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However, teams from England, Spain, Italy, and France have alternated outspending one another for the biggest players in the game during the past 30 years, shattering the record 13 times.
All of the world records from the last three decades are listed here.
In 1996, Ronaldo paid £13.2 million to Barcelona.
The average football fan may not have known about Ronaldo when, at 19, he became the most expensive player in the world in the summer of 1996 unless they were regular viewers of Dutch football or subscribers to World Soccer magazine.
After joining PSV from Corinthians in 1994, the youthful striker had netted 54 goals in 57 games for the Eredivisie team. He was already a consistent starter for the world champion Brazilian team and a rising star in international competition.
In July 1996, Barcelona paid £13.2 million to get Ronaldo to Camp Nou, and they were glad they did. Their prized center striker won the European Golden Shoe after scoring 34 La Liga goals in 37 games, even though they only finished second in the table, two points behind Real Madrid.
Newcastle acquired Alan Shearer in 1996 for £15 million.
In the summer of 1996, Alan Shearer was unquestionably the man of the moment, even though Ronaldo was still a rising talent.
Following his third consecutive season of scoring thirty or more goals in the Premier League, the Blackburn Rovers forward stood out in England's home run to the semifinals of the European Championship.
And he was a man in demand. Shearer was being courted by both Manchester United and Real Madrid that summer.
However, only six weeks after Ronaldo's transfer to Barcelona, the prolific striker signed a record-breaking £15 million deal to rejoin his boyhood club, Newcastle United.
Even though Shearer could never assist the Magpies in winning their first major title since the 1960s, he left a lasting impression on the team and became Newcastle's all-time top scorer with 206 goals in 405 games.
Ronaldo paid £19.5 million to Inter Milan in 1997.
A year after being swiftly surpassed as the most expensive player in the world, Ronaldo equaled the record with a £19.5 million transfer to Inter Milan.
Under Bobby Robson, the legendary Brazilian scored 47 goals in all competitions in 49 games, winning the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. It was an absolutely incredible season for the player.
With his electrifying pace, captivating technique, flawless finishing, and ability to create goals in nearly any circumstance, he had already made a name for himself as the greatest player in the world at the tender age of 20.
After joining Inter, Ronaldo became the first player since Diego Maradona to shatter the world transfer record twice.
Even though Shearer could never assist the Magpies in winning their first major title since the 1960s, he left a lasting impression on the team and became Newcastle's all-time top scorer with 206 goals in 405 games.
Ronaldo paid £19.5 million to Inter Milan in 1997.
A year after being swiftly surpassed as the most expensive player in the world, Ronaldo equaled the record with a £19.5 million transfer to Inter Milan.
Under Bobby Robson, the legendary Brazilian scored 47 goals in all competitions in 49 games, winning the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. It was an absolutely incredible season for the player.
With his electrifying pace, captivating technique, flawless finishing, and ability to create goals in nearly any circumstance, he had already made a name for himself as the greatest player in the world at the tender age of 20.
After joining Inter, Ronaldo became the first player since Diego Maradona to shatter the world transfer record twice.
In his debut season with the Nerazzurri, the Brazilian scored 34 goals and won the UEFA Cup. He maintained extraordinary performance and received his first Ballon d'Or in 1997.
His early career was then marred by a string of knee injuries that came dangerously close to ruining it, but eventually, he made a spectacular comeback at the 2002 World Cup.
Real Betis to Denilson - £21.5 million - 1998
Not long after leading the Selecao to the 1998 World Cup final, 21-year-old Brazilian winger Denilson signed a contract with a year's advance to play for big-spending Real Betis.
After the move, the stepover-happy wide player immediately became one of the most talked-about players in Europe.
His early career was then marred by a string of knee injuries that came dangerously close to ruining it, but eventually, he made a spectacular comeback at the 2002 World Cup.
Real Betis to Denilson - £21.5 million - 1998
Not long after leading the Selecao to the 1998 World Cup final, 21-year-old Brazilian winger Denilson signed a contract with a year's advance to play for big-spending Real Betis.
After the move, the stepover-happy wide player immediately became one of the most talked-about players in Europe.
Before moving to Spain, he had nearly 200 games played and 26 goals for Sao Paulo in Brazil, where he made an impression with his pace and dribbling skills.
