When you think about footballers’ salaries, your mind immediately goes to the astronomical figures of Serie A and the major European leagues. However, professional football in Italy does not stop at the highest levels, and the reality of Serie C presents a completely different picture. Here, footballers often have to deal with complex economic situations, much lower salaries and a great passion for the sport that becomes the real driving force to move forward.
How much does a Serie C footballer earn on average?
According to official data published by Lega Pro, the minimum salaries of Serie C players vary based on age and experience. In the 2024/25 season, the minimum salary for a player over 24 is approximately 28,545.00 euros gross, which translates into approximately 21,000 euros net per year. Young people between 20 and 23 years old earn a minimum of 21,692.00 euros gross, while younger players (16-19 years old) earn at least 15,412.00 euros gross.
It is important to note that these are minimal figures, so many footballers can earn more, especially if they play in teams with a high budget. However, most Serie C players fall into the earning range of between 20,000 and 50,000 euros gross per year.
Salary breakdown for the 2024/2025 season
For the 2024/25 season, the minimum gross global salaries were communicated at the beginning of the season, increasing compared to those of 2023/24 by approximately 300 euros gross per year.
For professional footballers registered with Serie C clubs, the minimum salary is as follows by age group.
From 16th to 19th year of age (Class of 2008 – 2005) – 15,412 euros gross (11,934 euros net);
From 20th to 23rd year of age (Class of 2004–2001) – 21,692 gross (16,963 net);
From the age of 24 (Class of 2000) – 28,545 euros gross (20,973 euros net);
Clubs whose turnover did not exceed 5 million euros in the previous sports season benefit from tax breaks for Under 23 footballers and therefore the details of the minimum wages change as follows.
From 16th to 19th year of age (Class of 2008 – 2005) – 13,806 euros gross (11,934 euros net);
From the 20th to the 23rd (not completed) year of age (Class of 2004–2001) – 19,118 euros gross (16,963 net);
The compensation for the apprenticeship contract
Minimum wages for the Apprenticeship contract for the professional qualification and diploma, for the secondary school diploma and for the higher technical specialization certificate.
From the 14th (completed) to the 16th (completed) year of age – 3,414.00 euros gross (3,050.00 euros net).
From the 17th (completed) to the 18th (completed) year of age – 4,552.00 euros gross (4,068 euros net);
From the age of 19 – 5,690 euros gross (5,085 euros net);
The minimum figures for the professional apprenticeship contract:
From the 15th (completed) to the 16th (not completed) year of age – 3,853 euros gross (3,443 euros net).
From the 16th (completed) to the 17th (not completed) year of age – 3,853 euros gross (3,443 euros net);
From the 17th (completed) to the 18th (not completed) year of age – 4,624 euros gross (4,132 euros net)
From the 18th (completed) to the 19th (not completed) year of age – 10,788 euros gross (9,297 euros net);
From the 19th (completed) to the 23rd (not completed) year of age – 21,409 euros gross (17,227 euros net);
From 19th to 23rd year of age – 12,341 euros gross (10,354 euros net);
For the Apprenticeship contract for higher education and research, the minimum wages are established as follows:
The minimum salary value from the 18th (completed) to the 23rd (not completed) year of age – 22,836 euros gross (18,077 euros net)
The minimum wages for apprenticeships for the professional qualification and diploma, for the secondary school diploma and for the higher technical specialization certificate for companies with a turnover of less than 5 million euros:
From the 14th (completed) to the 16th (completed) year of age – 3,311 euros gross (3,050 net)
From the 17th (completed) to the 18th (completed) year of age – 4,415 euros gross (4,068 net)
From the 19th (completed) year of age – 5,518 euros gross (5,085 euros net);
Minimum wage 19th year of age – 11,237 euros gross (10,354 euros net);
For the professionalizing Apprenticeship contract for companies with a turnover of less than 5 million euros, the following minimum wages are expected.
From the 19th (completed) to the 23rd (not completed) year of age – 18,775 euros gross (17,227 euros net);
From the 18th (completed) to the 19th (not completed) year of age – 10,090 euros gross (9,297 euros net);
From the 17th (completed) to the 18th (not completed) year of age – 4,485 euros gross (4,132 net);
From the 16th (completed) to the 17th (not completed) year of age – 3,737 euros gross (3,443 euros net);
From the 15th (completed) to the 16th (not completed) year of age – 3,737 euros gross (3,443 net).
Finally, the minimum values for the Apprenticeship contract for higher education and research for companies with a turnover of less than 5 million euros:
From the 18th (completed) to the 23rd (not completed) year of age – 19,726 euros gross (18,077 euros net).
Who spends the most in Serie C?
In the 2024/25 season, Serie C has increased its squad value, following data published by transfermarkt.it.
In Group A, which includes the Atalanta U-23 team, they have 541 active players with an average age of 24, with a total market value of €159,000 and a squad value of €86.15 million. The player with the highest economic value is the 18-year-old Serbian, Atalanta U-23 midfielder Vanja Vlahović.
Group B, where we find Milan Futuro, is the one with the highest percentage of foreigners in the total, 16.2%, with a total market value of 209 thousand euros and a total squad value of 115.83 million. The most “precious” player in the group is the Rossoneri Francesco Camarda, who at 15 years, 8 months and 15 days was the youngest debutant in the history of Serie A. To date, according to Transfermarkt parameters, the 16-year-old is worth 10 million euros.
Group C, which includes the Juventus Next Gen team, is made up of 20 teams for 557 players, of which 15.4% are foreigners, with a total market value of €176,000 and a total value of the squads of €98.23 million. The most expensive player is Felix Afena-Gyan with €2.5 million, on loan to the Juventus Under-23 team of Cremonese.
These data highlight how the top clubs in Serie C invest heavily in player salaries, trying to attract the best talent and build competitive teams. In this context, even the most passionate fans can make strategic choices, both to follow their favorite team and to compare betting opportunities on teams. Today, thanks to comparison platforms, it is possible to have an overview of the best betting sites, even without a license, to make responsible and informed choices. You can visit the miglioricasinoonline.info website to discover the best options available and get useful information on bonuses and promotions.
Serie C teams’ sources of income
When talking about salaries in Serie C, it should not be forgotten that clubs not only pay players, but also try to maintain healthy balance sheets through sponsors and television rights. However, unlike Serie A and Serie B, Serie C teams’ revenues are significantly lower. TV rights also do not reach high figures, which makes it difficult for many clubs to compete with the salaries of the higher categories. However, some teams manage to guarantee respectable salaries to their players, relying on sponsorships and private investments.
Passion: the true value of Serie C
Serie C hides a complex world of economic and sporting strategies. Serie C players do not earn the millionaire figures of their colleagues in the higher categories, but their salaries still reflect the growing professionalism of this competition. Despite the current economic difficulties, Serie C football remains a fertile ground for passion. For many players, this category represents a springboard to reach the major championships, or simply an opportunity to live off what they love. It is a football where the love for the game often overcomes the problems related to economic stability.