15 Best Free Transfers in Football History (Ranked)

Football has seen astronomical transfer fees over the years, and the market shows no sign of cooling down. However, bargains can still be found—especially in the form of free transfers. Since Belgian midfielder Jean-Marc Bosman’s successful lawsuit against Standard Liege at the European Court of Justice in 1995, players have been able to move freely to another club once their contracts expire. The free agent pool is often unfairly viewed as a place for aging players, yet some of the world’s best stars have been free agents.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe is just one of several high-profile players to have switched clubs without a transfer fee. Here’s a look at some of the greatest free transfers in football history.

Ranking Factors

• Honours won
• Influence at previous club
• Difficulty of competition
• Profit made

15. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

PSG to Manchester United - 2016

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a Swedish icon, and when he joined Manchester United on a free transfer from PSG, he became a cult hero at Old Trafford. United fans delighted in reminding rivals of his cost with a chant that Zlatan himself called his favorite from his illustrious career.

When José Mourinho took charge at United, he brought in the striker he had managed at Inter Milan. With a point to prove and something to prove, Ibrahimovic delivered 28 goals during the 2016-17 season, helping United claim both the EFL Cup and Europa League—their most successful campaign since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

14. David Alaba

Bayern Munich to Real Madrid - 2021

After rising through the ranks at Bayern Munich and winning everything there was to win in Germany, David Alaba sought a new challenge when Real Madrid came calling in 2021. Already recognized as one of the world’s top defenders, the Austrian’s move to the Spanish capital only cemented his reputation.

In his debut season, Alaba helped Los Blancos defeat Liverpool to claim the Champions League title. He continued to be a key player for Madrid until an unfortunate ACL injury sidelined him, preventing his involvement in the club's historic 15th European triumph two years later.

13. Jay-Jay Okocha

PSG to Bolton - 2002

In 2002, free transfers were still relatively rare, and it wasn’t common for a player to let their contract expire and take what seemed like a step down to continue their career. That changed when the iconic Jay-Jay Okocha joined Bolton Wanderers.

The man so good they named him twice had already mesmerized fans in Paris before bringing his magic to the Premier League. For those unfamiliar with his talent, they were in for a treat, as Okocha lit up the league with his flair, showmanship, and dazzling skill, showcasing a style rarely seen in English football.

12. Thiago Silva

PSG to Chelsea - 2020

Eighteen years after Jay-Jay Okocha’s move to England from PSG, Thiago Silva made a similar journey in 2020. Recognized as one of the best centre-backs in the world, the Brazilian arrived at Stamford Bridge after falling just short of winning the elusive Champions League.

Despite being close to 40, Silva consistently proved himself Chelsea's most dependable defender. He capped off his European career not only as one of Brazil's finest to ever play in the Premier League but also by finally securing the Champions League trophy he had long sought, with Chelsea’s surprise victory over Manchester City in 2021.

11. James Milner

Manchester City to Liverpool - 2015

James Milner’s arrival at Liverpool in 2015 wasn't met with much fanfare, despite his Premier League-winning experience. The versatile midfielder was viewed as a dependable option, capable of filling multiple roles when needed.

True to that expectation, Milner became Jurgen Klopp’s go-to "Mr. Reliable." A tireless workhorse and consummate professional, he rarely put a foot wrong during his time at Anfield. His contributions earned him immense respect from Liverpool fans, and now at Brighton, Milner looks poised to break the Premier League appearance record, cementing his legacy as one of the league’s most enduring players.

10. Michael Ballack

Bayern Munich to Chelsea - 2006

In Michael Ballack’s final season with Bayern Munich, he attracted attention from several of the world’s top clubs, including Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. Ultimately, Ballack chose to join Chelsea on a free transfer in May 2006. The Blues had just secured back-to-back Premier League titles under Jose Mourinho, who was building a formidable squad. Upon Ballack’s arrival, Mourinho remarked: "We have a team of champions, and to improve a team of champions, we need champions."

Ballack’s time at Chelsea saw him win three FA Cups, a League Cup, and a Premier League title. However, the German midfielder narrowly missed out on Champions League success, losing the 2008 final to Manchester United in a penalty shootout. Across 167 appearances for the club, Ballack registered 26 goals and 22 assists. In 2010, he declined a new contract from Chelsea and returned to Germany, rejoining Bayer Leverkusen on another free transfer.

9. Andrea Pirlo

AC Milan to Juventus - 2011

Andrea Pirlo is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, known for his vision, creativity, and exceptional passing range. When Juventus signed the Italian maestro on a free transfer from AC Milan, they knew they had secured a gem. Pirlo's time in Turin was highly successful, as he played a key role in winning four consecutive Serie A titles. However, European glory eluded him, with Juventus losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the 2014/15 Champions League final.

Pirlo made over 100 appearances for Juventus, contributing 19 goals and 38 assists. After their Champions League heartbreak, he left the club on another free transfer, this time to MLS side New York City FC, where he played for three seasons before retiring. Pirlo later ventured into management, returning to Juventus to coach the team from August 2020 to May 2021.

