Real Madrid’s wage bill has risen to a club-record €707m this season after heavy investment in the summer transfer window and new contracts for several key players.
The figure, reported by specialist financial website 2Playbook and covering the playing squad and coaching staff, is approaching the record wage bill held by Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid had gone two consecutive seasons without winning a trophy before committing significant funds to recruitment. Club president Florentino Perez oversaw the arrivals of Yan Diomande, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Carlos Espi, Marc Cucurella and Dumfries.
The club also renewed the contract of Vinicius Junior, contributing to the sharp increase in its overall salary costs.
The €707m total is equivalent to 57% of Real Madrid’s total turnover and 50% of its revenue, keeping the club within the financial limits and regulations set by UEFA.
Real Madrid expects to generate record revenue of €1.405bn during the current season. Its board, led by Perez, forecasts a profit of about €14m.
Bernabeu central to record income forecast
The Santiago Bernabeu is expected to provide a significant share of those earnings, generating €420m through supporter subscriptions, ticket sales, the club museum, VIP areas and other events.
One such event was an American football league match held at the stadium on Sunday.
Another important source of income has been player sales, which have brought in €155m. Most of that money came from footballers who progressed through Real Madrid’s youth system, including Nico Paz, Jacobo Ortega, Victor Munoz, Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios.
2Playbook’s report states that €44.4m of the €707m wage bill relates to coaching staff and the basketball team. The women’s football team accounts for a further €8.5m.
Real Madrid’s women’s side recorded a loss of €785,000 last season, while its budget has increased to €16m for the current campaign.
The basketball section’s budget has also grown, reaching €67m this season. It recorded losses of €33m during the previous campaign.
Members of Real Madrid will be asked to approve the accounts at the club’s general assembly on Saturday.
The fixture listings included in the report show Real Madrid scheduled to face Celta Vigo in La Liga on 21 November 2026. Barcelona are listed to play Villarreal in La Liga on 22 November 2026.
