In the high-stakes world of the English Premier League, two midfield maestros stand out not just for their on-field brilliance but also for their financial clout. Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Martin Ødegaard of Arsenal are the creative hearts of their teams, commanding both respect and significant earnings. As captains and global icons, their journeys offer a fascinating study in modern football finance.
The Financial Landscape: Contracts and Weekly Wages
The 2025/26 season sees both players among the elite earners in English football's midfield. Bruno Fernandes, 31, leveraged his experience and status as a 'prime veteran' to secure a lucrative renewal in 2024. His current deal at Manchester United brings him a reported £300,000 per week (approximately $400,000).
Across London, 27-year-old Martin Ødegaard signed a high-value long-term contract with Arsenal in late 2023. While his base salary is lower, his agreement is packed with performance-related add-ons tied to Arsenal's success in title races and the Champions League. He currently earns £240,000 per week (around $320,000), placing him in the same bracket as his teammate Declan Rice.
The current earnings hierarchy for top midfielders highlights their standing:
- Casemiro (Manchester United): £350,000/week
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United): £300,000/week
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City): £300,000/week
- Kai Havertz (Arsenal): £280,000/week
- Martin Ødegaard / Declan Rice (Arsenal): £240,000/week
Net Worth and Investment Strategies: A Tale of Two Philosophies
The difference in their career trajectories is clearly reflected in their overall wealth. Bruno Fernandes boasts a current net worth of around £50 million (approximately $63.5 million). His longer tenure at the pinnacle of the game, coupled with his role as a national icon for Portugal alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, has opened doors to major global endorsement deals with giants like Nike and Gillette.
Martin Ødegaard has accumulated an estimated fortune of £20-25 million (roughly $25-35 million). The Norwegian captain is now rapidly growing his international profile, which is helping him secure endorsement opportunities that match his rising star power.
Their approach to investing this wealth also differs markedly. Fernandes focuses on a conservative, high-value property portfolio with assets in Lisbon, Manchester, and Portugal's Algarve region, aiming for long-term stability post-retirement. In contrast, Ødegaard represents a younger generation's mindset, channeling investments into technology startups and sports ventures within Scandinavia.
Global Appeal and Marketability
Fernandes's head start in achieving global fame gives him an edge in brand value. His consistent performances for Manchester United and Portugal have made him a marketable face worldwide. Ødegaard, though a late bloomer on the global stage, is catching up fast. His leadership of a young, exciting Arsenal team and his role with the Norway national team are significantly boosting his commercial appeal.
Both Bruno Fernandes and Martin Ødegaard continue to define the midfield battles in the Premier League. Their financial standings, built on talent, leadership, and smart career moves, solidify their status as two of the most influential figures in modern football. As their careers progress, this off-field rivalry in wealth and influence is set to become just as compelling as their on-field duels.