Despite his high price tag, Denilson never exceeded expectations in La Liga, managing just 14 goals in six seasons at Betis.
Despite his high price tag, Denilson never exceeded expectations in La Liga, managing just 14 goals in six seasons at Betis.
A bit player by the time Los Mejores won the Copa del Rey in 2004, he went to sign for Bordeaux the following year.
Christian Vieri to Inter Milan (1999) for £32 million
For much of the 1990s, Serie A was Europe's richest and most prestigious league. Inter spent a lot of money to sign one of Italy's top goal-scorers in the final summer of the decade.
After a series of outstanding performances for Juventus in the 1996–97 season, Christian Vieri played for six different clubs in his country before receiving his first call-up to the Azzurri.
Christian Vieri to Inter Milan (1999) for £32 million
For much of the 1990s, Serie A was Europe's richest and most prestigious league. Inter spent a lot of money to sign one of Italy's top goal-scorers in the final summer of the decade.
After a series of outstanding performances for Juventus in the 1996–97 season, Christian Vieri played for six different clubs in his country before receiving his first call-up to the Azzurri.
Despite his underwhelming performances, the Old Lady managed to cash in on the strong center-forward, moving him to Atletico Madrid in 1997 for a cool £12.5 million.
Vieri returned to Serie A with Lazio for £17.5 million, following 29 goals in 32 games for Atleti and four for Italy at the 1998 World Cup.
Vieri returned to Serie A with Lazio for £17.5 million, following 29 goals in 32 games for Atleti and four for Italy at the 1998 World Cup.
And Inter broke the global transfer record a year later and paid £32 million to become Vieri's seventh club in as many seasons.
The wandering center striker settled nicely at the San Siro, amassing 123 goals in 190 appearances during his six seasons with Inter.
Hernan Crespo to Lazio (2000) - £35.5 million
A year after Vieri joined Inter, Serie A witnessed another record deal. The team that established the new record was one of the Italian strikers (many) from previous clubs.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lazio was a major player in Europe. Still, few of their transactions garnered as much media attention as the £35.5 million signing of Hernan Crespo from Parma.
Following his departure from River Plate in 1996, Crespo played four successful seasons for Parma in his native country, amassing 80 goals in 151 games.
The wandering center striker settled nicely at the San Siro, amassing 123 goals in 190 appearances during his six seasons with Inter.
Hernan Crespo to Lazio (2000) - £35.5 million
A year after Vieri joined Inter, Serie A witnessed another record deal. The team that established the new record was one of the Italian strikers (many) from previous clubs.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lazio was a major player in Europe. Still, few of their transactions garnered as much media attention as the £35.5 million signing of Hernan Crespo from Parma.
Following his departure from River Plate in 1996, Crespo played four successful seasons for Parma in his native country, amassing 80 goals in 151 games.
The Argentine striker enjoyed his finest season in the summer of 2000 after scoring 22 goals in Serie A. Before then, he had assisted Parma in winning both the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup.
In actuality, Lazio only paid £16.5 million for Crespo, with Matias Almeyda and Sergio Conceicao contributing an additional £16.5 million.
With 26 goals in his debut season at the Stadio Olimpico, Crespo was Serie A's top scorer.
In actuality, Lazio only paid £16.5 million for Crespo, with Matias Almeyda and Sergio Conceicao contributing an additional £16.5 million.
With 26 goals in his debut season at the Stadio Olimpico, Crespo was Serie A's top scorer.
However, he was traded to Inter to take Ronaldo's place at Real Madrid, and within two years of his record transfer, he was back on the move.
Real Madrid acquired Luis Figo in 2000 for £37 million.
In the summer of 2000, Real Madrid signed a contract with the Portuguese superstar from their fierce rival, Barcelona, by activating the release clause in Figo's contract, shocking the football world.
Figo overtook Crespo as the most expensive player in the world less than two weeks after Madrid paid £37 million for the former Sporting CP midfielder.
A sensation in Madrid, Figo was voted FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 and took home the Ballon d'Or in 2000.
Real Madrid acquired Luis Figo in 2000 for £37 million.
In the summer of 2000, Real Madrid signed a contract with the Portuguese superstar from their fierce rival, Barcelona, by activating the release clause in Figo's contract, shocking the football world.
Figo overtook Crespo as the most expensive player in the world less than two weeks after Madrid paid £37 million for the former Sporting CP midfielder.
