The MLS Player’s Union on Thursday once again released information about how much money each of its players make. To no one’s surprise, David Beckham tops that list, earning a guaranteed $6.5 million per year. Behind him is the Chicago Fire’s Cuauhtemoc Blanco, $2.67 million, while D.C. United newcomer Marcelo Gallardo is third, earning $1.87 million this season. Of course, these “designated players” count just $400,000 against their teams’ salary cap, which must be less than $2.3 million, total.
For a little perspective, The Washington Post’s Steve Goff focuses on D.C. United’s roster, pointing out how Gallardo’s compensation dwarfs that of his teammates. Gallardo, an Argentine, was brought in to replace playmaker Christian Gomez, another Argentine, who was traded to Colorado during the offseason for a second designated player slot, which United has yet to use. Gallardo is considerably more expensive than Gomez was, earning $1.87 million per season compared to Gomez’s $325,000.
Brazilian striker Luciano Emilio, the league’s MVP and leading scorer in 2007, will make $313,125 this season. Behind him are United’s three South American offseason acquisitions: Gonzalo Martinez ($244,750), Gonzalo Peralta ($199,000) and Franco Neill ($152,000). Seven of United’s 25 players have what are called “developmental contracts” for players that aren’t full-time, paying between $12,900 and $17,700. The league’s minimum salary is $33,000.