Aksel Kryhlmand
From academy graduates to fringe squad members, these players represent the quieter, often overlooked side of top-flight football in Germany
The Bundesliga is home to some of Europe’s most exciting football, but behind the scenes, there’s a wide range in how much players actually earn. While stars at the top of the table command massive salaries, others are still fighting their way up on modest wages.
In this article, we take a closer look at the lowest-paid player in each Bundesliga team. From academy graduates to fringe squad members, these players represent the quieter, often overlooked side of top-flight football in Germany.
Augsburg
Augsburg continues to invest in promising youth while maintaining one of the league’s leanest wage bills.
They’re giving young players like Banks the chance to develop without breaking the bank.
Noahkai Banks – £1,653 per week / £86,000 per year
Still early in his professional journey, Banks earns one of the lowest salaries in the Bundesliga.
His modest deal reflects Augsburg’s focus on youth and financial prudence.
Bayer Leverkusen
Even with a star-studded squad, Bayer Leverkusen provides opportunities to developing players on modest wages.
The club blends top talent with academy depth to stay competitive across all fronts.
Luca Novodomsky – £2,313 per week / £121,000 per year
Novodomsky is still early in his senior career but has already earned a spot in the squad.
His salary is modest by Bundesliga standards, reflecting the club’s trust in internal development.
Bayern Munich
Germany’s powerhouse club has room for elite salaries and academy-level contracts alike.
Even future stars often start with surprisingly modest wages at Säbener Straße.
Tarek Buchmann – £2,481 per week / £129,000 per year
Buchmann’s earnings reflect his role as a young talent working his way into the senior squad.
He’s part of the next wave aiming to follow in the footsteps of Bayern legends.
Bochum
A team known for grit and determination, Bochum also features one of the league’s more modest payrolls.
Their squad is filled with players looking to prove themselves on the big stage.
Moritz Broschinski – £1,984 per week / £103,000 per year
Broschinski is a reliable squad option working under a humble contract.
His commitment and work ethic match the identity of the club perfectly.
Borussia Dortmund
A club famous for youth development, Dortmund’s salary spectrum includes players with varying experience.
Even with stars in the spotlight, they continue to nurture future talent.
Silas Ostrzinski – £2,810 per week / £146,000 per year
As a developing goalkeeper, Ostrzinski’s earnings are a reflection of his squad status.
He’s gaining experience in a system that has produced some of Europe’s best.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt has grown financially in recent years, yet still gives chances to players with smaller wage demands.
They remain a balanced club mixing ambition with realism.
Igor Matanovic – £4,631 per week / £241,000 per year
Despite being the lowest earner at the club, Matanovic still earns a substantial sum.
His relatively high “minimum” wage reflects Frankfurt’s increased stature.
Freiburg
With a consistent focus on youth and stability, Freiburg keeps its wage structure in check.
Their philosophy has brought impressive results without overspending.
Bruno Ogbus – £2,810 per week / £146,000 per year
Ogbus earns a typical Freiburg wage as he pushes to become a regular.
He embodies the club’s strategy of developing talent from within.
Heidenheim
Operating on one of the smallest budgets in the league, Heidenheim prioritizes development and discipline.
They’ve earned their place through structure and determination.
Christopher Negele – £2,150 per week / £112,000 per year
Negele’s salary fits perfectly within Heidenheim’s careful financial model.
He’s a part of a squad that values growth over glamour.
Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim continues to blend experienced names with younger, lower-paid players.
They remain committed to balancing competitiveness with sustainability.
Lúkas Petersson – £1,984 per week / £103,000 per year
Petersson is among the lower earners, reflective of his squad position and age.
His journey echoes that of many who’ve risen through Hoffenheim’s system.
Holstein Kiel
In their first Bundesliga campaign, Kiel is keeping costs low while finding their footing.
Their survival strategy depends on efficiency and youth.
Tyler Doğan – £1,653 per week / £86,000 per year
Doğan’s salary is among the lowest in the top tier – but his potential is priceless.
Kiel hopes he can grow alongside the club’s Bundesliga journey.
RB Leipzig
Known for smart recruitment, Leipzig balances star wages with those of rising talents.
Their model is built on identifying and developing future stars.
Viggo Gebel – £3,141 per week / £164,000 per year
Gebel may be far from the top earners, but Leipzig clearly sees long-term promise.
His wage reflects a player poised to rise quickly through the ranks.
Mainz
Mainz’s trust in homegrown and lesser-known players helps keep salaries grounded.
They remain one of the league’s most effective talent developers.
Maxim Dal – £3,637 per week / £189,000 per year
Dal’s earnings are solid for a young prospect aiming to become a key contributor.
His presence highlights the club’s focus on internal promotion.
Mönchengladbach
Gladbach’s transitional phase includes betting on younger players with lower financial expectations.
They are working toward a sustainable rebuild without losing identity.
Shio Fukuda – £2,313 per week / £121,000 per year
Fukuda’s wage reflects his early stage in what could be a breakthrough journey.
He’s expected to play a growing role in the club’s future.
St. Pauli
Freshly promoted, St. Pauli must compete on a tight budget but offer real chances for their squad.
Their unique culture values community, not big spending.
Abdoulie Ceesay – £2,313 per week / £121,000 per year
Ceesay’s salary shows the balance between opportunity and sustainability at the club.
He could quickly become a fan favorite with regular minutes.
Stuttgart
Always rich in academy talent, Stuttgart often promotes players on entry-level deals.
Their identity is rooted in developing rather than buying stars.
Luca Raimund – £1,984 per week / £103,000 per year
Raimund is steadily climbing, earning a modest salary as he develops.
He has the potential to be Stuttgart’s next homegrown success.
Union Berlin
Even with recent European exploits, Union Berlin stays disciplined with squad salaries.
Their rise has been built on unity, not financial excess.
David Preu – £1,653 per week / £86,000 per year
Preu’s earnings are modest, but he represents the club’s long-term strategy.
Union trusts him to grow as part of their future.
Werder Bremen
Historic Bremen offers clear development pathways – even if the paychecks start small.
Their squad blends experience with hungry young players.
Abednego Nankishi – £1,488 per week / £77,000 per year
Nankishi holds the lowest salary in the entire Bundesliga, yet his future could be much brighter.
He’s proof that talent can be nurtured even on a tight wage.
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg’s youth setup continues to produce players on low wages but with big ambitions.
They’ve consistently balanced talent growth with Bundesliga survival.
Mathys Angély – £1,653 per week / £86,000 per year
Angély’s salary is humble, but his spot in a Bundesliga squad is already a major step forward.
He’ll aim to earn both minutes and a new contract soon.
