The 100 Most Expensive Football Transfers of All Time – Ranked

Football has become a global business where astronomical sums are exchanged for the world’s best talents. This list showcases the 100 most expensive transfers in history, reflecting the financial power of modern clubs and the ever-increasing value of top players. From historic icons to rising stars, these deals have shaped the landscape of the game.

100 – Raheem Sterling to Manchester City (£46.22m)

A 20-year-old Sterling swapped Liverpool for Manchester City in 2015. His pace and flair were seen as perfect for Guardiola's future plans.

99 – Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid (£48.18m)

Zidane became the world’s most expensive player in 2001 when he joined Los Blancos. His iconic volley in the 2002 Champions League final soon justified the fee.

98 – Jamie Gittens to Chelsea (£48.5m)

Still only 20, the young English winger made a high-profile switch to Chelsea in 2025. He’s seen as one of the Premier League's most exciting prospects.

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97 – Oscar to Shanghai SIPG (£49.05m)

Oscar stunned the football world in 2017 by leaving Chelsea for China at just 25. His move marked the rise of big-money Chinese signings.

96 – Joao Neves to PSG (£50.71m)

The Benfica teenager became PSG's latest midfield investment in 2024. At 19, his potential is seen as elite on the European stage.

95 – Nico Gonzalez to Manchester City (£50.78m)

City’s midfield rebuild continued with Gonzalez from Porto in 2024. His passing range and composure have drawn comparisons to Spanish legends.

94 – Pedro Neto to Chelsea (£50.78m)

One of Wolves’ standout performers, Neto earned a big-money switch in 2024. Chelsea continue to invest heavily in wide attacking players.

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93 – Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad (£50.78m)

After impressing with Aston Villa, Diaby took on a new challenge in Saudi Arabia. The French winger adds explosive pace to Al-Ittihad's growing roster.

92 – Erling Haaland to Manchester City (£51.14m)

Manchester City triggered Haaland’s release clause from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, securing a generational striker for a bargain fee. He made an immediate impact, breaking goal-scoring records and helping City win the treble in his debut season.

91 – Jeremy Doku to Manchester City (£52.17m)

The Belgian winger joined City with high expectations after a breakout season with Rennes. His dribbling and acceleration fit perfectly into Guardiola’s dynamic setup.

90 – Malcom to Al-Hilal (£52.17m)

Malcom’s Saudi move from Zenit added flair to Al-Hilal’s forward line. His time in Russia revived a career that once stalled at Barcelona.

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89 – Otavio to Al-Nassr (£52.17m)

Otavio made the switch from Porto to Al-Nassr in 2023, adding creativity to the Saudi club’s midfield. Known for his work rate and technical ability, he became an instant fan favorite.

88 – Manuel Ugarte to Paris Saint-Germain (£52.17m)

The Uruguayan destroyer left Sporting to join PSG in 2023. His aggressive pressing and tactical discipline quickly earned him a starting role in midfield.

87 – Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea (£52.17m)

Nkunku arrived in London after a prolific stint with RB Leipzig. His versatility and clinical finishing made him one of Chelsea’s most exciting attacking additions in recent years.

86 – Leny Yoro to Manchester United (£52.47m)

At just 18, the French defender became one of United’s most expensive defensive signings. Touted as a generational talent, Yoro represents the club's long-term investment in youth.

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85 – Diego Costa to Atletico Madrid (£52.57m)

Costa’s return to Atletico in 2017 marked a fiery comeback. The Brazilian-born striker brought his trademark aggression and physical presence back to La Liga.

84 – Naby Keita to Liverpool (£53.07m)

After excelling at RB Leipzig, Keita joined Klopp’s midfield engine. Injuries hampered his consistency, but his dynamism shone in bursts during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.

83 – Miralem Pjanic to Barcelona (£53.33m)

Pjanic moved to Camp Nou from Juventus in a deal that raised eyebrows. The Bosnian playmaker struggled to cement a regular place under multiple managers.

82 – Matheus Nunes to Manchester City (£53.91m)

City secured the Portuguese midfielder in 2023, adding depth to their creative options. Nunes’ dribbling and energy made him a key rotational piece in Guardiola’s squad.

