Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard's wages prompted a notable reaction from one of his team-mates
06:00, 11 Jul 2026
Martin Odeggard of Norway
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is representing Norway at the World Cup(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard’s wages previously shocked one of his Arsenal team-mates upon sealing his return to the Gunners in 2021.
The Norway international, who is preparing to face England in a World Cup quarter-final, had spent time on loan at the club before completing his £30million move from Real Madrid. The midfielder helped elevate Mikel Arteta’s team and was a key component in transforming the side into title contenders.
Odegaard was named captain after his first full season with the club, replacing Alexander Lacazette as skipper. After being given the armband, Odegaard enjoyed his most productive league season in an Arsenal shirt, scoring 15 goals and assisting seven.
He was rewarded with a new long-terrm contract in 2023, but Odegaard’s initial salary had already surprised former Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney. The former Real Madrid star was reported to be earning around £4million per year after sealing his return to the Emirates Stadium in 2021.
This sum was brought up by Tierney, who was seen joking about the midfielder’s earnings in the All or Nothing: Arsenal docuseries. Speaking to his then team-mate in the first episode of All or Nothing: Arsenal, Tierney asked Odegaard: "Happy to be back bro? I heard what wages you were on so I thought, ‘F****** hell.’"
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According to Spotrac, the Arsenal captain's earnings have skyrocketed to £12.48m per year since signing his new deal three years ago. Odegaard provided the Gunners with a priceless moment last season as he lifted the Premier League trophy to end the club’s 22-year wait for a league title.
He has made 234 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 42 goals and registering 46 assists. football.london recently dismissed reports that Odegaard had agreed terms with Galatasaray, with the captain understood to be happy at Arsenal.
Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard in Arsenal training
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Kieran Tierney joked about Odegaard's Arsenal salary(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Odegaard’s immediate focus is on helping Norway defeat England to reach the World Cup semi-finals. They're set to play in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history following a famous victory over Brazil in the last round.
While Manchester City striker Erling Haaland’s goals helped fire the team to a 2-1 win, Norwegian skipper Odegaard also played a pivotal role in midfield. His impressive performance frustrated Brazilian icon Neymar, who got booked after fouling the Arsenal star and also barged into Odegaard after scoring a consolation goal from the penalty spot.
The former Barcelona and PSG star subsequently sought out the Arsenal man after the final whistle and the pair shared a hug. Odegaard dismissed any suggestion of lingering tension when asked about the incidents.
“Yes, it got a little awkward,” he told TV2. “But there was a good atmosphere afterwards. So it ended well.”
Odegaard will aim to lead Norway to a historic quarter-final win over England on Saturday. The 27-year-old has registered three assists in four World Cup appearances.
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