Most Expensive Football Transfers: Top 10 Biggest Deals in History

The most expensive football transfers have reshaped the game, with clubs spending record breaking fees to secure top talent. From Neymar’s world record move to PSG to Cristiano Ronaldo’s switch to Juventus, these transfers have defined modern football. In this article, we break down the top 10 most expensive football transfers of all time and analyze their impact.

1. Neymar – €222M

Neymar’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 remains the number 1 in most expensive football transfers ever. PSG activated his €222 million release clause, marking a new era in football spending. The Brazilian forward became the face of PSG’s Champions League ambitions, though he never quite delivered European glory.

2. Kylian Mbappé – €180M

Initially joining on loan from AS Monaco in 2017, Mbappé’s transfer was made permanent in 2018 for a staggering €180 million. At just 19 years old, he was already a World Cup winner and one of the best young talents in the world which let him to be one of the most expensive football transfers ever. His influence at PSG continued to grow, which made him one of the most valuable players in football, before leaving on a free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024, where he continues to build his legacy.

3. Philippe Coutinho – €145M

Barcelona spent €145 million to replace Neymar with Coutinho in 2018 from Liverpool, but the move turned out to be one of the club’s biggest financial disasters. He struggled to fit into Barcelona’s system and was later loaned out to Bayern Munich, where he ironically helped eliminate Barça from the Champions League. In 2022, Barcelona sold him for just €20 million to Aston Villa.

4. Ousmane Dembélé – €140M

Another attempt by Barcelona to rebuild post-Neymar, Dembélé arrived from Borussia Dortmund for €135 million in 2017. Injuries plagued his time at the Camp Nou, and while he showed flashes of brilliance, he never fully justified his price tag. He left the club in 2023 to join PSG for €50 million.

5. Joao Félix – €127M

Atlético Madrid made João Félix their record signing at just 19 years old, paying Benfica €127 million for the Golden Boy Award winner in 2019. While he showed glimpses of his talent, his inconsistent performances led to loan moves to Chelsea and Barcelona. He joined Chelsea on a permanent deal in 2024 for €52 million but is currently loaned out to AC Milan.

6. Enzo Fernández – €121M

After an outstanding 2022 World Cup with Argentina, Chelsea made the most expensive football transfers in Britain by signing Enzo Fernández from Benfica for €121 million in 2023. After 2 seasons in his Chelsea career, he looks to have found his place playing under Maresca in the Premier League, being the captain of the team.

7. Antoine Griezmann – €120M

FC Barcelona activated Griezmann’s €120 million release clause at Atlético Madrid in 2019, but he struggled to display the same form at Camp Nou. In 2021, he returned to Atlético Madrid on a €10 million loan deal before making the permanent €20 million move back to his old club in 2023, making this another costly mistake for Barça.

8. Jack Grealish – €117M

Manchester City signed Jack Grealish for €117.5 million from Aston Villa in 2021, which was the most expensive football transfers in Britain at the time and made him the most expensive English player ever. While he took time to settle, he became a key player in City’s 2022/23 treble-winning season. After the treble-winning season, he has struggled to find his form again and a lot of fans will say Manchester City overpaid for the creative winger.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo – €117M

Juventus paid €117 million for a 33-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo joining from Real Madrid in 2018, believing he would deliver them a Champions League title. Although he was a top scorer in Serie A, Juve never won the UCL during his time there. Ronaldo later moved back to the club that made him big: Manchester United in 2021 for just €17 million.

10. Eden Hazard – €115M

After starring at Chelsea, Hazard moved to Real Madrid for €115 million in 2019. However, injuries and fitness issues prevented him from making an impact, and he is widely regarded as one of the worst big-money signings in history. After playing just 44 LaLiga games in 4 seasons at the club, Hazard decided to retire in 2023.

Honorable Mentions

• Jude Bellingham – €103M (Dortmund to Real Madrid in 2023)
• Gareth Bale – €101M (Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013)
• Paul Pogba – €105M (Juventus to Manchester United in 2016)

Final Thoughts: Most Expensive Football Transfers

Football transfer fees continue to rise, and it’s only a matter of time before a new record is set. Which of these most expensive football transfers do you think was the biggest flop? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram!