Charlotte FC's highest-paid players in 2025
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Charlotte FC has five players making at least $1 million, according to Major League Soccer Players Association's latest salary guide.
Why it matters: MLS playoffs are underway, and it's time to see if teams got what they paid for this season.
Catch up quick: Charlotte FC's biggest summer signing is its fifth highest-paid player, according to Major League Soccer Players Association's latest salary guide. The club signed English defender Harry Toffolo on Aug. 5.
- Designated player Wilfried Zaha, a former Premier League star, joined Charlotte FC in January.
By the numbers: Zaha, a winger, remains Charlotte FC's top-paid player with a guaranteed compensation of $2.8 million. Charlotte FC's other highest-paid players include:
- Winger Liel Abada: $2.5 million.
- Midfielder Pep Biel: $1.5 million.
- Defender Tim Ream: $1.1 million.
- Toffolo: $1 million.
Between the lines: Charlotte FC's front office has prioritized building its roster without signing expensive players, such as the league's highest-paid player and global superstar Lionel Messi.
- Messi's $20.4 million guaranteed compensation is more than Charlotte FC's entire roster combined.
- Charlotte FC's guaranteed compensation ranks 13th in the league at $19 million. That's $30 million less than Inter Miami, much of which Messi accounts for.
What we're watching: Zaha missed game one of Charlotte FC's playoff series vs. New York City FC due to a red card (second yellow) in their regular season finale against Philadelphia Union.
- Charlotte FC lost game one to New York City FC 1-0. Zaha will be eligible to play in game two at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 3:30pm.
- If necessary, game three will be at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, Nov. 7, time TBD.