May 06, 2025

Shayne Dias

From Lionel Messi to Robert Lewandowski - Top 10 Most High-profile Free Agent Signings in Football History


Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

Source: X screengrab


But who are the most notable free transfers prior to him? 

Source: AP


Lionel Messi has been part of two notable free transfers - from Barcelona to PSG in 2021 and from PSG to Inter Miami in 2023.

Source: AP


Robert Lewandowski's free transfer to Bayern Munich in 2014 saw him win plenty of titles.

Source: AP


Kylian Mbappe finally joined Real Madrid in 2024 - and it was on a free transfer.

Source: AP


Thiago Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 and played a key role in their UEFA Champions League win in 2021.

Source: AP


Sol Campbell's free transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal was controversial but also good for the Gunners.

Source: Arsenal


Paul Pogba's free transfer from Manchester United to Juventus in 2012 reinvigorated his career. 

Source: AP


Andrea Pirlo joined Juventus on a free transfer in 2011 - and extended his legendary career while winning multiple trophies. 

Source: AP


Legendary Brazilian right-back Cafu joined AC Milan from AS Roma on a free - and the rest was history!

Source: X


Michael Ballack joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2006 and won multiple trophies with the London club.

Source: Wikipedia


James Milner joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015 - and was a key part of the side that won the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League.

Source: Wikipedia