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81 – Romeo Lavia to Chelsea (£54.00m)

Lavia emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders at Southampton. Chelsea pounced in 2023, hoping to build their future around his composure and ball-winning skills.

80 – Tanguy Ndombele to Tottenham Hotspur (£54.36m)

Spurs broke their transfer record for the powerful French midfielder in 2019. Despite flashes of brilliance, his time in North London was plagued by inconsistency.

79 – Dominic Solanke to Tottenham Hotspur (£54.42m)

Solanke's remarkable resurgence at Bournemouth earned him a major transfer to Spurs in 2024. The physical striker offers goals and hold-up play in a post-Harry Kane era.

78 – Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain (£54.77m)

Cavani moved from Napoli to PSG in 2013, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. His relentless movement and lethal finishing defined his time in France.

77 – Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal (£55.05m)

Arsenal brought in the Basque midfielder in 2025 to stabilize their midfield. Known for his intelligent positioning and control, Zubimendi fits Arteta’s tactical blueprint.

76 – Kevin De Bruyne to Manchester City (£55.14m)

De Bruyne returned to the Premier League in 2015 after a stint in Germany. He evolved into one of the finest midfielders in football history, orchestrating City’s success.

75 – Luka Jovic to Real Madrid (£55.24m)

The Serbian striker joined Madrid in 2019 after a breakout year with Frankfurt. He struggled to replicate that form at the Bernabéu, becoming one of the club’s transfer misfires.

74 – Alisson Becker to Liverpool (£55.28m)

Alisson became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in 2018 when he joined Liverpool. His presence transformed the defense, contributing directly to Champions League and Premier League titles.

73 – Marc Cucurella to Chelsea (£55.66m)

After shining at Brighton, the energetic full-back was snapped up by Chelsea in 2022. His high fee raised eyebrows, and his performances have seen mixed reviews since.

72 – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Arsenal (£55.86m)

Aubameyang’s explosive arrival in North London brought goals and flair. He quickly became a fan favorite and even lifted the FA Cup as club captain.

71 – Goncalo Ramos to Paris Saint-Germain (£56.52m)

The Portuguese forward was seen as a successor to Mbappé in 2023. With a keen eye for goal, Ramos was brought in to lead the line for the post-Neymar era.

70 – Christian Pulisic to Chelsea (£56.61m)

The American winger became the most expensive North American player ever in 2019. His flair and clutch performances made him a standout in Chelsea's 2021 Champions League run.

69 – Aymeric Laporte to Manchester City (£56.95m)

City activated Laporte’s release clause in January 2018, bolstering their back line. The left-footed centre-back played a vital role in several title-winning seasons under Guardiola.

68 – Joao Cancelo to Manchester City (£56.99m)

The Portuguese full-back joined from Juventus in a high-profile swap. His technical skill and inverted runs made him a tactical weapon during City's domestic dominance.

67 – Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United (£56.99m)

Fernandes transformed United's midfield after arriving from Sporting in 2020. His creativity, penalties, and leadership quickly made him a central figure at Old Trafford.

66 – Matthijs de Ligt to Bayern Munich (£57.11m)

Bayern secured the Dutch defender’s services from Juventus in 2022. Strong in duels and comfortable on the ball, de Ligt was brought in as the long-term successor to Boateng.

65 – Alvaro Morata to Chelsea (£57.83m)

Morata's 2017 move from Real Madrid made him Chelsea’s record signing at the time. Despite a bright start, his form dipped, leading to an early exit from Stamford Bridge.

64 – Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain (£58.45m)

PSG added the dynamic Moroccan full-back in 2021 to strengthen their flanks. His speed and attacking output have made him a consistent threat down the right.

63 – Mason Mount to Manchester United (£58.87m)

Mount's Chelsea departure in 2023 was one of the most debated transfers of the summer. His versatility and homegrown status made him a key addition for Erik ten Hag.

62 – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Paris Saint-Germain (£59.25m)

Napoli’s breakout star of 2022 made a big-money move to PSG in 2024. Known for his dazzling dribbles, the Georgian winger brings unpredictability and flair to the French giants.

