Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, and some of its players have been able to command incredible salaries. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most expensive football contracts ever signed, from outrageous amounts paid for transfers to million-dollar salaries. Read on to find out who made it onto our list of the most expensive football players in history.
After a month of blockbuster footballing action at the FIFA World Cup, club football is finally back. Leagues have restarted and given the football calendar we are in, the January transfer window is about to open, and this has resulted in more activity in the transfer window. Already young Dutch sensation Cody Gakpo has joined Liverpool and in a shock move, Cristiano Ronaldo has made a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nasr FC. As the details of Ronaldo’s contract are coming to the fore, the figures that are coming to the fore are astonishing. Cristiano Ronaldo presented the number 7 jersey to Al Nasser as the transfer deal was confirmed
The sport of soccer has seen some of the highest paid athletes of all time, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo creating a league of their own. Furthermore, with the entry of owners from the Middle East into the European football arena, the flow of money in football has completely changed. Players’ contracts no longer only cover on-field salaries. This includes money from endorsements, commercial sponsorship deals and image rights. All these add up to huge contracts for superstar football players.
Most Expensive Football Contracts
5. Neymar, PSG ($87 million/yr)
One of the most memorable and controversial transfers in football history is Neymar Jr’s move from FC Barcelona to PSG. The Qatari-owned club made a statement signing that really broke the bank as they not only paid a hefty release clause for the Brazilian but also made an on-field total of $55 million with $32 million in on-field income. Also signed an annual earnings deal. Millions have been added in advertising revenue, totaling up to $87 million per year.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United ($100 million/yr)
As we know, Cristiano Ronaldo had a bitter stint with Manchester United before joining Al Nassr FC. His return home from Juventus was not only emotional but also costly. The Portuguese star was offered an annual on-field salary of $40 million, with endorsement income of up to $60 million, as well as a $100 million annual contract.
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3. Lionel Messi, PSG ($111 million/yr)
Lionel Messi was the highest-paid player in sports in 2019 ($127 million) as he honored his 4-year contract at FC Barcelona. But Financial Fair Play rules and Barcelona’s broken financial system meant Messi could no longer stay at the club after his contract expired, and PSG offered the Argentine superstar a huge contract, whose on-field annual earnings was $65 million. This was taken to $111 million annually, with advertising revenue of $55 million.
2. Kylian Mbappe, PSG ($128 million/yr)
The 24-year-old World Cup winner was the highest-paid footballer in the last six months, after rejecting interest from Real Madrid to extend his contract at PSG until the summer of 2022. Mbappe has an annual gross of $110 million on the field and growing. At $18 million, the French superstar is the highest paid footballer in Europe with a total of $128 million per year. His skill and stardom ensure that he will dominate the professional football market for the next decade after Messi and Ronaldo.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nasr FC ($200 million/yr)
Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Nasr FC. While the deal may not be very beneficial on a footballing level, it certainly is beneficial on a financial level. The contract, which includes $90 million in on-field earnings including $110 million in endorsement income, will make him the highest paid footballer of all time with a total of $200 million a year. Cristiano Ronaldo Transfer News: Portuguese Superstar Makes Big Money Move to Saudi Arabian Club Al Nasr FC.