1. Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United To Real Madrid (82.500.000 GBP / 94.000.000 € /$117,500,000)
Cristiano-Ronaldo
Real Madrid aren’t bashful about paying money to get the services of a player they desire. The “will he or won’t he” Cristiano Ronaldo story lasted more than two years and, at the end of it, the Spaniards paid a staggering 94 million euros to Manchester United in the summer of 2009. It’s fair to say that he has been worth every dime so far.
The Portuguese player has been an absolute beast, scoring an astonishing 112 goals in 103 appearances, and the sales of t-shirts carrying his name have certainly eclipsed the sum that was paid for him. His relentless goal-scoring battle with Lionel Messi has kept football fans on their seats and, after winning the league last season, Ronaldo would be seeking to prevail in the Champions League, and cement his status as one the finest players that the world has ever seen.
2. Zinedine Zidane: Juventus To Real Madrid (64.500.000 GBP / 73.500.000 € / $91,875,000)
Zinedine-Zidane
Rightfully so, many experts rank the French playmaker as one of the all-time best players. His remarkable vision on the field confused people for over 20 years, leading to his retirement in 2006. Having won practically everything that can be won in his illustrious career, Zidane grabbed the interest of Spanish giant Real Madrid in 2001, when they paid a then-world record 73.5 million euros to have him, helping the side win a Champions League, and the La Liga championship, during his five-year tenure. His most memorable match, however, is undoubtedly his final one: the 2006 World Cup Final, in which he notoriously headbutted Marco Materazzi.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Inter To Barcelona (61.000.000 GBP / 69.500.000 € / $86,875,000) zlatan-ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the highest-paid player of all-time. The entire money spent on the Swede, throughout the course of his career, now totals 171.1 million euros. The largest transaction involving the tall striker occurred in 2009, when Barcelona spent 45 million euros to have the Swede on their club . He began his experience in Spain with a bang, hitting seven goals in seven league appearances. Yet, despite a very good return of 16 goals in 29 appearances, Ibrahimovic was moved to Milan the following season, due to disagreements with head coach Pep Guardiola. Despite his haughty personality, or maybe because of it, the captain of the Swedish National squad has continued to impress for every squad on which he has played.
4. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite: Milan To Real Madrid (57.000.000 £ / 65.000.000 € / $81,250,000) kaka
The player known as “Kaka” is another footballer who has been failing the team that spent enormous money to get his skills. Having won one Seria A championship, a Champions League, two European Super cups, one Italian Super Cup, a World Club Cup Championship, and even a Ballon d’Or for best player in the 2006/2007 season, the Brasilian was regarded a living legend, as far as Milan supporters were concerned. Economic issues led the club to seek a buyer for one of its most valued assets. Newly-rich Manchester City offered 100 million pounds in the winter of 2009, but the move didn’t go through due of fan protests, and the unwillingness of Kaka to be transferred.
In the summer, another club with tremendous significance, Real Madrid, came knocking with a far smaller offer. However, neither club nor player hesitated before agreeing. Due to injuries and inconsistency in form, Kaka was unable to gain a regular starting berth, and is extremely likely to depart the Spanish club in the near future, with Milan being the primary candidates for his signing.