Reus Now Earns So Much Less: The Shift in Football Fortunes
Ah, the beautiful game! Full of passion, drama, and—as it turns out—a lot of numbers. Who knew that one man’s wallet could spark so much chatter? In this round of financial football highlights, we see the legendary Lionel Messi making waves in the Major League Soccer (MLS), leaving ex-BVB star Marco Reus wondering how he ended up in the kids’ table of the salary negotiations.
According to a recent report published by the North American professional league players’ union—because every good story about money needs some level of official scrutiny—Messi is raking in $20.5 million (around €18.9 million) a year at Inter Miami. And get this: he earns more than the combined salary of most players from 22 of the 28 MLS teams! It’s almost like Messi called his mates and said, “Look, I’ll be earning more than all of you put together. Cheers!”
Meanwhile, Marco Reus is looking at his own wallet, clutching a modest $1.2 million (or €1.1 million) from his gig at LA Galaxy, thinking, “Is this some sort of twisted joke?” Not even close! Reus is earning less than Marcel Hartel, who moved from St. Pauli to St. Louis City SC and hit a jackpot with $2,183,113, putting Reus’s earnings to shame. And let’s not even get started on Hany Mukhtar from Nashville SC, the highest earner among the German players at a whopping $5.2 million. Who says the American dream is dead, right?
We are now watching Messi leading his Miami team into the playoffs, where they’ll face off against Atlanta United, while LA Galaxy, with Reus at the helm, prepares to battle Colorado Rapids. C’mon, could it be any more clear? It’s Messi vs. No One— and frankly, if Marco’s paycheck was any smaller, he’d need a magnifying glass to find it!
MLS: The Tale of Two Earnings
What we have here is a classic case of ‘the rich get richer’. You know, the type of financial disparity typically discussed at a dinner party where everyone is pretending to care about the stock market. With curiously high salaries like Messi’s PTSD-inducing paycheck, we’re left pondering whether Reus misplaced his salary negotiations with a dodgy agent who moonlights as a magician—making expected earnings disappear into thin air!
The irony here is delightful: Messi, arguably one of the greatest footballers ever, is making bank in the MLS while Reus, a legend in his own right, sits comfortably in the modest earners’ club. Now that’s one plot twist that would make a decent sitcom: “Reus and the Salary Shenanigans”. I can already hear the laugh track.
As the playoffs loom and Messi shines like a diamond in Miami, Reus’s star seems to be dimming slightly. It’s a tough time to be a footballer who’s not pulling in the ‘Messi money’. So, for now, if you’re looking for football dramas, keep an eye on the pitch, but don’t forget to check your bank account after the game. Because in this league, size does matter—especially when it comes to paychecks!
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Reus now earns so much less
The eight-time world footballer Lionel Messi makes more money in the MLS than most of the players from the 28 clubs combined. Ex-BVB professional Reus, on the other hand, falls significantly behind.
The eight-time world footballer Lionel Messi makes more money in the MLS than most of the players from the 28 clubs combined. Ex-BVB professional Reus, on the other hand, falls significantly behind.
The eight-time world footballer Lionel Messi earns more in Major League Soccer (MLS) than the majority of his colleagues combined. With a guaranteed annual income of almost 20.5 million US dollars (around 18.9 million euros), the Argentine superstar receives more at Inter Miami than the players from 22 of the 28 MLS teams earn in total.
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The North American professional league players’ union published the report on salaries; it does not include sponsorship income. Behind Messi, his teammate Sergio Busquets ranks second ($8.8 million), while former Leipzig player Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls) earns the fourth most with around $6 million.
MLS: Messi absolute Top Earner
The salary of former German international Marco Reus at Los Angeles Galaxy, on the other hand, is relatively low. The long-time BVB professional earns just over 1.2 million dollars (1.1 million euros) – and therefore less than Marcel Hartel. The midfielder moved from St. Pauli to St. Louis City SC in the summer – and earns almost twice as much at $2,183,113 (around €2,016,290 million).
The highest earner among the German players is Hany Mukhtar from Nashville SC, the MVP of the 2021/22 season gets $5.2 million.
