Top 10 highest-paid stars at AC Milan 2025/26: Chelsea flop surprises, Modric’s sacrifice revealed

The glory days of the Rossoneri, once the most feared force in world football, have long faded into the shadows of history. Over the last 15 years, the hallowed turf of San Siro has witnessed only a single Serie A title in 2022. In the Champions League, the drought is even more painful, with their last continental crown dating back to the 2007 triumph in Athens. As Serie A lost its status as the world’s premier league, television rights revenue plummeted over the last decade, leaving financial giants like Milan in a precarious position. 

No longer a predator for world-record signings, Milan has often become a shadow of its former self at the negotiating table, frequently relying on loan deals, budget signings, or becoming a "sunset home" for veterans past their prime. Currently, the squad's total wage bill hovers around €100 million, a figure that looks humble compared to the financial juggernauts of the Premier League's Big Six. 

However, within the Rossoneri dressing room, several stars still command impressive salaries. Nowgoalpro invites you to explore the definitive list of the AC Milan highest paid player and top earners for the 2025/26 season.

The AC Milan highest paid player of 2025/26

10. Fikayo Tomori - €4.6 million/year 

Since arriving from Chelsea in 2021, initially on loan before a €28 million permanent move, the English defender has become a cornerstone of the defense. His current wages reflect a significant bump from his initial Chelsea contract. A key architect of the 2022 Scudetto, Tomori has made over 150 appearances, with his most iconic moment being a towering header against Juventus in a 3-0 win in 2021 that signaled Milan's return to greatness.

9. Christian Pulisic - €5.2 million/year

"Captain America" joined from Chelsea in 2023 for €20 million, seeking a career revival. His wages remained relatively stable compared to his London stint, but his impact exploded in Italy. In his debut 2023/24 season, he netted 12 goals and provided 8 assists, surpassing all expectations. Pulisic has proven to be a bargain, providing the creative spark Milan desperately lacked for years.

6, 7, 8. Niclas Füllkrug, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana - €5.5 million/year

Füllkrug arrived in 2024 from West Ham United to provide veteran presence. Loftus-Cheek followed the Chelsea-to-Milan pipeline in 2023. His current deal is a slight increase from his fringe-player status in London. Having played over 80 matches, his most memorable performance was a brace in the Europa League against Rennes, showcasing his physical dominance. 

Fofana rounds out this group, joining from Monaco in 2024 for €25 million. The French midfield engine saw his salary nearly double upon moving to Italy, reflecting his status as a modern "box-to-box" specialist.

5. Luka Modric - €6.5 million/year

At number 5, the legendary Modric commands €125,000 per week (€6.5 million/year). Joining as a free agent in 2025 after 13 trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, the 40-year-old took a massive pay cut from his €20 million Madrid salary to experience the San Siro. Though his legs are older, his "architectural" vision remains unmatched. Modric previously won 6 Champions Leagues and a Ballon d'Or, and his arrival at Milan was treated like a state visit, providing invaluable leadership for a young squad.

4. Divock Origi - €7.4 million/year

Signed from Liverpool in 2022, his salary was a significant jump from his "super-sub" role in England. However, Origi has struggled to replicate his Anfield magic at Milan, often hampered by injuries and inconsistent form. While he scored a stunning long-range goal against Monza in late 2022, his high wage remains a point of contention among the Milanisti.

1, 2, 3. Christopher Nkunku, Rafael Leão, Adrien Rabiot - €9.2 million/year

The pinnacle of the list features a three-way tie for the AC Milan highest paid player, each earning a staggering €177,000 per week (€9.2 million/year). Nkunku joined from Chelsea in a blockbuster €42 million move. His contract, running until 2030, represents the club's biggest long-term investment. Previously a superstar at RB Leipzig where he was Bundesliga Player of the Season, Nkunku brings a level of versatility that Milan hasn't seen in years. 

Leão sits level at the top following his most recent contract extension in 2023. Since joining from Lille in 2019 for €35 million, the Portuguese winger has evolved into the face of the club. His MVP season in 2021/22, where he recorded 11 goals and 10 assists to secure the title, cemented his legacy. Leão’s career at Milan is defined by his "smile" while dribbling, famously seen in his solo goal against Napoli in the Champions League quarter-finals. 

Rabiot joined from Marseille in 2025. Having previously played for Juventus and PSG, Rabiot returned to Italy on a lucrative three-year deal. His salary is a slight increase from his time in France, reflecting Milan's need for a proven, high-level winner in the center of the park.

Summary of the top 10 AC Milan’s highest earners (2025/26): 

Adrien Rabiot: €9.2m/year

Rafael Leão: €9.2m/year

Christopher Nkunku: €9.2m/year

Divock Origi: €7.4m/year

Luka Modric: €6.5m/year

Youssouf Fofana: €5.5m/year

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: €5.5m/year

Niclas Füllkrug: €5.5m/year

Christian Pulisic: €5.2m/year

Fikayo Tomori: €4.6m/year

Looking at this prestigious list provided by Nowgoalpro.net, one must wonder if there is an AC Milan highest paid player who makes the fans feel the club made a mistake. While the trio at the top brings immense quality, the presence of Divock Origi in the top four, given his limited goal return, often raises eyebrows regarding the club's wage efficiency.

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