What is your salary really worth?

When a contract says “€5,000 / month”, your brain hears “€5,000 to spend”. That is wrong — and expensive. In sport, the number on paper is only the starting point.

Gross ≠ spendable cash

Tax, agent fees, rent, travel, insurance, medical costs and gaps between contracts all come out first. What remains is your real income — the money you live on, save with and build reserves from.

What “real income” means

Real income = money left after obligations. It is not a marketing figure. It is the practical number you use to decide whether you can afford a lifestyle, a car or support for family.

A simple example

Contract: €5,000 gross per month. After tax, say €3,600. Minus agent fee, rent and travel: maybe €2,400. That is the base for your budget — not €5,000.

Costs many athletes forget

• Tax and social contributions — they vary by country and contract type
• Agent commission — percentage, timing, who pays
• Professional costs: kit, travel, nutrition, recovery
• Medical and injury-related insurance
• Months without pay between contracts or outside the season

Quick checklist before you spend

1. What is left after tax?
2. Who pays the agent fee — and how much?
3. Which professional costs are fixed every month?
4. Do you have months without pay between contracts?
5. How much can you save monthly without stressing day-to-day life?

Why it matters on ProSportStaff

Before you sign or move clubs, look at the whole package — not only the big number on the contract. Real income helps you compare offers and avoid decisions built on illusions.

Next article in the “Money in sport” series

→ What to do with your first pro paycheck

Educational content only. Not personalised financial, tax or legal advice. For your situation, speak to a qualified professional.