A sensation in Madrid, Figo was voted FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 and took home the Ballon d'Or in 2000.
He went on to spend five seasons at the Bernabeu, winning two La Liga titles and one Champions League.
Real Madrid paid £46.6 million for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
Real Madrid's "Galacticos" era began with the club from Spain's capital signing one of the biggest names in the game every summer for most of the 2000s. Figo's signing was a game-changer for the team.
In the summer of 2001, Zinedine Zidane became the biggest name.
Real Madrid paid £46.6 million for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.
Real Madrid's "Galacticos" era began with the club from Spain's capital signing one of the biggest names in the game every summer for most of the 2000s. Figo's signing was a game-changer for the team.
In the summer of 2001, Zinedine Zidane became the biggest name.
The elegant midfielder was considered the best player in the world after leading France to World Cup and European Championship victories in 1998 and 2000, respectively.
Madrid signed Zidane for an incredible £46.6 million from Juventus, setting a record that would last for eight years.
Madrid signed Zidane for an incredible £46.6 million from Juventus, setting a record that would last for eight years.
In five seasons at the Bernabeu, the Frenchman won a La Liga championship, a Champions League, and his third FIFA World Player of the Year award, more than making up for that expenditure.
Kaka – £56 million – Real Madrid, 2009
Real Madrid broke the record when Zidane's fee was eventually surpassed. And it was through a superstar signing from Serie A once more.
In 2009, Madrid paid £56 million to recruit Kaka, a 27-year-old Brazilian forward from AC Milan who had won the Ballon d'Or and the Champions League. At the time, Kaka was regarded as one of the best players in the world.
However, another summer Los Blancos addition overshadowed Kaka's move to Madrid; more on that later. Due to a mix of injuries and poor play, Kaka could never duplicate his Milan form in Madrid.
Kaka returned to the San Siro in 2013 following 120 games over four seasons, totaling 29 goals and 32 assists.
2009: Cristiano Ronaldo ($80 million) to Real Madrid
After purchasing Kaka in 2009, Real Madrid shattered the world transfer record once more in one of the most lavish summer spending sprees ever undertaken by a single club.
Kaka – £56 million – Real Madrid, 2009
Real Madrid broke the record when Zidane's fee was eventually surpassed. And it was through a superstar signing from Serie A once more.
In 2009, Madrid paid £56 million to recruit Kaka, a 27-year-old Brazilian forward from AC Milan who had won the Ballon d'Or and the Champions League. At the time, Kaka was regarded as one of the best players in the world.
However, another summer Los Blancos addition overshadowed Kaka's move to Madrid; more on that later. Due to a mix of injuries and poor play, Kaka could never duplicate his Milan form in Madrid.
Kaka returned to the San Siro in 2013 following 120 games over four seasons, totaling 29 goals and 32 assists.
2009: Cristiano Ronaldo ($80 million) to Real Madrid
After purchasing Kaka in 2009, Real Madrid shattered the world transfer record once more in one of the most lavish summer spending sprees ever undertaken by a single club.
They also signed Karim Benzema for £35 million.
A year ago, Los Blancos attempted to acquire Cristiano Ronaldo, but Manchester United persisted and persuaded the great Portuguese player to stay with them for another year.
A year ago, Los Blancos attempted to acquire Cristiano Ronaldo, but Manchester United persisted and persuaded the great Portuguese player to stay with them for another year.
Madrid had to fork over an astounding £80 million to secure their man when the time came.
But Ronaldo had no such problem, but Kaka found it difficult to defend his expensive transfer. During his nine seasons at the Bernabeu, he scored an incredible 450 goals in 438 games to become the club's all-time greatest scorer.
But Ronaldo had no such problem, but Kaka found it difficult to defend his expensive transfer. During his nine seasons at the Bernabeu, he scored an incredible 450 goals in 438 games to become the club's all-time greatest scorer.
During that period, he achieved four Champions League crowns and two La Liga titles, increasing his Ballon d'Or total from one to five.
Gareth Bale to Real Madrid (2013) for £86 million
Madrid was back in the game four years after acquiring Ronaldo. They broke the record for the largest transfer in history when they paid £86 million to acquire Gareth Bale from Tottenham in 2013.
After tallying 26 goals in 46 games during his last season with Spurs, the Welsh winger claimed the PFA Players' Player of the Year title for the second time.