61 – Kaka to Real Madrid (£59.65m)

Kaka joined Real Madrid in 2009 as a reigning Ballon d’Or winner. Though injuries limited his impact, his signing was part of the club’s second Galáctico era.

60 – Alexander Isak to Newcastle United (£59.67m)

Isak became Newcastle’s record signing in 2022, symbolizing their new ambitions. The Swedish striker has impressed with his elegance, link-up play, and finishing.

59 – Mykhaylo Mudryk to Chelsea (£59.67m)

Chelsea beat Arsenal to sign the Ukrainian winger in a dramatic January 2023 deal. Known for his blistering pace and flair, Mudryk was viewed as a long-term investment.

58 – Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City (£59.97m)

After starring in Leicester’s title-winning campaign, Mahrez moved to City in 2018. His technique and goals from wide positions helped the club maintain their domestic dominance.

57 – Casemiro to Manchester United (£60.22m)

The Brazilian midfield anchor brought experience and steel to United in 2022. A five-time Champions League winner, his leadership helped balance the Red Devils’ midfield.

56 – Angel Di Maria to Manchester United (£60.43m)

Di Maria arrived in 2014 as one of United’s marquee signings post-Ferguson. Despite a bright start, he struggled to adapt and left after just one season.

55 – James Rodriguez to Real Madrid (£60.43m)

Fresh off winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup, James joined Madrid to great fanfare. He dazzled early but was eventually edged out by intense competition.

54 – Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool (£60.87m)

Liverpool added creativity and energy to their midfield with Szoboszlai in 2023. His long-range shooting and pressing game fit seamlessly into Klopp’s system.

53 – Rodri to Manchester City (£61.38m)

City brought in Rodri from Atletico Madrid as Fernandinho’s successor. His calm distribution and positional awareness have made him one of the world’s best holding midfielders.

52 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona (£61.87m)

Zlatan's blockbuster move to Barcelona in 2009 ended after just one season. Despite his talent, a clash of styles with Guardiola saw him shipped out quickly.

51 – Matheus Cunha to Manchester United (£62.80m)

Cunha’s energetic style earned him a transfer to United in 2025. The Brazilian forward was brought in to inject mobility and intensity into the front line.

50 – Omar Marmoush to Manchester City (£63.48m)

The Egyptian attacker moved from Frankfurt to City in 2024 after a breakout campaign. His versatility across the front three made him a useful weapon in Guardiola’s evolving squad.

49 – Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid (£63.48m)

After rising to prominence at Manchester City and winning the World Cup with Argentina, Alvarez moved to Atletico in 2024. The fee reflected his growth into a complete, hard-working forward.

48 – Ruben Dias to Manchester City (£63.64m)

City signed the Portuguese defender from Benfica in 2020 to solve long-standing defensive issues. He quickly became a leader at the back and helped deliver Premier League and Champions League titles.

47 – Thomas Lemar to Atletico Madrid (£63.69m)

The French winger joined Atletico from Monaco in 2018 amid high expectations. Though inconsistent early on, Lemar evolved into a tactically flexible and reliable squad option.

46 – Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan (£64.88m)

Lukaku revived his career with a move to Inter from Manchester United in 2019. His physicality and goal-scoring prowess helped lead the Nerazzurri to the Serie A title in 2021.

45 – Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr (£65.17m)

Duran’s powerful displays for Aston Villa earned him a big-money move to Saudi Arabia in 2024. The Colombian striker joined a growing list of top talents heading to the Saudi Pro League.

44 – Kai Havertz to Arsenal (£65.22m)

After a mixed spell at Chelsea, Havertz joined Arsenal in 2023. Arteta utilized him in multiple roles, counting on his intelligence, movement, and knack for scoring in key moments.

43 – Luis Suarez to Barcelona (£65.84m)

Suarez joined Barcelona in 2014 following a prolific spell at Liverpool. He went on to form one of the greatest attacking trios in history alongside Messi and Neymar.

42 – Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United (£67.65m)

United turned to the Danish striker in 2023 as a long-term solution up front. Raw but full of promise, Hojlund’s strength and finishing made him a key project for Ten Hag.

41 – Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid (£68.19m)

Madrid secured the French midfield powerhouse from Monaco in 2022. Seen as the heir to Casemiro, Tchouameni impressed with his positioning and calm presence on the ball.

40 – Wesley Fofana to Chelsea (£68.53m)

Fofana’s transfer from Leicester in 2022 made him one of the most expensive defenders ever. Despite injury setbacks, Chelsea banked on his long-term potential in central defense.

39 – Victor Osimhen to Napoli (£70.13m)

Napoli broke their transfer record to sign Osimhen from Lille in 2020. His speed, physicality, and goals were crucial in ending Napoli’s long Serie A title drought.

38 – Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal (£70.15m)

Pepe arrived from Lille in 2019 as Arsenal’s most expensive signing. Despite some moments of brilliance, he struggled for consistency in the Premier League.

37 – Lucas Hernandez to Bayern Munich (£70.15m)

Bayern paid big to bring in the French World Cup winner from Atletico Madrid in 2019. Injuries limited his availability, but his versatility across the back line was valued.

36 – Kepa Arrizabalaga to Chelsea (£70.77m)

Kepa became the world’s most expensive goalkeeper in 2018. Despite a difficult start and fluctuating form, he remained a key figure during Chelsea’s transitional years.

35 – Kai Havertz to Chelsea (£71.11m)

Chelsea signed the German star from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020. He delivered a Champions League-winning goal in his debut season but often divided opinion with his inconsistency.

34 – Arthur Melo to Juventus (£71.64m)

Arthur was part of a swap deal between Barcelona and Juventus in 2020. Though technically gifted, he never truly settled in Italy or lived up to his early promise.

33 – Dusan Vlahovic to Juventus (£71.78m)

Juventus secured the Serbian striker from Fiorentina in early 2022. Powerful and clinical, Vlahovic was seen as the heir to the No. 9 shirt in Turin.

32 – Darwin Nunez to Liverpool (£72.45m)

Liverpool splashed big money on the Uruguayan forward in 2022. Nunez brought chaos, pace, and aerial power to the Reds' evolving attack.

31 – Jadon Sancho to Manchester United (£73.07m)

Sancho was a marquee signing in 2021 after shining at Dortmund. Despite his talent, he has faced challenges adjusting to the demands and pressure at United.

30 – Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus (£73.57m)

Juventus triggered Higuain’s release clause after a stunning season at Napoli. The Argentine striker repaid their faith with goals, helping Juve maintain domestic dominance.

29 – Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool (£74.17m)

Liverpool made Van Dijk the most expensive defender ever in 2018. His arrival instantly transformed the defense and laid the foundation for Champions League and Premier League glory.

28 – Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United (£74.21m)

Lukaku moved from Everton in 2017, tasked with leading United’s frontline. He scored goals regularly but never fully convinced under Mourinho and Solskjaer.

27 – Neymar to Barcelona (£74.73m)

The Brazilian wonderkid joined Barça from Santos in 2013. He quickly became one of the most electrifying forwards in the world and part of the legendary MSN trio.

26 – Matthijs de Ligt to Juventus (£75.00m)

The Dutch prodigy moved to Turin in 2019 after captaining Ajax to a Champions League semifinal. Despite his youth, he was expected to become the centerpiece of Juve’s future defense.

25 – Frenkie de Jong to Barcelona (£75.49m)

Barça snapped up De Jong after his breakout campaign with Ajax. His composure, vision, and intelligence made him a natural successor to the club’s midfield greats.

24 – Harry Maguire to Manchester United (£76.28m)

United broke the world record for a defender to sign Maguire from Leicester in 2019. Appointed captain, his form has fluctuated under the weight of scrutiny and expectation.

23 – Neymar to Al-Hilal (£78.26m)

In 2023, Neymar left PSG to join Al-Hilal as the Saudi league’s marquee star. Injuries followed him, but his presence brought massive global attention to the region.

22 – Josko Gvardiol to Manchester City (£78.26m)

The Croatian centre-back became the most expensive defender in 2023. Calm on the ball and physically dominant, he added depth and quality to City’s already elite defense.

21 – Antony to Manchester United (£80.97m)

Ten Hag brought Antony with him from Ajax in 2022. The Brazilian winger showed flashes of brilliance but has yet to fully justify his hefty price tag.

20 – Randal Kolo Muani to Paris Saint-Germain (£82.61m)

PSG signed the French forward from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023. His pace and movement provided a new attacking dimension alongside Mbappé.

19 – Harry Kane to Bayern Munich (£82.61m)

After years of Premier League dominance, Kane left Tottenham in 2023 to chase silverware in Germany. His arrival gave Bayern a world-class striker to lead the line post-Lewandowski.

18 – Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid (£83.68m)

Ronaldo’s 2009 move from Manchester United shattered the transfer record. It proved to be one of the greatest signings ever, with CR7 becoming Madrid’s all-time top scorer.

17 – Gareth Bale to Real Madrid (£85.77m)

Bale joined Madrid in 2013 as the most expensive player at the time. Despite recurring injuries, his trophy haul and unforgettable goals cemented his legacy.

16 – Paul Pogba to Manchester United (£85.83m)

United re-signed Pogba in 2016 for a world-record fee after letting him leave for free years earlier. His second spell was marked by moments of brilliance and ongoing controversy.

15 – Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea (£97.14m)

Lukaku returned to Chelsea in 2021 after a dominant spell at Inter. Though the fee was huge, his second stint was short-lived and disappointing.

14 – Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid (£98.26m)

Bellingham’s move from Dortmund in 2023 saw him step into the biggest spotlight at just 20. He instantly delivered with maturity, goals, and commanding midfield performances.

13 – Moises Caicedo to Chelsea (£100.87m)

Chelsea won the bidding war for Caicedo in 2023, breaking the British transfer record. The Ecuadorian midfielder was seen as the anchor in their long-term rebuild.

12 – Jack Grealish to Manchester City (£101.01m)

Grealish left Aston Villa in 2021 as England’s most expensive player. After a slow start, he found his groove, contributing to City’s treble-winning season.

11 – Declan Rice to Arsenal (£101.39m)

The Gunners made a statement in 2023 by signing West Ham’s captain. Rice’s leadership and all-around midfield play elevated Arsenal’s title credentials.

10 – Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea (£103.13m)

Fresh off a World Cup win with Argentina, Enzo joined Chelsea in January 2023. His record-breaking fee reflected his composure and creativity as a midfield general.

9 – Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus (£103.49m)

In 2018, Juventus made a massive statement by signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid. Even at 33, his goal-scoring prowess and commercial appeal were seen as game-changing for the Italian giants.

8 – Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona (£105.22m)

Barcelona activated Griezmann’s release clause in 2019 to bring him from Atletico Madrid. Despite his quality, he struggled to find rhythm in a system that never quite suited him.

7 – Eden Hazard to Real Madrid (£105.92m)

Hazard arrived at the Bernabéu in 2019 as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents. Unfortunately, injuries and fitness issues plagued his time in Spain, limiting his impact.

6 – Florian Wirtz to Liverpool (£106.94m)

Wirtz made headlines in 2025 with his record-breaking move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen. The young German playmaker is expected to become the creative hub in Klopp’s next-generation squad.

5 – Joao Felix to Atletico Madrid (£111.53m)

Felix’s 2019 move from Benfica was one of the most eye-catching transfers of the decade. Atletico banked on his incredible potential, but consistency and tactical fit became ongoing questions.

4 – Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona (£118.29m)

Barcelona secured Dembele from Dortmund in 2017 following Neymar’s departure. Injuries hampered his progress, but his raw talent kept him in the club’s long-term plans.

3 – Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona (£118.29m)

Coutinho left Liverpool in early 2018 to fulfill his dream of playing for Barcelona. Despite the hype, he struggled to adapt and was eventually loaned out and sold at a loss.

2 – Kylian Mbappe to Paris Saint-Germain (£159.22m)

PSG signed Mbappe permanently in 2018 after an initial loan from Monaco. At just 19, his fee reflected his status as a generational talent destined to dominate world football.

1 – Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain (£194.51m)

In 2017, PSG stunned the football world by paying Neymar’s release clause to break the transfer record. The Brazilian’s move revolutionized the transfer market and marked a power shift in European football.