine natural talent with hard work, resilience, and strong support, a career in football can be rewarding—whether at the top or through coaching, analysis, or media roles after playing.