Football players in their teens are no longer seen as up-and-coming talents just waiting for their chance. They are already leading their teams forward, performing on the highest platforms, and earning compensation that reflects their increased value.
The modern game has evolved, and the best teams in Europe are making significant investments in young players by giving them contracts that were unimaginable for players under 20 only ten years ago.
The next generation of talent, from Barcelona to Chelsea, Real Madrid to PSG, is influencing the present as well as the future. Teens are now leaders, champions, and household names, and clubs are willing to spend millions annually to hire them.
The 11 highest-paid teens in world football in 2025 are listed here, along with proof of pay and an explanation of their increase.
1. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona, £575,000 per week
Lamine Yamal, who is only eighteen, has emerged as Barcelona’s most valuable asset and highest-paid player. The talented left-footed player can play as a false nine, winger, or attacking midfielder. He is invincible on the pitch and in negotiations because of his brilliant dribbling, vision, and inventiveness.
Yamal, who makes an incredible £575k a week, recently agreed to a six-year extension that will last until 2031. In addition to recognising his current worth, Barcelona decided to designate him their top earner because they think he will be the club’s face in the future.
2. Warren Zaïre-Emery – £135,705 per week – PSG
Warren Zaïre-Emery is already the centre of PSG’s midfield at the age of 17. The Paris giants needed a new leader after Messi and Mbappé left, and Zaïre-Emery stepped up without hesitation.
He is the most paid adolescent in Ligue 1 thanks to his combination of steel and flair, which brings in just over £7 million a year. For the next ten years, he is expected to dominate France’s midfield, according to many.
3. Manchester United’s Leny Yoro, who makes £115,000 a week
Leny Yoro’s summer transfer to Manchester United is already paying off. The 19-year-old centre back provides poise and assurance at the back and plays with maturity beyond his years.
In order to secure their defensive line for the future, United rewarded him with a deal worth about £6 million a year, or £115k per week.
4. Archie Grey of Tottenham Hotspur, who earns £75,000 a week
Archie Grey has had an incredible ascent from Leeds United academy graduate to Premier League mainstay. Spurs acquired him for £40 million following 52 professional matches and a Young Player of the Year award.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who currently makes £75k per week, is expected to be among England’s best for many years to come.
5. Endrick, Real Madrid, £67,206 a week
Even though Endrick hasn’t reached his 18th birthday, he is already in the public eye. With high anticipation, the Brazilian sensation will formally join Real Madrid this summer.
Madrid believes he can be Karim Benzema’s long-term replacement, which is why they are paying him £67k a week, or over £3.5 million annually.
6. Pau Cubarsí, Barcelona, £64,621 a week
Pau Cubarsí is the most recent defensive discovery from Barcelona’s academy, which keeps producing quality players. The 19-year-old centre back is already being compared to Gerard Piqué because of his poise while handling the ball and strength in duels.
With £64k a week (£3.36m a year), he is destined to be the mainstay of Barça’s defence for the ensuing ten years.
7. Marc Guiu, Chelsea, £50,000 a week
Fans were taken aback when Marc Guiu left Barcelona for Chelsea at the age of 18. The strong striker agreed to a hefty deal earning £2.6 million a year, or £50,000 per week.
Chelsea see him as a long-term number nine because of his stature and predatory instincts in the box.
8. Jorrel Hato, Chelsea, £40,000 a week
Fans were taken aback when Marc Guiu left Barcelona for Chelsea at the age of 18. The strong striker agreed to a hefty deal earning £2.6 million a year, or £50,000 per week.
Chelsea see him as a long-term number nine because of his stature and predatory instincts in the box.
8. Jorrel Hato, Chelsea, £40,000 a week
Recently, Ethan Nwaneri agreed to a new five-year contract for £40k per week (£2m yearly) that will run from 2025 to 2030.
The 17-year-old midfielder is undoubtedly one of Arsenal’s best prospects. The Gunners are supporting him to play a key role in their future because of his brilliance and flair.
10. Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal, who makes £40,000 a week
Arsenal secured Myles Lewis-Skelly with a substantial pay rise in addition to Nwaneri. After previously only earning £4k, the adolescent now has a long-term deal for £40k per week (£2m yearly).
Arsenal’s resolve to maintain their academy players at the centre of their operation is demonstrated by this agreement.
11. Estêvão Willian, Chelsea, £30,000 a week
Chelsea signed the Brazilian sensation known as “Messinho” to a seven-year contract (2025–2033). His initial pay is £30,000 per week, but without a formal renewal, the agreement has performance-based triggers that may increase his pay to £60,000.
He will live up to the expectations and become Chelsea’s next South American sensation, they are sure of it.
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