The Highest-Paid Players At Women’s World Cup

With the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in full swing, here are the highest-paid players at the showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.

The United States are the defending champions and are going for a hat-trick this year after winning title in 2015 and 2019.

But the US are dominating the salary rankings just as much, as 11 of the 15 highest-paid players at the tournament are playing for The Stars and Stripes, according to Forbes.

The publication estimated that both Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe earn over $7 million (before taxes and agents fees), which includes their on-field compensation from U.S. Soccer and their National Women’s Soccer League club contracts as well as off-field earnings from endorsements, appearances, licensing, memorabilia and other business activities.

Forbes explain why most players on the team are making about $800,000 (13.8 million).

“The Americans have considerable advantages over their overseas rivals after signing a landmark collective bargaining agreement with U.S. Soccer in May 2022 that equalized pay with the men’s national team from appearance fees, performance bonuses and commercial revenue. The two teams also pool their World Cup prize money, which is significant given that the women’s team will receive a $6.5 million share of the men’s winnings from reaching the Round of 16 in Qatar in December — exceeding the $6 million the women collected from their 2015 and 2019 World Cup wins combined.

“Factoring in their club salaries, most Team USA stalwarts are making about $800,000 on the field, depending on how many national-team appearances they made (and excluding any bonus from this summer’s performance). In many other countries, even the biggest stars struggle to crack half that total.”

Double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas follows Morgan and Rapinoe in third place, making $3.2 million off the field and $4 million overall.

Below are the 15 highest-paid players at the Women’s World Cup:

1. Alex Morgan (USA) – $7.1 million
2. Megan Rapinoe (USA) – $7 million
3. Alexia Putellas (Spain) – $4 million
4. Trinity Rodman (USA) – $2.3 million
5. Crystal Dunn (USA) – $2 million
6. Julie Ertz (USA) – $2 million
7. Sophia Smith (USA) – $2 million
8. Lindsey Horan (USA) – $1.5 million
9. Rose Lavelle (USA) – $1.4 million
10. Sofia Huerta (USA) – $1.3 million
11. Ada Hegerberg (Norway) – $1.2 million
12. Chloe Kelly (England) – $1.2 million
13. Sam Kerr (Australia) – $1.2 million
14. Kelley O’Hara (USA) – $1.2 million
15. Alyssa Naeher (USA) – $1.1 million

Methodology: Forbes generated its earnings estimates through conversations with more than 20 industry insiders. On-field earnings figures include base salaries, bonuses and stipends collected over the last 12 months from players’ club and national teams, as well as pooled money from U.S. Soccer when relevant. The off-field earnings estimates reflect annual income from endorsements, licensing, appearances and memorabilia, as well as cash returns from any businesses in which the athlete has a significant interest. Forbes’ list excludes players who were not selected for their country’s World Cup roster because of injuries, even when their earnings are believed to be in the $1 million range or higher.