In the world of football, clubs spend huge amounts of money to bring in top talent. These record-breaking transfers often make headlines and show how important star players are to big clubs. From Neymar’s record-breaking move to PSG to Kylian Mbappé’s massive transfer from Monaco, here are the five most expensive football transfers in history, based on official transfer fees. 

1. Neymar – €222 million 

  • Transfer: Barcelona ➝ Paris Saint-Germain 
  • Year: 2017 

In 2017, PSG shocked the football world by paying €222 million to sign Neymar from Barcelona. This was the amount of his release clause, and it made him the most expensive footballer of all time. PSG signed Neymar to help them win the UEFA Champions League and to raise the club’s global profile. This transfer changed the market forever, leading to higher prices for many players. 

2. Kylian Mbappé – €180 million 

  • Transfer: AS Monaco ➝ Paris Saint-Germain 
  • Year: 2018 

Just one year after Neymar, PSG made another massive signing. They brought in Kylian Mbappé from Monaco. The deal was first a loan in 2017, but it became permanent in 2018 for €180 million. Mbappé quickly became one of the best forwards in the world. He helped France win the 2018 World Cup and has been a key player for PSG ever since. 

3. Philippe Coutinho – €160 million 

  • Transfer: Liverpool ➝ Barcelona 
  • Year: 2018 

Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool in January 2018 for €160 million, including add-ons. The club hoped he would replace Neymar, who had left the previous year. However, Coutinho failed to meet expectations at Barcelona. He was later loaned to Bayern Munich and then returned to the Premier League. 

4. João Félix – €126 million 

  • Transfer: Benfica ➝ Atlético Madrid 
  • Year: 2019

Atlético Madrid paid €126 million to sign young Portuguese forward João Félix in 2019. This deal made him one of the most expensive teenagers in football history. Atlético saw him as a long-term replacement for Antoine Griezmann. However, Félix has struggled to consistently impress and has since been loaned out to clubs like Chelsea and Barcelona. 

5. Enzo Fernández – €121 million 

  • Transfer: Benfica ➝ Chelsea 
  • Year: 2023 

After a brilliant performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, Enzo Fernández was signed by Chelsea for €121 million in January 2023. This was a British record fee at the time. Chelsea saw him as a key part of their rebuilding project and invested heavily in young talent like him. 

Conclusion 

These five transfers show how football clubs are ready to spend huge money to get top players. While some players like Neymar and Mbappé have delivered on the pitch, others like Coutinho, Félix, and even Enzo Fernández have struggled at times to fully justify their massive price tags. Football is not just a game anymore, it’s big business, where clubs take huge financial risks hoping to win trophies and grow their brand. 

Written by Kinjal Walantra