Exequiel Palacios has cemented his status as a midfield dynamo for both Bayer Leverkusen and the Argentina national team, bringing tenacity and skill to the pitch.
As of late, his financial standing reflects his elite contributions, especially following a major contract extension that secured his future in Germany. Fans often wonder about the financial rewards behind his success, from his weekly wages to his total accumulated wealth.
In this article, you will know Exequiel Palacios’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship history, and more details about his life on and off the field.
Exequiel Palacios Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Exequiel Alejandro Palacios |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1998 |
| Age | 27 |
| Education | River Plate Youth Academy |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 |
| Net Worth | Approx. €30 Million – €35 Million |
| Salary | €7.4 Million (Gross) / Year |
| Ex-Wife | Yésica Frías |
| Instagram Profile | @exepalaciosok |
| Twitter Profile | @exepalacios_ |
Early Career
Exequiel Palacios began his football journey in the youth ranks of River Plate, one of Argentina’s most prestigious clubs. Born in Famaillá, Tucumán, he moved to Buenos Aires at a very young age, where his talent was quickly spotted by scouts.
He rose through the academy system with a reputation for excellent ball control and tactical intelligence, traits that would later define his playing style in Europe.
He made his professional league debut for River Plate on November 8, 2015, in a match against Newell’s Old Boys. Although he was just a teenager, he displayed a maturity beyond his years.
His time at River Plate was highly successful, culminating in the historic 2018 Copa Libertadores victory against arch-rivals Boca Juniors.
This triumph not only solidified his status as a top prospect in South America but also attracted significant attention from major European clubs.
Professional Career
After conquering South American football, Palacios made the leap to Europe, joining German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in January 2020.
The transition to German football required adjustment, but he eventually became a central figure in the team’s midfield engine room.
His ability to recover possession and distribute the ball effectively made him indispensable to the squad, particularly during their historic unbeaten run in the 2023-2024 season.
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Palacios has achieved the pinnacle of football success. He was a member of the Argentina squad that won the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
His contributions to both club and country have been immense, with his performances for Leverkusen earning him a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable midfielders. In October 2025, he further committed his future to the club by signing a long-term contract extension.
Wife
Exequiel Palacios was previously married to Yésica Frías, an Argentine model and influencer. The couple married in July 2021 but later separated in a highly publicized split.
The relationship ended in controversy in 2024 when Frías claimed Palacios had stopped paying for their apartment, leading her to sell several of his personal items, including his 2022 World Cup winner’s medal and match-worn shirts, to settle financial debts.
The dispute garnered significant media attention due to the sale of such precious football memorabilia. Frías stated she needed the money to finish paying for their property in Tigre, Buenos Aires, as the divorce settlement had not been finalized at that time.
As of late 2025, Palacios has kept his personal life private, and there are no confirmed public reports of him remarrying or having children.
Exequiel Palacios’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Exequiel Palacios has an estimated net worth ranging between €30 million and €35 million.
Contract
Palacios signed a significant contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen that keeps him at the club until June 2030.
This new deal reflects his importance to the team and wards off interest from other top European clubs. The agreement reportedly does not include a specific release clause, giving Leverkusen full control over his transfer future.
Salary
Under his new terms agreed in late 2025, Palacios earns a gross base salary of approximately €7.4 million per year.
This is a substantial increase from his previous earnings, placing him among the higher earners in the squad. After taxes, his net income is estimated to be around €4 million annually, providing him with substantial financial stability.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Estimated Annual Earnings (Gross) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Bayer Leverkusen | €3,000,000 |
| 2021 | Bayer Leverkusen | €4,500,000 |
| 2022 | Bayer Leverkusen | €4,800,000 |
| 2023 | Bayer Leverkusen | €5,500,000 |
| 2024 | Bayer Leverkusen | €6,000,000 |
| 2025 | Bayer Leverkusen | €7,400,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2019 | River Plate | 87 | 10 | 11 |
| 2019-2020 | Bayer Leverkusen | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020-2021 | Bayer Leverkusen | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021-2022 | Bayer Leverkusen | 32 | 3 | 2 |
| 2022-2023 | Bayer Leverkusen | 34 | 5 | 2 |
| 2023-2024 | Bayer Leverkusen | 36 | 6 | 5 |
| 2024-2025 | Bayer Leverkusen | 38 | 1 | 6 |
| 2025-2026 | Bayer Leverkusen | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | Career | 249 | 25 | 26 |
FAQs
1. What is Exequiel Palacios’s current salary at Bayer Leverkusen?
Exequiel Palacios earns a gross annual salary of roughly €7.4 million under his new contract signed, which amounts to approximately €4 million net per year after taxes.
2. Did Exequiel Palacios’s ex-wife really sell his World Cup medal?
Yes, his ex-wife Yésica Frías publicly claimed she sold his World Cup winner’s medal and match shirts to pay off debts related to their shared apartment in Argentina.
3. How long is Exequiel Palacios’s contract with Bayer Leverkusen?
The Argentine midfielder extended his contract with Bayer Leverkusen in October 2025, binding him to the German club until June 30, 2030, with no reported release clause.
4. Which boots does Exequiel Palacios wear for matches?
Palacios is sponsored by Adidas and currently wears the Adidas Predator Elite FT football boots, which he uses for both Bundesliga and international fixtures with Argentina.
5. Has Exequiel Palacios won the World Cup with Argentina?
Yes, he was a key part of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, featuring in matches against Mexico, Australia, and Croatia during the tournament.
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