10 most overpaid footballers in the world right now (2021)

#3 Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur, on loan from Real Madrid)- £600,000 per week

Gareth Bale has been on loan at Tottenham Hotspur this season

One of the best players in the world during his prime, Gareth Bale continues to be one of the highest-paid footballers in the world.

After a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, Bale returned to Tottenham Hotspur on loan last summer. The Wales international, who became the most expensive player in the world when he joined Real Madrid, has been a rotation option at Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur this season.

The 31-year old has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Spurs this season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists. It remains unlikely that he will play for Real Madrid next season, with Bale not a fan favorite at the La Liga club.

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#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) - £350,000 per week

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before an Arsenal game

In defence of Arsenal, when they offered Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a new contract last summer, the striker was Arsenal's most important player.

The Gabon international had scored 29 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions last season, and a new contract was seen as a necessity. Aubameyang was seen as Arsenal's talisman, and his presence was seen as essential for Mikel Arteta's project.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did not manage a single shot either home or away against Liverpool in the Premier League this season.167 minutes, 0 shots for Arsenal's main man. pic.twitter.com/T9lmdG5laJ

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 3, 2021

This season, the 31-year old has struggled, though. In 33 appearances in all competitions this season, Aubameyang has scored 14 goals. His situation has been likened to that of Mesut Ozil; a high-profile player in decline who is on enormous wages.

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#1 David de Gea (Manchester United) - £350,000 per week

David de Gea in action for Manchester United

One of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern generation, David de Gea's time at Manchester United looks to be coming to an end.

The emergence of Dean Henderson has cast a shadow over de Gea's future. The Spain international has been inconsistent in recent seasons, and Henderson has been manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's preferred goalkeeper in recent weeks. De Gea, who has arguably been Manchester United's best player since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, has been forced to play second-fiddle.

Man Utd fans...If David De Gea leaves this summer, how will you remember him? 🧤

— Goal (@goal) April 4, 2021

The 30-year old has made 435 appearances in all competitions for the club since his debut in 2011. He has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United could let him go in the summer.

Note - Wages have been taken from Sportekz and SillySeason

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