Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona’s salary limit has fallen by €112m to €351m for the 2025-26 season, representing a 24% decrease from January
- Sevilla recorded a €21.5m rise in their salary cap but remain at the bottom of the league with €22.14m
- Real Madrid maintain the highest salary limit in La Liga at €761m, well ahead of their closest rivals
Barcelona Hit by Significant Reduction
La Liga has published the updated salary ceilings for the 2025-26 campaign, and Barcelona have experienced a marked decline. Previously, after the January transfer window, the club benefitted from an increase attributable to a €100m lease of VIP boxes over thirty years, which had been agreed at the end of December. However, following a decision by the auditors Crowe to exclude that agreement from Barcelona’s accounts pending further validation – a development formalised in April – these funds have been withdrawn from their salary limit. This change has left Barcelona with a €112m reduction since January, dropping their cap from €463m to €351m, a decrease of 24% which may shed light on the club’s more restrained activity in the transfer market.
🚨 OFFICIAL: La Liga salary cap has been announced. Real Madrid have the highest. pic.twitter.com/9pgQeNb708
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) September 19, 2025
Despite the cut, Barcelona still boast the second-highest salary limit in La Liga, maintaining a €24m lead over Atletico Madrid whose limit has risen by €13m to €327m. Both clubs, however, are far behind Real Madrid, who top the table at €761m following a €6.1m increase. Barcelona’s allowance remains more than double that of Villarreal, the fourth-ranked club with a limit of €173.1m.
Sevilla’s Ongoing Financial Difficulties
Although Sevilla’s salary allocation has increased by €21.5m, they remain firmly anchored at the foot of the salary limit rankings with a cap of €22.14m. Last season, their cap was less than €1m and, despite being the third-largest riser this term, their limit is still concerningly low. The club has responded by offloading leading players Dodi Lukebakio and Loic Bade, but is still expected to be operating in excess of their limit.
The clubs promoted this year – Levante (€35.5m), Elche (€40.5m), and Alaves (€41m) – have the next smallest salary limits. Notably, sides experiencing the most severe reductions in their salary ceilings include Barcelona (-€112m), Real Betis (-€34.2m), Real Sociedad (-€31.9m), and Girona (-€23.5m), the latter two missing out on European competition.
Other Notable Changes in Salary Limits
Amongst the clubs not newly promoted, Espanyol are the most improved, having boosted their limit by €51.2m after resolving prior budget issues. Villarreal have climbed by €37.2m, benefiting from Champions League qualification, while Athletic Club have elevated their cap by €21m. Sevilla, as noted, have also recorded a noticeable €21.5m increase.
Further developments and detailed analysis are anticipated as La Liga clubs continue to adjust to these updated financial frameworks.
