Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland has emerged as the UK's highest taxpayer among footballers over the past twelve months, contributing a staggering sum approaching £17 million to the public purse. This places the Norwegian international firmly at the summit of the influential Sunday Times Football Tax List, highlighting the substantial fiscal contributions made by the sport's elite stars.
Haaland's Earnings and Contract Details
According to detailed reports from The Times, Haaland's significant tax payment stems from a formidable earnings package. The 25-year-old forward is understood to command a basic weekly salary of £500,000 at the Etihad Stadium. Beyond this substantial fixed income, he accrued an additional £10 million over the assessment period through lucrative image rights agreements and performance-related bonus payments.
Haaland's financial commitment to Manchester City was solidified last January when he signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2034. Since his £51 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, he has established himself as one of the highest-paid footballers globally and a central figure in City's recent successes.
Premier League Rivals Follow in Tax Contributions
The Sunday Times list reveals a closely contested field behind Haaland. Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mo Salah occupies second place, having paid £14.5 million in tax during the same period. Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Casemiro follows in third position with a tax bill of £10.9 million, a notable contribution made ahead of his confirmed departure from Old Trafford at this season's conclusion.
The rankings demonstrate the concentration of high earners within the Premier League. Former Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, who recently left the club by mutual consent, paid £9.8 million in tax. This figure was just £100,000 more than Liverpool's commanding defender Virgil van Dijk. Portuguese internationals Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Bernardo Silva of Manchester City each contributed £9 million, further illustrating the league's financial firepower.
Broader Context and Sporting Achievements
Both Erling Haaland and Mo Salah's substantial earnings secured them positions within the broader Sunday Times list of the UK's top 100 taxpayers, ranking 72nd and 81st respectively. This underscores their status not just as sporting icons but as significant economic contributors.
Haaland is currently in the latter half of his fourth season with Manchester City. His impact since arriving in England has been transformative. He played a pivotal role in City's historic Treble-winning campaign during the 2022-23 season, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. The club retained the Premier League title in his second season, though they experienced a trophyless campaign last year after a defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
Looking ahead, Manchester City and Haaland remain contenders across four competitions this season. The team is actively engaged in a tense Premier League title race, attempting to close the gap on current leaders Arsenal as the campaign reaches its critical phase.
