The Most Expensive Footballers of All Time

Source: Statista

Chelsea‘s signing of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan this week for €115m has made the 28-year-old the most expensive footballer of all time. Not to be mistaken with the highest single transfer fee, Lukaku’s five career transfers now total €327.6m, according to figures from Transfermarkt.com. That takes him ahead of Brazilian superstar Neymar, who has generated tranfer fees to the value of €310.2m in his career so far, albeit with only two moves.

That’s not the only record broken with this transfer, either. Transfermarkt adds: “The forward set two further records. In addition to the most expensive sale of a Serie A club…Lukaku is also the new record signing at Chelsea. This position was previously held by Kai Havertz and goalkeeper Kepa with €80 million each. Furthermore, Lukaku joins a group of now twelve players who have cost at least €100 million.”

The Most Expensive Footballers of All Time

Love and Hate in the Premier League

Source: Statista

Politics aside, there aren’t many things which can so polarise the British public than football. As this infographic using data from Statista’s European Football Benchmark 2021 shows, “Manchester United, despite limited success over the last few seasons, are the most polarizing club for UK fans. Rating them as the most loved (23 percent) and hated (15 percent) at the same time.”

Liverpool are close behind United when it comes to fans loving the club, and equally, are second in the hate league. Despite having not won the league for 17 years, Arsenal have managed to retain a fair level of love among fans, with 17 percent proclaiming their adoration of the Gunners in the survey.

Love and Hate in the Premier League