The first footballer to command a £100 million transfer fee was Paul Pogba, when he moved to Manchester United in July 2016, breaking the world record at the time for a player valued at €105 million (around £89-90 million initially, but quickly crossed the £100m mark with add-ons and exchange rates), though other players like Philippe Coutinho later surpassed that figure, solidifying the £100m+ bracket.
A moment of triumph and a milestone in football history. Johnny Haynes, the trailblazing player who broke barriers with his record-breaking £100 per week salary, is captured here at Westminster Hospital in 1962.
In 1979 Trevor Francis became the first British footballer to command a £1 million transfer fee when he moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest.
He cost me £999,999 ..." [Brian Clough] Trevor Francis becomes the first "one million pound" player in British Football after signing for Nottingham Forest in 1979.
Alun Evans who became the first £ 100 000 teenager when signed for Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers, enjoys a snack in the boardroom watched by new manager Bill Shankly and chairman Sid Reakes after he signed.
Two years later, his form had again caught the attention of other managers, and so in 1979, Ron Atkinson paid £518,000 to take him to West Bromwich Albion, breaking the English transfer record and making Mills Britain's first half million pound footballer.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to hit a $1 billion net worth - but that's not even the most impressive part. In an interview, he revealed he's been planning for retirement since age 28, and doesn't want to coach… he wants to own a team.
Cristiano Ronaldo is football's first billionaire player.
Florian Wirtz breaks the British transfer record with his move to Liverpool, with the deal worth £116.5m 💰 The most expensive signing in Premier League history was previously Moises Caicedo, who signed with Chelsea for £115m 💼
It's appropriate Larry Allen is #1 alphabetically, because, with the possible exception of Terry Long, he is the strongest NFL player ever. Allen was benching 500+ by the time he left college in 1994.
The "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) in football is a subjective debate, but Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are overwhelmingly considered the top contenders, with Messi often edging out due with recent major wins like the 2022 World Cup, though Ronaldo's longevity and dominance in multiple leagues also make a strong case, with many legends and publications naming Messi as #1. Other historical greats like Pelé and Maradona are also part of the conversation.
Armenian Football Legend Nikita Simonyan, 99, Becomes Oldest Living Olympic Champion. Armenian football legend Nikita Simonyan, who celebrated his 99th birthday on October 12, has become the oldest living Olympic champion following the passing of French cyclist Charles Coste, reports championat.com.
Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini is not only considered to be the best left back, but is also widely regarded as the best all-round defender of all time.
Terry Yorath obituary. Terry Yorath, who has died aged 75, was a long-serving Welsh football international who went on to manage his national side during a successful five-year period from 1988 to 1993.
The 2025-26 Premier League season has reached a key stage and the so-called traditional "Big Six" -- Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur -- have experienced wildly contrasting fortunes on their way to the 10-game mark, though they all currently sit inside the top eight, ...
Trevor Francis becomes Britain's first ever £1 million player, following his transfer from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest. He is unveiled as a Forest player to the media by Peter Taylor and the squash-attired Nottingham Forest boss, Brian Clough. This clip is from BBC News.
The current transfer record was set by the transfer of Neymar from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million (£200 million) in August 2017.
Lionel Messi is significantly richer than David Beckham, with an estimated net worth of around $850 million compared to Beckham's roughly $450-$500 million, thanks to massive contracts, endorsements (Apple, Adidas), and business ventures, even as Beckham's Inter Miami ownership stake has grown considerably since Messi joined the team, says Businessday NG. Messi's earnings from his playing career and business ventures have surpassed Beckham's career earnings, making him the wealthier of the two legends.
Yes, Nike signed Cristiano Ronaldo to a lifetime contract reportedly worth over $1 billion, making him one of only a few athletes (like LeBron James and Michael Jordan) with such a deal, which began around 2016 and pays him tens of millions annually for his ongoing endorsements and massive social media presence.
Jay-Z is significantly richer than Cristiano Ronaldo, with recent estimates placing Jay-Z's net worth around $2.5 - $2.6 billion (as the richest musician), while Ronaldo's net worth is estimated at roughly $1.4 billion, making him the richest footballer by earnings but still trailing the music mogul.
Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become the world's first trillionaire footballer! 🐐⚽ From humble beginnings to global dominance — his story inspires millions. Watch this emotional and powerful journey of the legend who never stopped believing.
No, David Beckham is not officially a billionaire, though he and his wife Victoria Beckham are a power couple with a combined fortune around $450-$670 million (£360m-£500m), making them very wealthy but not yet billionaires individually or as a couple, despite reports suggesting he's on the track to billionaire status due to investments like Inter Miami CF.
George Best remains a United legend and cultural force. Authenticity, style, and influence beyond the game... Inevitably, as a footballer of remarkable skill, he was adored by Manchester United and Northern Ireland fans, for whom he delivered incredible goals and staggering results.