Gerard Pique, who joined FC Barcelona in 2008 and stayed with the Blaugrana until his retirement at the end of 2022, significantly built his net worth during these years. Pique’s net worth today is not only a reflection of his successful ventures like the Davis Cup and Kosmos Group but also a testament to the high salaries he earned, befitting a world champion’s status.
Today, Pique’s net worth stands at 80 million euros, although he earned substantially more during his years at Barcelona.
How It All Started: From Manchester United to Barcelona Legend
Pique’s football odyssey commenced in 2004 with Manchester United. Initially used as a substitute for injured first-team players, his commendable performances quickly earned him a new contract. This upward trajectory was briefly interrupted when Pique moved to Real Zaragoza in La Liga on a one-season loan in 2006, only to return to Manchester United the following year. His return saw an increase in match appearances and a notable debut in the Champions League.
Pique’s growing prominence at Manchester United caught the attention of Barcelona FC in 2008. In a career-defining move, Pique returned to his homeland on a GBP 5 million transfer, a step that significantly contributed to Pique’s net worth and professional acclaim.
At Barcelona, Pique’s impact was immediate. His solid defense and goal-scoring ability helped the team clinch the Copa del Rey in 2009. That same year, he played a key role in Barcelona’s Champions League victory over his former team, Manchester United, completing an impressive treble. His commitment to Barcelona was further cemented with a contract renewal.
The 2011 Champions League final saw Pique helping Barcelona triumph over Manchester United again. His journey with the club was extended with another contract extension in 2014, ensuring his stay until at least 2019.
Pique’s achievements continued to accumulate, with his third Champions League win in 2015 against Juventus. This victory placed him in an elite group of players who have won the treble twice with the same club, a unique record for Barcelona. However, the late 2010s marked a period of transition for Barcelona, with an aging squad, including Pique, increasingly reliant on Lionel Messi’s heroics.
Basics of Pique’s net worth: salaries over the years
According to Capology.com, during his 14 seasons at Barcelona, he earned over €200 million. Let’s examine how his salaries evolved over the years.
2008 – 2012
While the exact figure of Pique’s initial salary at Barcelona between 2008 and 2013 remains undisclosed, his subsequent earnings and the growth of Pique’s net worth highlight his successful career both on and off the pitch.
2013 – 2014:
Just five years into his tenure at Barcelona, Pique had already distinguished himself as a world champion (2010), two-time Euro champion (2008, 2012), and twice a Champions League winner (2009, 2011). His exceptional achievements rightfully placed him among the team’s top earners.
Pique’s adjusted gross salary for the 2013-2014 season was an impressive €12 million.
2014 – 2017
In the subsequent years, Pique’s salary fluctuated within a margin of about ±10%. Notably, in the 2016-17 season, as a three-time Champions League winner, his earnings reached €15 million. This significant income played a crucial role in building Pique’s net worth, estimated at around $80 million in 2023.
Here’s a breakdown of Pique’s adjusted gross salary in these years:
- 2014-2015 season: €10.8 million
- 2015-2016 season: €12.5 million
- 2016-2017 season: €15 million
These figures underscore Pique’s status not just as a footballing legend but also as a financial heavyweight in the sport, reflecting both his on-pitch success and his savvy off-pitch financial acumen.
From 2017 to 2020, the surge in Pique’s net worth was remarkable, particularly in the 2017-2018 season, following his significant contract renewal with Barcelona. This new deal elevated him to one of the world’s highest-paid defenders, with his gross salary soaring to approximately $650,000 per week. This salary boost was a testament to Pique’s invaluable contribution to Barcelona, marking his transition into an indispensable team member. This period not only reflected his on-field prowess but also significantly enhanced Pique’s net worth, showcasing his financial growth.
The details of Pique’s financial journey during these years were as follows:
- In the 2017-2018 season, Pique’s adjusted gross salary was an astounding €34 million, boosting his net worth to $52 million.
- For the 2018-2019 season, his salary remained at €34 million, further increasing Pique’s net worth to $58 million.
- The 2019-2020 season saw him maintaining his salary at €34 million, with Pique’s net worth escalating to $64 million.
These figures highlight not just Pique’s football success, but also the significant strides he made in his financial portfolio, contributing extensively to the growth of Pique’s net worth.
2020 – 2022
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Pique, along with his teammates including Lionel Messi, demonstrated a commendable spirit of solidarity. According to Wikipedia, they agreed to a 70% salary reduction to support the club and its employees. However, Capology’s data suggests a different scenario for Pique’s earnings. In the 2019-2020 season, he earned €34 million, which was then reduced to €21 million in the following season. This reduction, approximately 40%, is notably less than the initially reported 70%, leaving some ambiguity around the exact details of the cut.
Despite this salary adjustment, Pique’s net worth continued to grow impressively. For the 2020-2021 season, his adjusted gross salary was €21 million, with his net worth estimated at $71 million. Moving into the 2021-2022 season, Pique’s salary saw a rebound to €30 million, which corresponded with an increase in his net worth to $78 million.
Pique’s last active season was 2022-2023, but his departure midway through the season meant his €15 million salary represented just half a year’s payment. This adjustment in his earnings reflects in Pique’s net worth for the 2020-2021 season, which reached an impressive $85 million.
Throughout these transitions, Pique’s financial resilience and the growth of his net worth remained a testament to his successful career and prudent financial management, both on and off the field.
Pique’s Financial Evolution: 2017-2023
- 2017-2018 Season
Adjusted Gross Salary: €34 million
Pique’s net worth: $52 million
- 2018-2019 Season
Adjusted Gross Salary: €34 million
Pique’s net worth: $58 million
- 2019-2020 Season
Adjusted Gross Salary: €34 million
Pique’s net worth: $64 million
- 2020-2021 Season
Adjusted Gross Salary: €21 million
Pique’s net worth: $71 million
- 2021-2022 Season
Adjusted Gross Salary: €30 million
Pique’s net worth: $78 million
- 2022-2023 Season (Half-year)
Adjusted Gross Salary: €15 million
Pique’s net worth: $85 million
Gerard Pique, reflecting on his departure from FC Barcelona, shared, “I’m glad I left because it gave Barça space on the salary scale. But it seems that despite this, there are still financial problems. I wonder who should leave now. They said that we are responsible because of our salaries (Pique, Busquets, Alba). Now, we are all gone & yet they are not able to sign players.”
His exit, halfway through his final contract, signified not just a sacrifice for the team’s financial wellbeing, but also a sense of concern about the club’s future. Pique’s departure in such circumstances further cements his status as a true legend, gracefully bowing out while reflecting on the club’s ongoing fiscal dilemmas.
Financial Titans in Focus: Pique vs. Shakira and Barca Legends
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