10 Highest Paid MLS players: Frank Lampard’s salary (for not playing) will make John Terry WEEP

Posted by

Want to make John Terry angry? Just show him how much money he could have made with a designated player (DP) contract in Major League Soccer as opposed to the £2.6 million/year ($3.79m/yr) deal he just signed with Chelsea to return to Stamford Bridge.

MLS decided not to give Terry a DP designation, meaning he would have only made a few thousand dollars a week to play for the league. With only China and Qatar poised to give Terry any kind of deal, he chose to take a massive pay cut rather than make a big move to Asia.

NBC Sports were kind enough to reveal a list of the highest paid players in the league and the numbers – though not on the level of a Premier League or La Liga megastar – were quite impressive compared to the deal Terry just signed.

Here are the 10 highest paid MLS players:

(Spoiler: Every single player on this list will be making more than John Terry)

10. Giovani dos Santos, LA Galaxy – $4.25m/year

Dos Santos has been a superb partner for Robbie Keane and the incredible roster Bruce Arena has put together.

9. Clint Dempsey, Seattle Sounders – $4.6m/year

The leading scorer for the USMNT, Dempsey has kept Seattle one of the most entertaining clubs in the US for years.

8. Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC – $4.82m/year

Toronto paid a premium to get Altidore to help bring them to the MLS Cup play-offs – and when healthy he has been worth every penny.

7. David Villa, New York City FC – $5.61m/year

Spain’s all-time leading scorer has made mincemeat of MLS goalkeepers and has been on record saying he is living the ‘American Dream.’

6. Andrea Pirlo, New York City FC – $5.82m/year

One of Italy’s greatest stars is enjoying the high-life in New York as the highest paid player for the upstart Yankee Stadium outfit.

5. Frank Lampard, New York City FC – $6m/year

The Chelsea legend is making almost 60% more than John Terry will make in the coming year – the difference is, Lampard hasn’t played a single minute for the Cityzens this year and just 10 games since joining them in 2015.

4. Steven Gerrard, LA Galaxy – $6.13m/year

The Liverpool legend is the highest paid English player in MLS. Unlike Frank Lampard though, Gerrard has played an important role in the Galaxy’s return to the top of the MLS food chain this year.

3. Michael Bradley, Toronto FC – $6.5m/year

The USMNT captain has been a star for Toronto for three years – but not their biggest one…

2. Sebastian Giovinco, $7.11m/year

The reigning MLS MVP, Giovinco set a record last season for the most total goals contributed with 38 (22 goals, 16 assists – leading the league in both categories).

1. Kaka (Orlando City SC) – $7.16m/year

The vital player in Orlando City’s successful transition in MLS last season, Kaka might be one of the most impactful chance creators in the league.

SEE MORE:
John Terry wages: Chelsea skipper sacrifices £9.4m to secure Stamford Bridge stay
Chelsea summer signing insists he has no regrets over joining club
Arsenal make SHOCK £10m approach for relegated star

More Stories Andrea Pirlo Clint Dempsey David Villa Frank Lampard giovani dos santos John Terry Jozy Altidore Kaka michael bradley Sebastian Giovinco Steven Gerrard