Football's transfer windows never fail to amaze fans with staggering fees. Dive into the top 10 most expensive transfers in football's history and discover the stories behind these record-breaking deals.
| Rank | Player | Transferred To | Transferred From | Fee (€) | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neymar | Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) | Barcelona | 222 million | 2017 |
| 2 | Kylian Mbappé | PSG | Monaco | 180 million | 2018 |
| 3 | Philippe Coutinho | Barcelona | Liverpool | 135 million | 2018 |
| 4 | Ousmane Dembélé | Barcelona | Borussia Dortmund | 135 million | 2017 |
| 5 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | 133.9 million | 2023 |
| 6 | João Félix | Atlético Madrid | Benfica | 127.2 million | 2019 |
| 7 | Declan Rice | Arsenal | West Ham | 122 million | 2023 |
| 8 | Enzo Fernández | Chelsea | Benfica | 121 million | 2023 |
| 9 | Antoine Griezmann | Barcelona | Atlético Madrid | 120 million | 2019 |
| 10 | Jack Grealish | Manchester City | Aston Villa | 117.5 million | 2021 |
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The record-breaking transfer of Neymar from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 set a benchmark that remains unchallenged. The Brazilian forward, who dazzled at Santos before making his European debut with Barcelona, became the focal point of PSG’s ambitions to dominate European football. Neymar stayed in Paris until 2023 before joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
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Hot on Neymar’s heels is Kylian Mbappé, whose transfer from AS Monaco to PSG in 2018 for €180 million captivated fans worldwide. The young French prodigy initially joined PSG on loan, with a mandatory purchase clause. Mbappé’s blistering pace, clinical finishing, and key role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph justified the hefty fee. In 2024, he made headlines again with a high-profile move to Real Madrid.
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Barcelona sought to fill the Neymar void by signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in January 2018 for €135 million. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Brazilian midfielder struggled to justify his price tag. Loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa followed, and he now plays for Vasco da Gama in Brazil.
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Barcelona’s second major response to Neymar’s departure was Ousmane Dembélé, signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for €105 million, with performance-based bonuses pushing the deal to €135 million. While injuries marred his time at Camp Nou, Dembélé showcased moments of brilliance. In 2023, he transferred to PSG, reuniting with French compatriots in Paris.
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The summer of 2023 saw Real Madrid invest €133.9 million in English midfielder Jude Bellingham. The deal, structured with €103 million upfront and €30 million in performance bonuses, paid off when Bellingham played a pivotal role in helping Madrid win the UEFA Champions League. At just 20 years old, Bellingham has already cemented himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
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João Félix’s transfer from Benfica to Atlético Madrid in 2019 remains the most expensive in the club’s history. At €127.2 million, the Portuguese forward was seen as a generational talent. However, inconsistent performances and difficulty fitting into Diego Simeone’s tactical system led to loan spells, including a stint at Chelsea. Félix’s future at Atlético remains uncertain.
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Arsenal smashed their transfer record in 2023 by signing Declan Rice from West Ham for €122 million. The English midfielder’s move marked the highest fee ever paid by an English club. Rice has seamlessly integrated into Arsenal’s midfield, bolstering the Gunners’ aspirations for domestic and European glory.
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Enzo Fernandez's meteoric rise culminated in Chelsea paying €121 million for the Argentine midfielder in January 2023. Fernández gained global recognition after helping Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite Chelsea’s turbulent season, Fernández's talent has been undeniable, and he remains central to the club’s rebuild.
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In 2019, Antoine Griezmann swapped Atlético Madrid for Barcelona in a €120 million deal. The French forward endured two mixed seasons at Camp Nou before returning to Atlético in 2021. Griezmann has since rediscovered his form and remains a key player for Los Rojiblancos.
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Manchester City made Jack Grealish their record signing in 2021, paying Aston Villa €117.5 million for the English winger. Under Pep Guardiola, Grealish became a pivotal figure in City’s attacking setup and played a significant role in their treble-winning 2022-23 season.
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