Football

The biggest transfer deals in world football history

The priciest deal has now held the record for seven years.

Published by
Mitch Keating

World record transfer fees have sky-rocketed in the past decade, but the current record hasn't been surpassed since 2017.

Brazilian superstar Neymar's highly-documented move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona cost the French giants $AUD361.83 (€222.00m), going past the prior record of Paul Pobga's move from Juventus to Manchester United a year earlier at $AUD171.13 (€105.00m).

Pogba's move now sits 14th overall on the list of biggest transfer fees in world football history.

In the top 10, seven include at least one Spanish club, with Barcelona joining Paris Saint-Germain in playing a part in two of the four biggest deals ever.

After Kylian Mbappe's $AUD293.37 (€180.00m) move from AS Monaco to PSG, Barcelona have the next two highest deals in Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool and Ousmane Dembele's switch from Borussia Dortmund (both $AUD220.03/€135.00m).

Portugal club Benfica have made two of the biggest sales ever, having bid farewell to Joao Felix and Enzo Fernandez to Atletico Madrid and Chelsea respectively for fees north of €120.00m.

Top 10 most expensive transfer deals ever

1st. Neymar (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain) - $AUD361.83m (€222.00m)

2nd. Kylian Mbappe (AS Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain) - $AUD293.37m (€180.00m)

=3rd. Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool to Barcelona) - $AUD220.03m (€135.00m)

=3rd. Ousmane Dembele (Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona) - $AUD220.03m (€135.00m)

5th. Joao Felix (Benfica to Atletico Madrid) - $AUD207.32m (€127.20m)

6th. Enzo Fernandez (Benfica to Chelsea) - $AUD197.21m (€121.00m)

7th. Eden Hazard (Chelsea to Real Madrid) - $AUD196.89m (€120.80m)

8th. Antoine Greizmann (Atletico Madrid to Barcelona) - $AUD195.58m (€120.00m)

9th. Jack Grealish (Aston Villa to Manchester City) - $AUD191.51m (€117.50m)

10th. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid to Juventus) - $AUD190.69m (€117.00m)

*Values as of May 29, 2024. 

Published by
Mitch Keating