Axel Witsel at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): £55.8 million
- Birthdate: January 12, 1989
- Birthplace: Liège, Belgium
- Profession: Professional Footballer
- Nationality: Belgian
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What is Axel Witsel’s Net Worth?
Axel Witsel has a net worth of £55.8 million. The Belgian international midfielder has built his considerable fortune through a long and high-profile career in Europe and Asia. Witsel is known as a versatile defensive midfielder, and his wealth comes from a combination of major transfer fees and significant club salaries.
A key period for his financial growth began in 2012 when he moved from Benfica to Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg. The transfer was valued at €40 million and came with a substantial wage package. This set the stage for his most lucrative career move in 2017 when he joined Tianjin Quanjian in the Chinese Super League. During this period, Witsel was one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, earning a reported salary of over £15.7 million per year.
Following his time in China, Witsel returned to Europe’s top leagues, signing with Borussia Dortmund in 2018. He continued to earn a high salary in the German Bundesliga before moving to Spain, first with Atlético Madrid in 2022 and then joining Girona in 2025.
Early Life
Axel Witsel was born in Liège, Belgium. His father, a former footballer, is of French Caribbean descent from Martinique, and his mother is Belgian. Witsel’s footballing education began early, and he joined the youth academy of his hometown club, Standard Liège, in 1999, developing his skills within their system for several years before turning professional.
Career
Axel Witsel began his senior career with Standard Liège, making his professional debut in 2006 at just 17 years old. He quickly became a vital part of the team, helping them win two Belgian league titles and winning the Belgian Golden Shoe award in 2008 as the league’s top player. His success in Belgium led to a move to Portuguese club Benfica in 2011.
After one impressive season in Portugal, Witsel was the subject of a high-value, €40 million transfer to Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2012. He spent five seasons in Russia, winning the Russian Premier League, the Russian Cup, and the Russian Super Cup. In 2017, he made the move to Tianjin Quanjian, securing a contract that significantly boosted his net worth.
Witsel returned to European football in 2018, signing with Borussia Dortmund for a €20 million fee. He was an important player for the German club, winning the DFL-Supercup and the DFB-Pokal. In 2022, he moved to Atlético Madrid on a free transfer, where manager Diego Simeone successfully utilized him as both a midfielder and a centre-back. In August 2025, Witsel moved to fellow La Liga club Girona.
Internationally, Witsel has been a cornerstone of the Belgian national team for over a decade. He made his debut in 2008 and has earned over 130 caps, representing his country at multiple UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups, including being a key member of the squad that finished third at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
