This top list shows the top 10 most expensive soccer players of all time
Soccer players
1. Neymar, 2017 (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain) – €222 million
Neymar’s move to PSG in 2017 shattered all transfer records. The Brazilian forward left Barcelona for an incredible €222 million, triggering his full release clause. This historic deal not only stunned the football world but also reshaped the transfer market. PSG signed him to boost their Champions League ambitions and global brand presence. Neymar brought creativity, flair, and star power to the French club. Even years later, no player has come close to surpassing this record-breaking fee.
2. Kylian Mbappé, 2018 (Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain) – €180 million
A year after Neymar’s transfer, PSG made another massive statement by signing Kylian Mbappé. Initially joining on loan, the young French forward’s permanent deal in 2018 cost €180 million. At just 19, he had already helped Monaco win Ligue 1 and starred at the 2018 World Cup. PSG saw him as the future of football—and so far, he has lived up to expectations. His explosive speed, composure, and goal-scoring ability made this investment look wise.
3. Philippe Coutinho, 2018 (Liverpool to Barcelona) – €145 million
In 2018, Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho for €145 million after months of negotiation. The Brazilian playmaker was seen as a replacement for Neymar and a key creative force for the Catalan side. Although he had shined at Liverpool, Coutinho struggled to find consistency at Barcelona. The hefty price tag brought immense pressure, and he was eventually loaned out to Bayern Munich. Still, this transfer remains one of the most expensive in history.
Image at Liverpool give major setback to Barcelona over Coutinho transfer clause
4. João Félix, 2019 (Benfica to Atlético Madrid) – €127 million
Atlético Madrid shocked many in 2019 by signing João Félix for €127 million from Benfica. At just 19, he was considered one of the brightest young talents in Europe. The Portuguese forward had impressed with flair and creativity, prompting Atlético to invest heavily after selling Griezmann. However, Félix’s adaptation to Diego Simeone’s rigid system proved challenging. While he showed glimpses of brilliance, expectations were sky-high due to his staggering transfer fee.
Image at Joao Felix: 2019 Golden Boy award goes to Atletico Madrid forward
5. Enzo Fernández, 2023 (Benfica to Chelsea) – €121 million
In early 2023, Chelsea signed Enzo Fernández from Benfica for €121 million after a breakout World Cup with Argentina. The young midfielder stood out with his passing range, vision, and composure. Benfica had signed him just months earlier for a fraction of that price, making a huge profit. Chelsea aimed to rebuild their midfield, and Fernández was seen as a long-term investment. His move highlighted Chelsea’s aggressive strategy in the modern transfer market.
Image at Chelsea renew interest to sign Enzo Fernández from Benfica – Vanguard News
6. Jude Bellingham, 2023 (Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid) – €121 million
Jude Bellingham’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2023 for €121 million underlined his rising star status. After excelling at Borussia Dortmund, the English midfielder became one of Europe’s hottest properties. Real Madrid signed him to reinforce their midfield for the future. Despite his young age, Bellingham quickly adapted, impressing fans with his maturity, leadership, and attacking impact. This transfer proved Real Madrid’s continued focus on building around world-class youth.
7. Antoine Griezmann, 2019 (Atlético Madrid to Barcelona) – €120 million
Barcelona triggered Antoine Griezmann’s €120 million release clause in 2019 after a long pursuit. The French forward had been a key player at Atlético Madrid, and Barcelona hoped he would add versatility and goals to their attack. While Griezmann showed flashes of quality, he struggled to fully adapt to Barça’s system. Eventually, he returned to Atlético, highlighting the risks of high-profile moves even for established stars.
Image at Antoine Griezmann scores as Atletico Madrid put four past Leverkusen – TNT Sports
8. Jack Grealish, 2021 (Aston Villa to Manchester City) – €117 million
In 2021, Manchester City paid €117 million for Jack Grealish, making him the most expensive English player ever. Known for his dribbling and creativity, Grealish had been Aston Villa’s talisman. City wanted him to add depth and flair to their already stacked squad. Though it took time for him to adjust, Grealish gradually found his place under Pep Guardiola. His move reflected the growing value of Premier League talent.
Image at Manchester City sign Aston Villa captain, Jack Grealish for £100m
9. Cristiano Ronaldo, 2018 (Real Madrid to Juventus) – €117 million
Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus in 2018 was surprising and massive. At €117 million, it was the highest-ever fee for a player over 30. Juventus hoped Ronaldo would lead them to Champions League glory and boost their global appeal. The Portuguese superstar delivered goals and headlines, but the club fell short of European success. Nevertheless, his transfer proved that even at an advanced age, Ronaldo remained a marketing and footballing powerhouse.
Image at 2018 quarter-final highlights: Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid | UEFA Champions League 2017/18 | UEFA.com
10. Romelu Lukaku, 2021 (Inter Milan to Chelsea) – €115 million
Chelsea re-signed Romelu Lukaku in 2021 for €115 million after his dominant spell at Inter Milan. The Belgian striker had evolved into a complete forward, prompting the Blues to break their transfer record. He was brought in to solve their long-standing striker issues. However, despite a strong start, Lukaku’s second spell at Chelsea was marred by injuries and inconsistency. His case highlights how high transfer fees don’t always guarantee long-term success.
Image at Bye-Bye Inter Milan! Sudah Tes Medis, Romelu Lukaku Segera Gabung Chelsea : Okezone Bola
This top list shows the top 10 most expensive soccer players of all time.
Sources:
List of most expensive association football transfers – Wikipedia
Ranked! The top 20 most expensive transfers ever | FourFourTwo
The 100 most expensive football transfers of all time | Sporting News