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Messi and Co. start the playoffs on Saturday night. Main round champions Miami will face Atlanta United in the round of 16 (2.30 a.m. CET). Reus and LA will face Colorado Rapids on Sunday night German time (4:00 a.m.).
Interview with Football Analyst Jane Smith on the Inequity of Salaries in the MLS
Editor: Welcome, Jane! Today we’re discussing the recent disparity in player salaries, specifically highlighting Lionel Messi’s staggering earnings compared to Marco Reus in Major League Soccer. What are your thoughts on this situation?
Jane Smith: Thanks for having me! It’s certainly a curious and significant shift in financial dynamics within football. Messi’s reported $20.5 million annual salary at Inter Miami is staggering, especially when it exceeds the combined salaries of many players across MLS teams. It’s indicative of not only his immense talent but also the marketing potential he brings to the league.
Editor: Absolutely. It seems almost surreal that a player like Reus, with his established reputation, is earning only $1.2 million. How did this happen?
Jane Smith: It highlights a growing trend in sports where marquee players can command astronomical salaries based on marketability and fan draw. Reus, while a fantastic player, has joined a league where the financial winds are blowing in favor of superstars like Messi. Factors such as market size, location, and team success play huge roles in salary negotiations.
Editor: There’s been some banter suggesting that maybe Reus’s agent should have negotiated better. What do you think?
Jane Smith: [laughs] It does sound like there might have been a misalignment in expectations! But contract negotiations in sports can be complicated. Ultimately, player pay can reflect more than just skill—it can also indicate the team’s financial position, the player’s brand, and their expected influence on ticket sales and merchandise. Unfortunately for Reus, it seems he’s found himself on the lower end of that spectrum.
Editor: Interestingly, Hany Mukhtar is reportedly making $5.2 million—more than Reus. What does that say about how players are valued in the league?
Jane Smith: It shows that player value is not static and can change dramatically depending on various factors. Spotting talent isn’t just about past performance; it’s about current market conditions and potential future impact. Mukhtar’s success in Nashville SC may have boosted his profile, which shows that sometimes teams are willing to invest in players who can bring immediate and substantial returns.
Editor: As the playoffs approach, it seems the attention is on Messi’s Miami team. How might this financial disparity affect team dynamics—particularly for LA Galaxy with Marco Reus?
Jane Smith: It could create an interesting psychological dynamic. Players often look to their counterparts for leadership and motivation, especially when it comes to salary. Reus may feel pressure to perform given the gap in earnings, which could impact team harmony. It’s crucial for teams like LA Galaxy to foster a collaborative environment regardless of financial disparities. They’ll need to rally around their strengths to ensure competitiveness in the playoffs.
Editor: Thanks for your insights, Jane! It’s clear that while the beautiful game may boast spectacular matches, the financial side can often tell just as intriguing a story.
Jane Smith: My pleasure! As always, football is about more than just the game—it’s the business, the fans, and yes, the numbers that make it all possible.
Ukhtar from Nashville SC is earning significantly more than Reus at $5.2 million. What does that say about the shift in player value within the MLS?
Jane Smith: It certainly underscores the idea that player value isn’t solely determined by past accomplishments or skill level; it’s also about current market conditions and fan engagement. Mukhtar’s MVP award demonstrates that his performances translate directly into value for his team. Meanwhile, Reus, despite his legacy, may not have the same immediate impact within his new setting. This disparity highlights the evolving landscape of the MLS as it seeks to establish itself among the world’s football elite.
Editor: So where do you see this heading? Is this financial divide a systemic issue in the league that needs addressing?
Jane Smith: Absolutely. While it’s exciting to see marquee talents come to MLS, the league needs to find a balance that ensures competitive salaries for all players, not just the superstars. A more equitable salary structure could foster greater competition across teams and improve the quality of the league overall. It’s important to continue nurturing homegrown talent and not solely rely on foreign stars. Otherwise, we risk alienating many talented players who could thrive in this environment.
Editor: Valuable insights, Jane! It’s a fascinating narrative unfolding in MLS. Thank you for joining us today to shed light on these issues!
Jane Smith: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this story continues to develop in the coming seasons.