Gareth Bale to Real Madrid (2013) for £86 million
Madrid was back in the game four years after acquiring Ronaldo. They broke the record for the largest transfer in history when they paid £86 million to acquire Gareth Bale from Tottenham in 2013.
After tallying 26 goals in 46 games during his last season with Spurs, the Welsh winger claimed the PFA Players' Player of the Year title for the second time.
Madrid prevailed in the competition to recruit the 24-year-old, despite Manchester United's desire to sign the former Southampton player.
Though his tenure at the Bernabeu was slightly cut short due to injuries and a loan return to Tottenham, Bale spent nine years playing for Real Madrid.
Though his tenure at the Bernabeu was slightly cut short due to injuries and a loan return to Tottenham, Bale spent nine years playing for Real Madrid.
During that time, he scored 106 goals in 258 games, won three La Liga crowns, and won five Champions Leagues.
Manchester United acquired Paul Pogba in 2016 for £89 million.
In 2016, the summer at Old Trafford was an incredible event.
Manchester United acquired Paul Pogba in 2016 for £89 million.
In 2016, the summer at Old Trafford was an incredible event.
In a £150 million spending spree, Paul Pogba returned to the team in a record-breaking £89 million deal, Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, and Jose Mourinho was appointed manager to succeed Louis van Gaal.
After Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, the Red Devils were not beyond spending heavily in an attempt to restore the glory years to the red side of Manchester.
After Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, the Red Devils were not beyond spending heavily in an attempt to restore the glory years to the red side of Manchester.
In 2015, they spent over £100 million on various incomings, led by Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial, after breaking the British transfer record two years prior by signing Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for £59.7 million.
But it seemed like new territory for United to break the all-time record for a transfer of a player who had just won four straight Serie A titles with Juventus and was being pursued by both Madrid and Barcelona.
Although Pogba occasionally wowed with his inventiveness and fantastic goals, the incredibly talented French midfielder never quite lived up to the hype with the 20-time champions.
But it seemed like new territory for United to break the all-time record for a transfer of a player who had just won four straight Serie A titles with Juventus and was being pursued by both Madrid and Barcelona.
Although Pogba occasionally wowed with his inventiveness and fantastic goals, the incredibly talented French midfielder never quite lived up to the hype with the 20-time champions.
He returned to Old Trafford for six seasons, but in 2022, he left the team again on a free transfer and rejoined Juventus.
Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for £198 million
Imagine something more of a financial gambit than Paris Saint-Germain did in the summer of 2017.
The French team agreed to an initial loan agreement for Kylian Mbappe of Monaco, which included a commitment to purchase the adolescent phenom outright for £160 million a year later.
Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for £198 million
Imagine something more of a financial gambit than Paris Saint-Germain did in the summer of 2017.
The French team agreed to an initial loan agreement for Kylian Mbappe of Monaco, which included a commitment to purchase the adolescent phenom outright for £160 million a year later.
In addition, they activated the allegedly prohibitive £198 million release clause in Neymar's Barcelona contract.
PSG secured the two most costly deals in football history in just a few weeks. And those deals haven't been topped after seven years.
Whether either action was ultimately worthwhile is up for debate. Neymar spent six seasons in Paris, earning five Ligue 1 titles. He also contributed 77 assists and 118 goals in 173 games.
PSG secured the two most costly deals in football history in just a few weeks. And those deals haven't been topped after seven years.
Whether either action was ultimately worthwhile is up for debate. Neymar spent six seasons in Paris, earning five Ligue 1 titles. He also contributed 77 assists and 118 goals in 173 games.
However, he was never able to bring the Champions League victory the team still craves and only once did he play more than thirty games in a campaign across all competitions.
When Neymar left, PSG was at least able to recover a sizeable transfer price; in 2023, Saudi team Al Hilal paid approximately £75 million for the then-31-year-old sensation.
When Neymar left, PSG was at least able to recover a sizeable transfer price; in 2023, Saudi team Al Hilal paid approximately £75 million for the then-31-year-old sensation.
Mbappe won an additional league title during his one-year stay at the Parc des Princes.
But as a free agent, he left this summer to sign with Real Madrid, so PSG lost what is likely the finest player in the world for nothing.
But as a free agent, he left this summer to sign with Real Madrid, so PSG lost what is likely the finest player in the world for nothing.
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