What is the biggest football transfer in history?

Every season, the transfer window grabs headlines in the football world. Players come and go, but above all, staggering sums are spent. Clubs no longer hesitate to write massive checks to sign the best, especially young talents with a bright future. We’re talking €100 million here, €150 million there. TV rights, sponsors, and investors are sending prices soaring on the market. In this article, we’ll take a look at some transfers that have become legendary.

The most expensive transfer in football: Neymar to PSG

This is the transfer that changed everything. In 2017, Paris Saint-Germain, more ambitious than ever, pulled off a move that remains etched in football history. Neymar Jr, the FC Barcelona superstar, left Catalonia for Paris. The transfer fee? €222 million. A record that still stands today.

Why such a huge price tag? At the time, Neymar was one of the top three players in the world. A true magician with the ball, he formed a legendary attacking trio with Messi and Suárez. But beyond the pitch, Neymar was a genuine icon and a marketing goldmine. PSG wanted to make a statement among the elite by signing the Brazilian.

On the pitch, Neymar lived up to expectations: 173 matches, 118 goals, 77 assists, and 14 trophies. Even though he didn’t manage to win the Champions League, he left his mark at the Parc des Princes. However, his time in Paris was marred by injuries and controversies that sometimes frustrated the fans.

The most expensive transfers by position

Since Neymar’s record-breaking move, every position now has its own transfer record. Every player profile comes with its own price tag. Here are the most notable ones:

1 – Most expensive striker: Kylian Mbappé (€180M)

Transferred from Monaco to Paris in 2017, Kylian Mbappé was only 18. But he was already making headlines. Blistering pace, composure, and football intelligence. He didn’t disappoint. He became the face of PSG and French football before leaving for free to Real Madrid.

2 – Most expensive midfielder: Enzo Fernández (€121M)

World champion with Argentina in 2022, Enzo Fernández caught Chelsea’s eye and joined in January 2023. A record-breaking transfer for a midfielder. His technical ease and game reading are impressive, even if he still needs to fully establish himself in the Premier League.

3 – Most expensive defender: Josko Gvardiol (€90M)

Manchester City splashed the cash for the Croatian. Solid at the 2022 World Cup, he embodies the modern defender: tough in duels, excellent at building from the back. He plays a key role in Pep Guardiola’s system.

4 – Most expensive goalkeeper: Kepa Arrizabalaga (€80M)

It’s Chelsea again. In 2018, the London club spent €80 million on the young Spaniard in an emergency move. Kepa has had ups and downs. A transfer still debated today, but symbolic of the evolution of the goalkeeper’s role.

The 20 biggest transfers in football history

Here are the twenty biggest transfers in the history of football. A list dominated by clubs like PSG, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Eye-watering figures, but now almost familiar to die-hard fans.

• Neymar – €222M (PSG, 2017)
• Kylian Mbappé – €180M (PSG, 2018)
• Philippe Coutinho – €145M (Barça, 2018)
• Ousmane Dembélé – €135M (Barça, 2017)
• João Félix – €127M (Atlético de Madrid, 2019)
• Enzo Fernández – €121M (Chelsea, 2023)
• Antoine Griezmann – €120M (Barça, 2019)
• Cristiano Ronaldo – €117M (Juventus, 2018)
• Declan Rice – €116.5M (Arsenal, 2023)
• Moses Caicedo – €116M (Chelsea, 2023)
• Jack Grealish – €116M (Man City, 2021)
• Romelu Lukaku – €113M (Chelsea, 2021)
• Paul Pogba – €105M (Man Utd, 2016)
• Jude Bellingham – €103M (Real Madrid, 2023)
• Gareth Bale – €101M (Real Madrid, 2013)
• Eden Hazard – €100M (Real Madrid, 2019)
• Harry Kane – €95M (Bayern, 2023)
• Randal Kolo Muani – €95M (PSG, 2023)
• Antony – €95M (Man Utd, 2022)
• Cristiano Ronaldo – €94M (Real Madrid, 2009)

Top 5 most expensive African players in history

1- Nicolas Pépé – €80 million (Arsenal, 2019)

This was a transfer that made massive noise. After a dazzling season with Lille, the Ivorian winger joined Arsenal in a record deal. €80 million, making Nicolas Pépé the most expensive African player in history. While his London adventure didn’t live up to all the hype, this deal remains a landmark in African football history.

2- Victor Osimhen – €75 million (Napoli, 2020)

Also arriving from Lille, Victor Osimhen landed in Naples in one of the club’s wildest deals. His power, speed, and predatory instinct quickly made him a hero to Neapolitans. In 2023, he delivered a long-awaited Scudetto to Napoli after more than three decades. This season, he’s on loan at Galatasaray.

3- Omar Marmoush – €75 million (Manchester City, 2024)

The latest sensation in African football. The explosive and unpredictable Egyptian, who shone at Frankfurt, caught Pep Guardiola’s eye to the point that Manchester City didn’t hesitate to pay €75 million for him. A thunderous arrival at the top level, also symbolizing North African football’s growing influence on the world stage.

4- Riyad Mahrez – €70 million (Manchester City, 2018)

Premier League winner with Leicester, Africa Cup of Nations champion with Algeria, Mahrez is one of the greatest African talents of his generation. Manchester City signed him for €70 million, attracted by his silky technique and match-winning abilities. The result: a trophy-laden spell and a place in the club’s history.

5- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – €63 million (Arsenal, 2018)

Fast, instinctive, and lethal in the box… The Gabonese striker lit up Borussia Dortmund before moving to Arsenal. For €63 million, he became the spearhead of the Gunners’ attack, racking up goals and etching his name among the club’s great scorers. A landmark transfer for both Arsenal and African football.

Top 5 most expensive African players right now

Here’s a look at the five most valuable African players at the moment:

1 – Victor Osimhen – €75M (Napoli)

The Nigerian striker is currently one of the continent’s best. Fast, powerful, and clinical in front of goal. Victor Osimhen led Napoli to the Scudetto before being loaned out to Galatasaray this season. Named African Player of the Year 2023, he ticks every box for a modern striker.

2 – Achraf Hakimi – €60M (PSG)

The Moroccan dazzles with his speed and attacking play. A right-back, but often used as an extra winger. His role is pivotal in PSG’s setup, and his influence goes far beyond his position.

3 – Omar Marmoush – €60M (Manchester City)

A recent transfer, Omar Marmoush is exciting pundits. His versatility up front and football intelligence have impressed Pep Guardiola. Still young, he could quickly become a key piece.

4 – Mohamed Salah – €55M (Liverpool)

Mohamed Salah is consistency, efficiency, and pure class. He’s won everything with Liverpool. Despite the passing years, the Egyptian winger remains a Reds legend and an icon of African football.

5 – Nicolas Jackson – €55 million (Chelsea)

The Senegalese forward is making waves at Chelsea. Still very young, he’s just getting started.

Top 10 most valuable players in the world in 2025

With the rise of young stars, player values are climbing higher than ever. Here’s the ranking of the world’s most valuable footballers in 2025, based on their current market estimation:

• Jude Bellingham – €251M
• Erling Haaland – €222M
• Vinicius Jr – €206M
• Lamine Yamal – €180M
• Kylian Mbappé – €175M
• Bukayo Saka – €157M
• Florian Wirtz – €151M
• Cole Palmer – €150M
• Phil Foden – €145M
• Rodrygo Goes – €141M

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr