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Monday, June 2, 2025

The Highest-Paid MLS Defenders

  • Eight of the highest-paid MLS defenders earn less than a million.
  • Only Walker Zimmerman and Thiago Martins earn at least $2 million.
Jul 7, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Nashville SC defender Walker Zimmerman (25) controls the ball during the first half against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The MLS has enjoyed record attendance and millions of new streaming subscribers over the past season. The highest-paid players tend to be forwards and attacking midfielders, who score goals and entertain fans.

Defenders don’t get as much attention, but the highest-paid at the position are valuable in slowing down skilled attackers.

Walker Zimmerman is the highest-paid MLS defender in 2024, earning $3.2 million a year with Nashville. Zimmerman signed a 2-year, $9 million deal in 2023 to solidify Nashville’s defense. 

Even though he’s the highest-paid defender on the list, Zimmerman is only fourth-most in career tackles among the top 10.

NYCFC’s Thiago Martins is second with his $2 million salary. The Brazilian has played for New York since 2022. He is the only other defender to make at least $2 million a year.

Third on the list is Matt Miazga of FC Cincinnati. He earns $1.53 million on the 2-year deal he signed in August of 2022. Miazga spent eight seasons playing in Europe before settling in the MLS. 

Coming in fourth is Miazga’s teammate in Cincinnati, Miles Robinson. He earns $1.43 million a season and is signed until December. Robinson played with Atlanta for eight seasons before his deal with Cincinnati.

In fifth is Rafael Czichos of the Fire. He makes $1.3 million a season playing in Chicago. Czichos has earned over $6.2 million in his career playing in Germany and now the MLS.

Only eleven MLS defenders earn over $1 million a year. Cincinnati is the only club with multiple defenders among the top 15 highest-paid in the MLS. 

Philadelphia has three of its defenders among the highest-paid MLS defenders. But their combined salaries are $525K less than Walker Zimmerman’s $3.2 million.

Ranking the Highest-Paid MLS Defenders

Here is the entire list of the highest-paid MLS defenders. The list was compiled with data from Capology.

  • Updated: November 18, 2024
RankPlayerTeamTotal Compensation
1Walker ZimmermanNashville SC$3.2 million
2Thiago MartinsNYCFC$2 million
3Matt MiazgaFC Cincinnati$1.53 million
4Miles RobinsonFC Cincinnati$1.43 million
5Rafael CzichosChicago Fire$1.3 million
6Aaron LongLA FC$1.26 million
7Jordi AlbaInter Miami$1.25 million
T-8Andreas MaxsøColorado Rapids$1.15 million
T-8Justen GladReal Salt Lake$1.15 million
10Joakim NilssonSt Louis City$1.14 million
11Chidozie AwaziemFC Cincinnati$1.08 million
T-12Jakob GlesnesPhiladelphia Union$1 million
T-12Tim ParkerNE Revolution$1 million
T-12Stian GregersonAtlanta United$1 million
T-12Henry KesslerSt Louis City$1 million
T-12Bruno WilsonSan Jose Earthquakes$1 million
T-12Joaquín FernándezSporting KC$1 million
18Richie LaryeaToronto FC$990K
19Kai WagnerPhiladelphia Union$875K
T-20Robin JanssonOrlando City$850K
T-20DeAndre YedlinFC Cincinnati$850K
T-20Sam VinesColorado Rapids$850K
23Sam AdekugbeVancouver Whitecaps$825K
T-24Mathías LabordaVancouver Whitecaps$800K
T-24Maya YoshidaLA Galaxy$800K
T-24Jack ElliotPhiladelphia Union$800K
T-24Steven MoreiraColumbus Crew$800K
T-24Shaq MooreNashville SC$800K

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