Gareth Bale is just the 23rd highest-earner in MLS on $2.3 million a season

Gareth Bale is only the 23rd highest-earner in the Major League Soccer following his transfer to Los Angeles FC.

The 33-year-old took a huge wage cut to join the California-based team following his Real Madrid release.

He earned a reported £550,000-a-week at Real, but is believed to be pocketing just over £100,000 a month at LAFC.

That's a base salary of $2.3 million, which makes him just the 23rd highest-paid player in the MLS.

Despite being arguably the biggest name in the league, Bale earns a lot less than some of his peers.

So, that's over $10 million less than the highest-paid player in the league in the shape of Lorenzo Insigne.

The Italian moved to Toronto FC on a free transfer and earns a massive salary of $14 million, ahead of former Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri who pockets a salary of $8.1 million.

Gareth Bale in action for Los Angeles FC. Image: Alamy

Ex-Manchester United hero Javier Hernandez makes $7.4 million a year while Federico Bernardeschi earns $6.2 million.

Former Juventus winger Douglas Costa brings in $5.8 million a year and the recently retired Gonzalo Higuain takes home $5.7 million.

Hector Herrera ($5.2 million), Alejandro Pozuelo ($4.6 million), Luiz Araujo ($4.4 million) and Jozy Altidore ($4.2 million) make up the top ten.

Check out the full list below:

MLS' highest earners:

1. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) - $14 million
2. Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire) - $8.1 million
3. Javier Hernandez (Los Angeles Galaxy) - $7.4 million
4. Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC) - $6.2 million
5. Douglas Costa (Los Angeles Galaxy) - $5.8 million
6. Gonzalo Higuain (Inter Miami) - $5.7 million
7. Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo) - $5.2 million
8. Alejandro Pozuelo (Inter Miami) - $4.6 million
9. Luiz Araujo (Atlanta United) - $4.4 million
10. Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC) - $4.2 million

Bale, meanwhile, has played 12 MLS games since his move to the States.

He's scored two goals, including an incredible solo goal against Real Salt Lake.

Topics: Gareth Bale, Football, Major League Soccer

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar