The 10 Highest-Spending Football Clubs of the Past Decade – Ranked
Over the past decade, the world’s top football clubs have invested more than €16.4 billion into transfers. While some have built dynasties, others have failed to justify their enormous spending. Here's a ranking of the 10 biggest spenders from 2015 to 2025, starting from number 10.
10. Liverpool – €1.2 billion
Liverpool's most expensive signing since 2015 was Darwin Nunez from Benfica for €82 million. Despite relatively restrained spending compared to rivals, the club has won eight trophies, including a Champions League and a Premier League title.
9. Atletico Madrid – €1.22 billion
Atletico’s €72 million investment in Julian Alvarez has proven fruitful, but Joao Felix’s €121 million transfer fell flat. Over the last decade, they’ve secured just three trophies: La Liga, the Europa League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
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8. Tottenham – €1.25 billion
Tottenham have spent heavily without a single trophy to show for it in the past 10 years. Their biggest transfer came in the form of Dominic Solanke for €62 million, but silverware continues to elude the club.
7. Arsenal – €1.38 billion
After years of financial restraint, Arsenal broke the bank in 2023 by signing Declan Rice for €112 million. While they've picked up six trophies, including FA Cups and Community Shields, Premier League and European success remain out of reach.
6. Barcelona – €1.52 billion
Barcelona’s major signings—Coutinho, Dembele, and Griezmann—each cost over €115 million and failed to deliver. Still, the club has amassed 14 trophies over the past decade, showcasing its enduring domestic dominance.
5. Juventus – €1.73 billion
The Italian giants made headlines with the €111 million purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo. Their investment yielded 12 trophies, including five Serie A titles and five Coppa Italia triumphs.
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4. Paris Saint-Germain – €1.8 billion
PSG made history by signing Neymar for €239 million and Kylian Mbappé for €182 million. The French powerhouse has collected 26 trophies in 10 years, dominating Ligue 1 and domestic cup competitions.
3. Manchester United – €1.88 billion
Despite spending over €1.8 billion, United’s returns have been modest, with just six trophies. High-profile signings like Paul Pogba, who cost €107 million, failed to live up to expectations, symbolizing the club’s underachievement.
2. Manchester City – €1.96 billion
City’s €112 million capture of Jack Grealish stands out, but it’s the overall recruitment strategy that delivered. Their spending translated into 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles and their first-ever Champions League.
1. Chelsea – €2.66 billion
Chelsea top the spending charts, with the bulk of their outlay coming after Todd Boehly’s 2022 takeover. Their record signing, Enzo Fernandez, cost €116 million, but the club's six trophies in the last decade all came under previous owner Roman Abramovich.
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