Imagine earning £350,000 a week and still feeling the pinch! That’s the reality for Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, who’s seen a staggering £9.7 million vanish into the taxman’s pocket over the past year. But here’s where it gets controversial: is it fair for top footballers to pay such hefty taxes, or should they be allowed to keep more of their hard-earned millions? Let’s dive in.
Since signing his new two-year contract with Liverpool last April, Van Dijk’s financial landscape has shifted dramatically. While his weekly earnings remain eye-watering at around £350,000—totaling roughly £40 million—the Sunday Times Tax List reveals he’s handed over nearly £10 million in taxes in the last 12 months. That’s a substantial chunk of his income, even for someone at the pinnacle of football.
But Van Dijk isn’t alone in this tax saga. He’s part of an elite group of UK taxpayers, not just footballers, who contribute millions to the public purse. Leading the pack is Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who paid a jaw-dropping £17 million in taxes over the past year. Close behind is Van Dijk’s teammate, Mohamed Salah, with £14.5 million, and Manchester United’s Casemiro, who chipped in £10.9 million before his summer exit. Even Raheem Sterling, despite his recent Chelsea departure, paid £9.8 million—just £100,000 more than Van Dijk. And let’s not forget the Portuguese duo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, who each contributed £9 million.
And this is the part most people miss: Haaland and Salah aren’t just football stars; they’re also among the UK’s top 100 taxpayers, ranking 72nd and 81st respectively. It’s a stark reminder of the financial responsibilities that come with their fame and fortune.
Meanwhile, Liverpool is already planning for life after Van Dijk. With the 34-year-old defender approaching his 35th birthday this summer, the club has secured the services of 20-year-old French prodigy Jeremy Jacquet. The deal, worth an initial £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons, signals Liverpool’s commitment to a younger, long-term defensive strategy. Head coach Arne Slot explains, ‘We’re focusing on young, talented players who can improve us both in the short and long term. The future of this club is in a very, very good place.’
But here’s the burning question: As fans, do we ever stop to consider the financial sacrifices these players make? Or should we even care? After all, £350,000 a week is a fortune by any standard. Yet, when nearly a third of that goes to taxes, it raises questions about fairness, wealth distribution, and the role of high earners in society. What do you think? Is it right for footballers to pay such high taxes, or should they be allowed to keep more of their earnings? Let’s spark a debate in the comments!
