Football players are known for commanding huge salaries, but every now and then, you come across one that is not in the game for money, but rather for football…
These are the lowest paid high profile players in Europe:
Petr Cech - R1,590,371
Once considered the best goalkeeper in the world, Chelsea's Czech shot-stopper is currently earning far less than many of his counterparts. But while he competes with Thibaut Courtois for a starting spot in Jose Mourinho's team, a higher salary will be hard to negotiate.
Marco Reus - R1, 148,601 per week
Possibly the most sought after men in football, Marco Reus is currently playing for the club that he started his career with, Borussia Dortmund. Despite his monumental talent, he doesn't mind being paid what, in football terms, is a small salary.
Sergio Busquets - R1,175,107 per week
Perhaps not the most loved footballer in the world, Sergio Busquets remains one of the finest defensive midfielders in the game and, despite this, is one of Barcelona's lowest earners… His dedication to the club, however, has not been shaken by his earnings.
Isco - R1,060,247 per week
Real Madrid shelled out €30 million to land this incredible player from Malaga in 2013, and when it came time to negotiate his contract, the Spaniard was satisfied to take whatever he could get, even though he earns far less than his teammates, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, who earn almost ten times what he makes.
Mats Hummels - R1,019,463 per week
A well decorated player and considered by many as the best centre back in the world, World Cup winner, Mats Hummels earns a relatively small salary at his club, Borussia Dortmund, but with the likes of Manchester United chasing his signature, you can expect him to make far more money when he eventually moves on from the German club.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen - R971,893
Barcelona's back-up goalkeeper, who moved to the club this summer and has been considered by many to be Manuel Neuer's natural successor is currently earning an incredibly modest salary, despite his glowing reputation in Germany and around Europe.
Andrea Pirlo - R883,539 per week
Andrea Pirlo is one of the finest passers that the game has ever seen, and despite this, earns roughly the same as an average Premier League footballer. It's crazy how a man of his experience, and sheer quality, can earn such a low salary.
Julian Draxler – R795,185 per week
Another German player to appear on our list is Schalke's wonderkid, Julian Draxler, who is coveted by many of Europe's finest clubs, including Arsenal. The youngster is tipped to become one of the finest forwards in the world in a few years, and you can be sure that if he moves to a bigger team, his salary will take a significant jump.
David Alaba - R706,831 per week
The Austrian Sportsman of the year has a pretty incredible list of honours to his name and has been an incredible player with Bayern Munich, earning a reputation as one of the finest, and most promising, left-backs in Europe. His small salary certainly doesn't represent how good he is as a player.
Raheem Sterling - R530,123 per week
Easily the most exciting prospect in Liverpool's underperforming team, and one of the brightest stars in England's national team, Raheem Sterling earns a very small amount of money, relative to his growing reputation. However, with a new deal at Anfield on the cards, you can expect his salary to take a significant rise in the coming months.
These are the lowest paid high-profile stars in Europe. To be honest, I don't think they have anything to complain about, though… they still make a pretty ridiculous amount of money, nonetheless.
Which player salary surprises you the most?
