The World Cup win of Spain has come with a hefty price tag, with players set to lose nearly half of their 2026 World Cup prize money due to a significant tax bill.
According to Gestha, the Spanish union representing Tax Agency experts, each member of Spain's 26-man squad is expected to receive a gross payment of €754,701.92, with a total payout of approximately €44 million awarded by FIFA for lifting the trophy. However, under an agreement with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), players receive only 45 per cent of the total amount, leaving around €19.8 million to be divided among the squad.
The impressive bonuses are significantly reduced once Spain's income tax system is applied. The 17 players who are based at Spanish clubs face personal income tax rates of up to 49.5 per cent, depending on the Autonomous Community where they reside. Madrid's rate is around 45 per cent, while the Basque Country and Catalonia apply even higher rates.
As a result, a player living in Madrid could take home around €385,000 after tax, while those taxed at the highest rate may receive approximately €353,500. Young stars including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, and Dani Olmo are among those affected, with Spain's treasury expected to collect around £5 million from the domestically based players alone.
Overseas-based stars such as Golden Ball winner Rodri, David Raya, and Mikel Merino will be taxed under different residency rules and international tax agreements, alongside obligations in World Cup host countries. Despite the deductions, Spain's 2026 champions will still earn substantially more than the country's 2010 World Cup-winning squad, whose bonuses were lower and taxed at a maximum rate of 43 per cent.
The tax implications of the World Cup win will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the players' financial rewards, with many facing a substantial reduction in their take-home pay. The situation highlights the complex and often contentious issue of taxation in professional sports, where players' earnings can be subject to a range of tax obligations.
Source: Yen ALL
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