The 10 biggest transfers in the history of Brazilian players
Brazil has always been a breeding ground for prodigious young footballers. From Pelé to Neymar, European clubs have been battling for decades to capture the jewels of Brazilian football.
But some transfers have made history, both for their value and their impact. Here are the 10 biggest sales of Brazilian players ever recorded.
10. 🟢 Malcolm (2019) – €45 million
After briefly passing through Bordeaux and Barça, Malcom was surprisingly transferred to Zenit Saint Petersburg for around €45 million. A huge deal that surprised many, given his limited playing time in La Liga.
9. 🟡 Vinícius Júnior (2017) – €45 million
Real Madrid bet big on a 16-year-old winger from Flamengo. Today, the bet has paid off. Vinícius has become a global star and a key player for the Whites.
8. 🔵 Gabriel Jesus (2017) – €52 million
Recruited by Manchester City from Palmeiras, Gabriel Jesus is a fine example of anticipation. Lively, hardworking, and decisive in big matches, he has lived up to expectations despite stiff competition.
7. ⚫ Oscar (2017) – €60 million
Chelsea sold Oscar to Shanghai SIPG amidst the Chinese hype. A record sum for a player who never fully established himself in Europe. The transfer marked the economic turning point in the Asian market.
6. 🔴 Alisson Becker (2018) – €62.5 million
The Brazilian goalkeeper left Roma to join Liverpool . At the time, he became the most expensive goalkeeper in history. The result: Champions League, Premier League, and an intact aura. A more than profitable transfer.
5. 🔵 Casemiro (2022) – €70 million
After winning everything with Real Madrid, Casemiro joined Manchester United in an impressive deal. At over 30, he proves that charisma and discipline still come at a high price.
4. ⚽ Kaká (2009) – €67 million
The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner was transferred from AC Milan to Real Madrid in one of the most high-profile transfers of the era. An absolute idol whose jerseys have now become true collector's items .
Looking for an authentic Kaká jersey for Milan or Real Madrid? Some sites like Long Live Football still offer them, for true fans.
3. 🟣 Antony (2022) – €95 million
Antony's transfer from Ajax to Manchester United surprised everyone with its price tag. Skillful, provocative, but still inconsistent, the Brazilian has yet to prove he's worth such a sum.
2. 🔥 Philippe Coutinho (2018) – €135 million
Arriving at Barça in the midst of the Neymar crisis, Coutinho became one of the most expensive transfers in history... and one of the most disappointing. Unable to establish himself in Catalonia, he symbolizes the excesses of an overheated market.
1. 🌟 Neymar (2017) – €222 million
The most expensive transfer of all time. PSG struck a major blow by waiving the Barça player's release clause. Neymar became an icon of the Parisian project, even if injuries and controversies tarnished his tenure. A historic deal, with consequences that are still visible in modern football.