Free transfers always carry a unique allure in the world of football, and the recent transfer of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid adds to this narrative. According to a report by AS, this transfer ranks among the top five free transfers in football history.
The French star, Kylian Mbappé, officially joined Real Madrid after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expired. This move not only marks a significant shift in Mbappé’s career but also emphasizes the impact of free transfers in shaping football dynamics.
Overview of the Top 5 Free Transfers
| Player | Year | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | 2024 | Paris Saint-Germain | Real Madrid |
| Leo Messi | 2021 | Barcelona | PSG |
| Robert Lewandowski | 2014 | Borussia Dortmund | Bayern Munich |
| Andrea Pirlo | 2011 | AC Milan | Juventus |
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | 2016 | Paris Saint-Germain | Manchester United |
1. Kylian Mbappé: A Historic Move
Kylian Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2024 is undoubtedly one of the most significant moves in football history. Having joined PSG in 2017 for around €140 million from AS Monaco, he became the most expensive teenager in football history.
During his time at PSG, Mbappé achieved remarkable success, winning multiple domestic titles and establishing himself as one of the best players in the world. However, despite the accolades, he could not secure the coveted UEFA Champions League title, which remains elusive for the club.
As his contract with PSG came to an end, Madrid seized the opportunity to acquire him on a free transfer, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. This move not only underscores his status as a global superstar but also reflects the ongoing trend of elite players changing clubs without transfer fees.
2. Lionel Messi: The Heartbreak of Leaving Barcelona
One of the most shocking transfers in football history occurred in 2021 when Lionel Messi left FC Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. After spending his entire career at Barcelona, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer and won numerous titles, Messi was unable to renew his contract due to financial constraints faced by the club.
The decision to part ways was heart-wrenching for both Messi and Barcelona fans. Messi had won six Ballon d’Or awards during his time with the club and led them to four Champions League titles and ten La Liga titles.
When his contract expired, PSG quickly moved to secure his services, knowing that signing Messi would not only bolster their squad but also enhance their global brand. His arrival in Paris marked a new era for PSG as they aimed to capture the elusive Champions League title.
3. Robert Lewandowski: The Goal Machine
In 2014, Robert Lewandowski made headlines with his free transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich. This transfer was particularly noteworthy as it occurred in the same season that Lewandowski scored four goals in just nine minutes against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, solidifying his reputation as a world-class striker.
Lewandowski had been a key player for Dortmund, helping them secure the Bundesliga title and reaching the Champions League final. When his contract expired, Bayern pounced on the opportunity to sign him for free, a move that proved to be a game-changer for the club.
During his time at Bayern, Lewandowski continued to break records, becoming the Bundesliga’s all-time leading scorer and winning multiple titles, including the Champions League in 2020.
4. Andrea Pirlo: The Maestro’s Move
In 2011, Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo made the switch from AC Milan to Juventus. This move was surprising, considering Pirlo’s success with Milan, where he won two Champions League titles and numerous domestic trophies.
After being released by Milan, Pirlo signed with Juventus, where he quickly became a pivotal figure in the midfield. His vision, passing accuracy, and leadership qualities helped Juventus dominate Serie A, winning four consecutive league titles during his tenure.
Pirlo’s ability to dictate the game and his experience were invaluable to Juventus, and he is remembered as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović: The Charismatic Forward
Zlatan Ibrahimović made a notable move in 2016 when he joined Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain. After a highly successful spell at PSG, where he scored an impressive number of goals, Ibrahimović found himself a free agent.
Manchester United seized the chance to sign the Swedish striker, who brought his larger-than-life persona and goal-scoring prowess to the Premier League. In his first season, Ibrahimović made an instant impact, helping United secure the EFL Cup and Europa League titles.
Though his time at United was relatively short, Ibrahimović left a lasting impression, showcasing his unique playing style and leadership qualities on and off the pitch.
Finally, the trend of free transfers has significantly impacted football, allowing clubs to acquire top talent without spending transfer fees. Kylian Mbappé’s recent move to Real Madrid is just the latest in a long line of impactful free transfers that have shaped the game. From Lionel Messi’s emotional departure from Barcelona to Robert Lewandowski’s goal-scoring heroics, these players have left an indelible mark on their clubs and the sport as a whole.
As the landscape of football continues to evolve, fans can expect to see more high-profile free transfers that could redefine team dynamics and influence the future of the game.
