Jefferson Lerma has quietly built one of the most solid careers in professional soccer over the past decade.
From his roots in Colombia to competing in the Premier League and Ligue 1, his financial story is just as compelling as his performances on the pitch.
This article covers his net worth, salary, contracts, and everything in between.
Jefferson Lerma’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jefferson Lerma |
| Date of Birth | October 25, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years old |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Position | Central Midfielder / Defensive Midfielder |
| Current Club | Crystal Palace F.C. |
| Turned Professional | 2012 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $8 million |
| Annual Salary | Approx. £3.12 million (Crystal Palace) |
| @jeffersonlerma |
Early Life and Career
Jefferson Lerma was born on October 25, 1994, in Palmira, a city in the Valle del Cauca department of Colombia.
Growing up in a country where soccer is essentially a religion, Lerma developed a passion for the game from a very young age.
He spent his formative years playing on local pitches, showing a natural tenacity and defensive awareness that would later define his professional style.
Lerma came through the youth ranks at Deportivo Palmira before attracting attention from larger Colombian clubs. His physical presence, sharp tackling, and ability to read the game made him stand out among peers.
He was never the flashiest player on the field, but coaches recognized his disciplined approach and work rate early on.
He joined the professional setup at Once Caldas, one of Colombia’s most storied clubs, where he began his senior career in 2012.
It was there that Lerma truly learned the demands of top-level soccer — competing in the Colombian Primera División exposed him to a more physical, tactically demanding environment.
His performances caught the eye of scouts across South America and eventually Europe, setting the stage for a career trajectory that very few Colombian midfielders of his generation managed to match.
Professional Career
After establishing himself at Once Caldas and then moving to Atlético Huila, Lerma made the leap to Europe in 2015 when he signed with Levante in Spain.
He spent time on loan at UD Las Palmas before returning and cementing himself as a reliable option in La Liga.
His combative style suited the Spanish top flight, and he became one of the more effective defensive midfielders in the league during his time there.
His performances earned him a high-profile move to AFC Bournemouth in 2018 for a reported fee of around £25 million, as covered by Transfermarkt’s profile on Jefferson Lerma.
He became a key figure for the Cherries over five seasons, even as the club faced relegation and promotion challenges. His consistency at the Championship and Premier League level showcased his adaptability.
In 2023, Lerma moved to Crystal Palace on a free transfer, signing a multi-year deal. Under Oliver Glasner’s management, he has flourished in a more structured midfield role.
On the international stage, he has earned over 70 caps for the Colombian national team, representing his country in multiple Copa América tournaments and World Cup qualifying campaigns.
His international career reflects the kind of trust and longevity that only consistently performing players earn.
Jefferson Lerma’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Jefferson Lerma’s has an estimated net worth of $8 million.
He built this wealth through professional soccer contracts across Colombia, Spain, England, and France. His move to Bournemouth alone represented a significant financial turning point, and his current deal at Crystal Palace keeps his earnings at a high level. Combined with endorsement income and smart financial management, his accumulated wealth is both well-earned and well-documented through salary data.
Contract
Lerma signed with Crystal Palace in the summer of 2023 after leaving Bournemouth as a free agent.
According to salary data available via Capology’s Jefferson Lerma salary breakdown, his contract at Crystal Palace is reported to be worth approximately £60,000 per week.
The deal was initially structured as a two-year agreement with options to extend based on performance and fitness.
Crystal Palace backed him as a core midfield asset, and by 2025, he had demonstrated enough quality to remain a regular starter under Oliver Glasner’s system.
There are no confirmed reports of a contract extension as of early 2026, but the club has shown continued confidence in his role within the squad.
Salary
Lerma’s current weekly wage at Crystal Palace sits at approximately £60,000, which translates to roughly £3.12 million per year.
This makes him one of the better-paid midfielders at the club, though not in the top tier of Premier League earners overall.
His peak earning years came during his time at Bournemouth, where his wages grew significantly after the club gained Premier League status.
At his highest point with the Cherries, he was reportedly earning in the region of £50,000–£65,000 per week, figures consistent with what Goal’s coverage of Colombian international players has referenced across his career timeline.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Est. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2016 | Levante (Spain) | ~£400,000 |
| 2016–2017 | UD Las Palmas (Loan) | ~£450,000 |
| 2017–2018 | Levante | ~£500,000 |
| 2018–2019 | AFC Bournemouth | ~£1.8 million |
| 2019–2020 | AFC Bournemouth | ~£2.0 million |
| 2020–2021 | AFC Bournemouth | ~£2.2 million |
| 2021–2022 | AFC Bournemouth | ~£2.4 million |
| 2022–2023 | AFC Bournemouth | ~£2.6 million |
| 2023–2024 | Crystal Palace | ~£3.12 million |
| 2024–2025 | Crystal Palace | ~£3.12 million |
Endorsements
Lerma has maintained a modest but consistent presence in the endorsement space. He has been associated with Nike through his club-level kit sponsorship, though no standalone personal boot deal with the brand has been publicly confirmed.
Like many players at his level, his commercial appeal is tied closely to his national team exposure and Premier League platform.
He has partnered with Colombian-based brands for regional promotions, leveraging his status as one of the country’s most-capped midfielders.
His Instagram following, which sits in the hundreds of thousands, provides a platform that brands have tapped into for sponsored content, particularly around FIFA international windows when his profile peaks.
While he does not command the massive endorsement figures of global stars, these partnerships add a meaningful supplement to his base salary earnings.
Career Statistics
| Club | Seasons | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once Caldas | 2012–2014 | 47 | 3 | 2 |
| Atlético Huila | 2014–2015 | 31 | 2 | 1 |
| Levante | 2015–2018 | 87 | 4 | 5 |
| UD Las Palmas (Loan) | 2016–2017 | 28 | 1 | 2 |
| AFC Bournemouth | 2018–2023 | 168 | 8 | 10 |
| Crystal Palace | 2023–Present | 55+ | 3 | 4 |
| Colombia (National) | 2016–Present | 75+ | 3 | 5 |
FAQs
What is Jefferson Lerma’s net worth?
Jefferson Lerma’s estimated net worth is approximately $8 million. He accumulated this through professional contracts in Colombia, Spain, and England, with his Premier League years contributing the most to his total career earnings.
How much does Jefferson Lerma earn at Crystal Palace?
Lerma earns approximately £60,000 per week at Crystal Palace, which equals around £3.12 million annually. This salary reflects his value as an experienced Premier League midfielder and key figure in the club’s midfield setup.
How many caps does Jefferson Lerma have for Colombia?
Jefferson Lerma has earned over 75 international caps for Colombia. He has represented his country in Copa América tournaments and FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns, making him one of Colombia’s most experienced active players.
What clubs has Jefferson Lerma played for?
Lerma has played for Once Caldas, Atlético Huila, Levante, UD Las Palmas (on loan), AFC Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace. His career spans Colombia, Spain, and England across more than a decade of professional soccer.
How much did Bournemouth pay for Jefferson Lerma?
AFC Bournemouth signed Jefferson Lerma from Levante in 2018 for a transfer fee reported at around £25 million, as documented on Transfermarkt’s Jefferson Lerma transfer history page. It was one of the club’s largest investment signings at the time.