8. Esteban Cambiasso

Real Madrid to Inter Milan 2004

Esteban Cambiasso, one of football's most decorated players, made a significant move from Real Madrid to Inter Milan on a free transfer in 2004. The Argentine midfielder quickly established himself as one of the top players in the world during his decade-long stint at the San Siro. Over 10 seasons, Cambiasso won 15 trophies, including five Serie A titles and the Champions League, solidifying his place as an Inter Milan legend.

Cambiasso played over 400 games for Inter, contributing 51 goals and 32 assists. In a surprising turn, he moved to Premier League newcomers Leicester City on a free transfer, where he spent a season helping the Foxes avoid relegation. He then wrapped up his playing career with two seasons at Olympiacos in Greece before retiring.

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7. Steve McManaman

Liverpool to Real Madrid - 1999

Often regarded as one of the most underrated players of his generation, Steve McManaman signed a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid while still under contract with Liverpool in 1999. His move to the Spanish capital proved fruitful, as he secured six trophies during his time with the club, including two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies.

In his four seasons at Real Madrid, McManaman made over 100 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 20 assists. To many, he stands as the greatest English player to have succeeded abroad, though Jude Bellingham may soon challenge that title.

6. Paul Pogba

Manchester United to Juventus - 2012

The ever-controversial Paul Pogba made a free transfer from Manchester United to Juventus in 2012, quickly silencing his doubters in Manchester with a series of stunning performances. During his time in Turin, Pogba made over 150 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 41 assists. He began to find his rhythm and played a pivotal role in helping Juventus secure eight trophies over four seasons, including four Serie A titles.

Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a record £89 million, allowing Juventus to profit significantly from the midfielder’s development. While he won the Europa League during his second stint at United, his time there soured, leading to another return to Juventus. However, his career took a troubling turn when he failed a drugs test, resulting in a four-year ban from football in 2024. This marks a potentially tragic conclusion to the career of a player with immense talent.

5. Luis Enrique

Real Madrid to Barcelona - 1996

After making over 150 appearances for Real Madrid, Luis Enrique made the controversial switch to fierce rivals Barcelona on a free transfer in 1996. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Catalan side, winning seven trophies during his tenure, including two La Liga titles. Surprisingly, despite his significant contributions, Enrique never clinched a Champions League title during his playing career.

The tireless midfielder concluded his time at Barcelona in 2004, having played 300 matches for the club. He later returned to Camp Nou as a manager, where he enjoyed considerable success, winning nine trophies, including two La Liga titles and, at last, the coveted UEFA Champions League.

4. Sol Campbell

Tottenham to Arsenal 2001

The transfer that earned Sol Campbell a reputation as one of football's biggest villains was also a free one. The animosity between Tottenham and Arsenal is a rivalry seldom matched in English football; crossing the divide to join the opposing side is often seen as a betrayal.

Nevertheless, Campbell made the controversial move in 2001. The England international let his contract expire at White Hart Lane before making the switch to the Gunners. This decision ultimately proved beneficial, as the defender became a key member of the Invincibles team just three seasons later.

3. Robert Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich - 2014

When it comes to pure success and the impact of a free transfer, few can match Robert Lewandowski. After leading Borussia Dortmund to unprecedented domestic triumphs, the Polish superstar followed in the footsteps of many of Dortmund's top players in the mid-2010s by moving to their rivals.

While Mario Götze and Mats Hummels also made similar moves, none left a legacy at the Allianz Arena quite like Lewandowski. With a Bundesliga title every season and a Champions League victory in 2020, it’s easy to argue that his transfer is among the greatest in history. However, it may not be the biggest.

2. Kylian Mbappe

PSG to Real Madrid - 2024

Considered one of the most talented players to come out of France, Kylian Mbappé had a surprising setback when he failed a trial at Real Madrid in 2012. Fast forward to 2024, after winning 18 major trophies—including a World Cup—he finally made his dream move to the Bernabéu. Choosing not to extend his contract with PSG, Mbappé turned down other options because he was always destined to play for Real Madrid.

Throughout his remarkable career, Mbappé has made over 300 appearances, averaging more than one direct goal contribution per game—impressive statistics for a player still just 25 years old and yet to hit his peak. He possesses that 'Galactico' aura, and his arrival will not only bolster the team on the pitch but also significantly impact off it, as his shirt sales will help fund the substantial signing-on fee that the Frenchman commanded.

1. Lionel Messi

Barcelona to PSG - 2021

Widely regarded as the greatest football player of all time, Lionel Messi made a high-profile move from his beloved Barcelona to PSG in the summer of 2021. After spending 17 seasons at Camp Nou and winning an astounding 34 trophies—including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies—Messi sought a new challenge in the French capital. During his time with PSG, he added two Ligue 1 titles to his collection while continuing to impress with his performance, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in just 75 appearances.

In July 2023, after two successful seasons in Ligue 1, Messi became a free agent once again, with speculation surrounding a possible return to Barcelona. Ultimately, he chose to join David Beckham's Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Messi's contract with the Florida franchise is considered one of the most intricate in football history, reportedly involving agreements with Apple and Adidas, and he earns an estimated $60 million (£47.3 million) a year.