Ivorian international Jonathan Bamba ranks among MLS’s highest earners after Chicago Fire move

Jonathan Bamba has secured his place among the top earners in Major League Soccer, following his move from Europe to the United States earlier this year.

The Ivorian international joined Chicago Fire FC in January from Spanish side Celta Vigo for a transfer fee of €3.5 million, signing a contract that runs until December 2027.

According to Sportune, the 29-year-old winger is currently listed among the ten highest-paid players in the American league, with an annual salary of $5.58 million.

Bamba’s arrival in MLS marked a significant step in his career after several seasons in Europe, where he built a strong reputation for his pace, versatility, and creativity.

Now part of a growing contingent of international stars in the United States, his salary reflects both his experience and the increasing financial power of the league.

At the top of the list, Argentine icon Lionel Messi remains the highest-paid player in MLS, earning an estimated $20.45 million a year with Inter Miami.

He is followed by South Korean captain Son Heung-min, who joined LAFC and receives $11.15 million, while Messi’s teammate Sergio Busquets ranks third with $8.78 million.

Further down the rankings, Miguel Almirón of Atlanta United earns $7.87 million, closely trailed by Hirving Lozano of San Diego FC on $7.63 million.

Emil Forsberg of the New York Red Bulls and Jordi Alba, another Inter Miami star, receive $6.04 million and $6 million respectively.

Riqui Puig of LA Galaxy takes home $5.78 million, just above Bamba’s $5.58 million package at Chicago Fire.

Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC completes the top ten with $5.31 million.

Bamba’s inclusion in this elite group highlights the growing appeal of MLS as a destination for established European players seeking competitive football and lucrative contracts in North America.

For Chicago Fire, the signing of the Ivorian international represents both a sporting and commercial boost as the club continues to rebuild and attract global attention.

As the league continues to evolve, the presence of players such as Bamba alongside global icons like Messi, Son, and Busquets underlines MLS’s ambition to establish itself among the world’s most competitive and financially attractive football markets.

Top 10 highest-paid MLS players (annual salaries in USD)

1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami – $20.45m
2. Son Heung-min – LAFC – $11.15m
3. Sergio Busquets – Inter Miami – $8.78m
4. Miguel Almirón – Atlanta United – $7.87m
5. Hirving Lozano – San Diego FC – $7.63m
6. Emil Forsberg – New York Red Bulls – $6.04m
7. Jordi Alba – Inter Miami – $6m
8. Riqui Puig – LA Galaxy – $5.78m
9. Jonathan Bamba – Chicago Fire – $5.58m
10. Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC – $5.31m