Football, the world’s most popular sport, has seen some eye-watering amounts of money exchanged for players. The transfer market is a vital part of football, and over the years, it has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Here are some of the most expensive football transfers ever.
In 2017, Neymar Jr made history with his move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a staggering €222 million. This transfer not only smashed all previous records but also set a benchmark that remains unsurpassed. Neymar’s impact at PSG has been significant; he helped them reach their first-ever UEFA Champions League final in 2020.
Another high-profile transfer was that of French superstar Kylian Mbappe from AS Monaco to PSG in 2018. Initially signed on loan in 2017, PSG made the deal permanent for an estimated fee of €180 million, making him the second most expensive player ever and the most costly teenager in football history.
Philippe Coutinho’s move from Liverpool to Barcelona in January 2018 costed Barca around €160 million including add-ons. Despite such heavy investment, Coutinho struggled to find his place at Camp Nou and was eventually loaned out to Bayern Munich where he won the treble before returning back to Barcelona.
Barcelona also paid heavily for Antoine Griezmann’s services from Atletico Madrid in July 2019. The French forward moved clubs for an impressive sum of €120 million after five successful seasons at Atletico Madrid where he scored more than 130 goals.
Joao Felix became one of the youngest players ever associated with such a large sum when Atletico Madrid chose him as Griezmann’s replacement by paying Benfica €126 million in July 2019. The youngster had shown immense potential during his time at Benfica which prompted Atletico Madrid to invest heavily on him despite having only one season of top-flight football under his belt.
The transfer of Paul Pogba from Juventus to Manchester United in 2016 for €105 million was also a landmark deal. The French midfielder had left United on a free transfer four years earlier, making the sum paid even more significant. Despite mixed performances and constant speculation about his future, Pogba remains an integral part of the Manchester United squad.
These transfers show that clubs are willing to invest heavily to secure the services of talented players who can alter their fortunes. They reflect not just the financial muscle of these clubs but also their ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. While these astronomical figures may seem excessive, they underscore football’s global appeal and its status as a high-stakes business proposition where success often demands substantial investment.