Enrique Cerezo in the foreground looking at the ground with many 500 euro bills in the background

Neither Antoine Griezmann nor Koke or Julián Álvarez: this is the top earner at Atleti

The highest paid player of the 'Rojiblancos'

Atlético de Madrid has managed to establish as one of the great clubs in Europe over the last decade. With the arrival of Diego Simeone in 2012, the team has experienced remarkable growth, both in performance and investment. One of the areas where this growth is most evident is in the players' payroll. However, there is one aspect that may be a cause for concern: Jan Oblak's high salary.

Jan Oblak's salary

Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak is Atletico Madrid's highest-paid player. His gross annual salary amounts to €20,830,000, which equates to €400,577 per week. This level of remuneration reflects Oblak's importance to the team and his status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. However, this high figure also raises questions about his recent performances.

A soccer goalkeeper dressed in green kicks the ball in a stadium full of spectators.
Oblak in a match | Google Imagenes

Over the years, Oblak has been a key part of Atlético Madrid's defence. His ability to make impressive saves and his leadership on the pitch have earned him numerous plaudits. However, in recent seasons, his form has shown signs of declining.

The high salary dilemma

Oblak's salary poses a dilemma for Atletico Madrid. On the one hand, his compensation reflects his contribution to the team and his quality as a goalkeeper. On the other hand, if his performance does not match his salary, it can create tensions in the squad. At a club where several talented players also have high salaries, the pressure is mounting for all players to live up to expectations.

A man with a beard and short hair, wearing a sports shirt, looks up with a serious expression.
Jan Oblak | Europa Press

Atletico Madrid have made significant investments in their squad, and staying competitive is crucial. If Oblak does not show an improvement in his performance, the club may need to re-evaluate their situation. This could include finding a new goalkeeper or reviewing his contract, which could further complicate the team dynamic.

Comparison with other players

In comparison, other Atlético players such as Antoine Griezmann, Koke and Julián Álvarez also have considerable salaries, but they do not reach Oblak's figure. This further highlights the fact that the goalkeeper is the highest paid player in the team. The difference in salaries can lead to discussions about the fairness of income distribution, especially if Oblak is not in his best form.