Think footballers just pocket those massive wages? Think again. The Premier League's top earners are also the UK Treasury's best friends, collectively paying over £100 million in taxes last year.
We're talking about income tax rates up to 45%, plus corporation tax, dividend tax, and more for those who've set up companies. The Sunday Times crunched the numbers, and the results are eye-opening.
Let's count down the top 10 tax payers in England's top flight.
The Middle of the Pack
Arsenal's Kai Havertz comes in at number 10 with £7.8 million paid. His teammate Gabriel Jesus is just ahead at £7.9 million. Jesus has come a long way from painting street curbs in Brazil before the 2014 World Cup to earn pocket money.
Manchester City's Omar Marmoush paid £8.8 million, likely a sign of the massive signing bonus City offered to pry him from Eintracht Frankfurt mid-season. His performances haven't matched that price tag yet, something City bettors will have noticed.
Bernardo Silva (£9 million) and Bruno Fernandes (£9 million) round out the middle section. Fernandes could avoid UK tax entirely by moving to Saudi Arabia, where there's no income tax. But he'd need to stay away from Britain for over a year to make it work.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk paid £9.7 million after signing a contract extension that made him the world's highest-paid defender. Not bad for a guy who once washed dishes for €3 per hour in the Netherlands.
The Big Spenders
Raheem Sterling comes in fourth at £9.8 million, though that number will drop dramatically next year. He tore up his Chelsea contract and is now earning less than a third of his previous £325,000-a-week salary.
Casemiro paid £10.9 million, but his time on this list is ending. The Manchester United midfielder is leaving this summer, potentially for Saudi Arabia or MLS, both offering more favorable tax situations.
Mohamed Salah sits second with £14.5 million in taxes. His form has dipped this season compared to past years, with even Tottenham's Richarlison contributing more goals and assists. That mid-season clash with manager Arne Slot has fueled more Saudi Pro League transfer rumors.
And the winner? Erling Haaland at £16.9 million. His new contract runs until 2034 and comes with an astronomical salary to match. The Norwegian striker seemed unfazed, saying it felt "really normal" to sign the deal. When you're scoring goals like Haaland, those tax bills are just part of the business.
