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The most popular football transfers in history often refer to those that were not only high-profile in terms of the transfer fee but also had a massive impact on the sport due to the players' stature, skill, and the media attention surrounding the move. Here's a list of some of the most notable transfers:
1. Neymar Jr. (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, 2017)
- Transfer Fee: €222 million
- Neymar's move to PSG broke the world record for the highest transfer fee. The Brazilian winger’s decision to leave Barcelona was a major shock, as he joined PSG for a fee far exceeding the previous record. His transfer is considered one of the most talked-about in football history.
2. Kylian Mbappé (Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain, 2017)
- Transfer Fee: €180 million
- Mbappé's move to PSG, initially on loan before being made permanent, was a record for a teenager and made him one of the most expensive players in history. His rapid rise from a star at Monaco to one of the world’s best players has made his transfer unforgettable.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid to Juventus, 2018)
- Transfer Fee: €100 million
- Ronaldo's departure from Real Madrid to Juventus was a stunning move. Not only did it mark the end of his successful era at Madrid, but it also signaled his ambition to succeed in Italy, furthering his legacy as one of the sport's greatest.
4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea to Real Madrid, 2019)
- Transfer Fee: €100 million
- Hazard’s move from Chelsea to Real Madrid was one of the biggest transfers of the 2010s, but it was also a high-risk one for Madrid. Hazard struggled with injuries at Real Madrid, but the transfer still garnered a lot of attention due to his talents at Chelsea.
5. Paul Pogba (Juventus to Manchester United, 2016)
- Transfer Fee: €105 million
- Pogba's return to Manchester United in 2016 for a then-record fee in the Premier League was one of the most high-profile moves of the decade. Although Pogba showed flashes of brilliance, the move was also clouded by inconsistent performances.
6. Zinedine Zidane (Juventus to Real Madrid, 2001)
- Transfer Fee : €77.5 million
- Zidane’s transfer from Juventus to Real Madrid was a groundbreaking deal at the time, making him the most expensive player in the world. Zidane's impact was immediate, helping to lead Madrid to numerous trophies, including the UEFA Champions League.
7. Lionel Messi (Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, 2021)
- Transfer Fee: Free (due to contract expiration)
- While Messi’s move to PSG did not involve a transfer fee, it remains one of the most shocking in football history. After spending over two decades at Barcelona, Messi left due to financial issues at the club, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
8. Gareth Bale (Tottenham to Real Madrid, 2013)
- Transfer Fee: €100 million
- At the time, Bale's move to Real Madrid was the most expensive transfer in football history. The Welsh winger became a key player for Madrid, although his career at the club was marred by ups and downs.
9. Diego Maradona (Barcelona to Napoli, 1984)
- Transfer Fee: €6.9 million
- Maradona’s move from Barcelona to Napoli was a landmark transfer, as it transformed both his career and Napoli’s fortunes. Maradona led the club to two Serie A titles and the UEFA Cup, cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest.
10. Luis Suárez (Liverpool to Barcelona, 2014)
- Transfer Fee: €82 million
- Suárez's transfer to Barcelona was one of the most notable moves of the 2010s, as he joined a team that would dominate European football. His time at Barcelona was highly successful, as he helped the club win numerous domestic and international trophies.
These transfers are not just famous because of the fees involved but also because of the players' stature, the impact they had on their new teams, and the media attention they attracted
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