In modern football, clubs often focus on signing younger players with long-term potential and resale value. But some stars prove that age is just a number—especially when talent and experience remain world-class.
We’ve taken a closer look at the biggest transfers involving players aged 30 or older, ranking the ten most expensive moves of all time based on their transfer fees.
10. Kalidou Koulibaly – Napoli to Chelsea
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At 31 years old, Senegalese center-back Kalidou Koulibaly made the switch from Napoli to Chelsea for a fee of €42 million. Known for his strength and defensive leadership, Koulibaly was seen as a vital reinforcement for the Premier League side.
Bonucci shocked Italian football when he moved from Juventus to AC Milan for €42 million at the age of 30. The experienced defender was still at the peak of his powers and brought top-level Serie A experience to Milan’s backline.
8. Paulinho – Barcelona to Guangzhou Evergrande
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Brazilian midfielder Paulinho returned to China at the age of 30, transferring from Barcelona to Guangzhou Evergrande for €42 million. Despite a short stint in Spain, his market value remained high due to his previous performances in Asia.
7. Robert Lewandowski – Bayern Munich to Barcelona
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One of the greatest strikers of his generation, Robert Lewandowski joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich for €45 million at age 33. His goal-scoring record and elite fitness made him a marquee signing even well into his 30s.
6. Marco Verratti – PSG to Al-Arabi
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At 30 years old, Italian midfielder Marco Verratti left PSG for Qatari side Al-Arabi in a deal worth €45 million. The technically gifted playmaker was looking for a new challenge after over a decade in Paris.
5. Miralem Pjanić – Juventus to Barcelona
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Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanić made a €60 million move from Juventus to Barcelona at the age of 30. Although the deal was part of a controversial swap with Arthur Melo, it still stands as one of the biggest fees for a player over 30.
4. Casemiro – Real Madrid to Manchester United
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Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro left Real Madrid at 30 to join Manchester United in a €71 million deal. Known for his leadership and ball-winning abilities, his signing added much-needed steel to the Premier League side’s midfield.
3. Neymar – PSG to Al-Hilal
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At 31, Neymar became one of the most high-profile players to move to Saudi Arabia, signing with Al-Hilal for €90 million. Injuries had slowed him in recent seasons, but his global brand and attacking flair kept his value sky-high.
2. Harry Kane – Tottenham to Bayern Munich
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After years of speculation, Harry Kane finally left Tottenham at the age of 30, joining Bayern Munich in a blockbuster €95 million transfer. Still in peak form, Kane was brought in to fill the long-vacant striker role in the German giant’s attack.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid to Juventus
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Topping the list is Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic €117 million move from Real Madrid to Juventus at age 33. Despite his age, the Portuguese superstar was still delivering elite performances and had an unmatched commercial pull, making this the most expensive deal ever for a player over 30.
Rasmus Kristensen is a passionate content creator for Lente Desportiva, covering football, Formula 1, and rugby. Although still new to the media world, he’s already making waves with his sharp insights and engaging storytelling. With a fresh voice and fearless approach, Rasmus is quickly becoming one to watch in the world of sports journalism.
