Since the first 100 million players transfer in 2013, Gareth Bale's move from Tottenham to Real Madrid, 13 more players have moved for such large fees – but the majority of these have been unsuccessful.

It's often been the case that, even if the player does well, they will struggle to justify such a large outlay and the pressure of such a move can negatively impact performances.

Declan Rice looks likely to be next on the list and he will be hoping to buck the trend of being a €100m+ flop. With Arsenal now ironing out the final details of the transfer, time will tell how he gets on at his next club.

We've listed the 14 players who went for such a large fee and evaluated how well they justified the price.

1)Gareth Bale

The Welsh winger was one of the best players in the Premier League in his final season at Tottenham, and was certain to depart the club in search of a shot at glory.

That's exactly what he found, moving to Real Madrid for a world-record fee in 2013 of around €100million, being the first 100 million players and his first few seasons at the club were the epitome of greatness.

2)Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo broke the world record fee when he moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 and, after nine incredibly successful years at the Bernabeu, it was time for a new adventure.

Juventus paid €100million to convince Real Madrid to part ways with their talisman in 2018 and he was bought with an eye on Champions League glory – but he and the club ultimately failed in this aspect.

Whilst Ronaldo did perform well, scoring 101 times in 134 games, Juventus came up short in Europe, failing to progress beyond the quarter-finals in any of his three seasons at the club.

Their domestic dominance also ended in 2021, with Inter Milan breaking their streak of nine consecutive Serie A titles, and Ronaldo subsequently returned to Manchester United for around £20million.

A lot of money and a lot of goals, but ultimately the transfer didn't help Juventus achieve anything special.

3)Eden Hazard

One of the worst transfers on this list, unquestionably.

Real Madrid paid around €100million for Hazard's services in 2019, despite knowing that he was going to be available for free one year later, and this premium price was not worth it in the slightest.

The Belgian winger spent most of his time in Spain injured, scoring just seven goals in 76 appearances across four seasons for the club.

Now 32, Hazard had his Real Madrid contract terminated this summer and is said to be considering his retirement. A terrible move all around.

4)Paul Pogba

Paul Pogba was marmite throughout his second spell at Manchester United after he returned to the club for a world record €105million in 2016.

The French midfielder had a loyal legion of fans but was also unpopular with a lot of the Old Trafford faithful, who even booed him towards the end of his spell with United.

Pogba was one of the most talented players in the Premier League and a World Cup winner to boot but his inconsistent performances, combined with United going on a five-year trophy drought, has meant he will not be remembered fondly.

He had his glimpses of brilliance but overall has not justified the fee or the hype which surrounded him upon his signing from Juventus. Since leaving Old Trafford last summer, he's struggled to stay fit upon his return to Italy.

5)Ousmane Dembele

After impressing at Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona paid a whopping €105million, with significant add-ons, for the winger who was just 20 at the time.

Dembele spent most of his early Barcelona career in the injury room, but under Xavi he has been given a new lease of life. The French winger played his role in Barcelona's 2022-23 La Liga winning campaign, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.

The jury is still out on whether or not he has justified his lofty €105million transfer fee as of yet, but the recent resurgence in his career has been promising.

6)Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku was originally sold by Chelsea in 2014 for around €30million to Everton but his improved form earned him a big move to Manchester United three years later.

After flopping at United, the Belgium international was offloaded to Inter Milan where he finally found consistency and fired Antonio Conte's side to their first Serie A title in a decade.

Chelsea suddenly ran back to the player they loaned and eventually sold years before, and paid around €115million for his return to West London.

They now wish they didn't.

Lukaku scored just eight league goals in his first season back at Chelsea, and the only thing worse than his performances on the pitch was his attitude off it.

In an interview during the season in December 2021, Lukaku expressed his desire to return to Inter, angering the Chelsea fanbase, and causing Thomas Tuchel to drop him from the squad.

After spending the 2022-23 campaign on loan with Inter, the 30-year-old is now back at Chelsea and looks likely to leave this summer.

7)Jack Grealish

Another huge transfer that defined the summer of 2021, Grealish left his boyhood club Aston Villa to join Champions Manchester City in a Premier League record move at the time.

€117million was spent to bring him to the Etihad Stadium, but the creative midfielder struggled to shine in his debut season, despite winning the league.

Fast forward 12 months and Grealish has won over plenty of the haters. His numbers don't necessarily represent a €117million player, but his role in City's 2022-23 treble-winning season was vital.

Grealish has grown in confidence over the past couple of years and is now one of the first players on Pep Guardiola's teamsheet. He's also one of the most entertaining footballing personalities in the game right now.

8)Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann's transfer saga was a drawn-out, tiresome affair.

After initially rejecting Barcelona to stay at Atletico Madrid, and releasing a movie to explain 'the decision,' the Frenchman changed his mind a year later and made a €120million move to the Nou Camp in 2019.

Griezmann struggled to adapt to Barcelona's style, scoring just 35 goals in 102 games, before returning to Atletico in 2021.

A huge loss which plundered Barcelona into financial crisis, and nothing much memorable on the pitch from the 32-year-old.

In hindsight, he was better off staying in Madrid.

9)Enzo Fernandez

Perhaps the most notable of Todd Boehly's signings so far, Chelsea spent a staggering €121million on Fernandez after an eye-catching World Cup with Argentina. The talent is obviously there and Fernandez can't really be held responsible for Chelsea's disastrous 2022-23 campaign.

With the likes of N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho out the door at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's new-look midfield will be built around Fernandez.

Time will tell if this one is a success or not.

10)Joao Felix

The Portuguese international has shown glimpses of quality while in Spain but has often come up short. Felix spent the second half of last season on loan with Chelsea where he had a similarly tough time.

His future in Spain now looks up in the air and Atletico Madrid aren't likely to receive anywhere near the €126million they originally spent on him in 2019.

11)Philippe Coutinho

The big winners of Coutinho's €160 million move to Barcelona in 2018 were undoubtedly Liverpool, who used their lottery win to bring Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to Anfield and kickstart their trophy-winning run under Jurgen Klopp.

Coutinho fared less well. Asked to play in an unfamiliar midfield role, in an attempt to replace the outgoing Andreas Iniesta, the Brazil international struggled at the Camp Nou and came in for some heavy criticism.

He spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Bayern Munich, where his two goals against Barcelona in that 8-2 came to symbolise the Spanish club's insane transfer policy.

While Barca continue their rebuild under Xavi, Coutinho is currently strutting his stuff for Aston Villa. It's hard not to think that this wasn't part of the plan…

12)Kylian Mbappe

Arguably the best player in the world, Mbappe continues to dominate the headlines while in France.

With 212 goals in 260 appearances, the World Cup winner has emphatically lived up to the hype. But the Champions League remains elusive and the Parisiens might be tempted to cash in on the 24-year-old while they still can.

Ultimately, you imagine they could've easily won five of the last six Ligue 1 titles without spending quite so much on Mbappe and their other marquee signing in 2017…

13)Jude Bellingham

Watch this space.

14)Neymar

The most expensive footballer of all-time, Neymar's €222million transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 sent shockwaves across European football.

While the Brazil international has won five Ligue 1 titles and reached the final of the 2020 Champions League, a lack of both continental silverware and personal accolades during his time there remains elusive.

Speaking to Goal, former Liverpool and Brazil defender Fabio Aurelio said: "The ambitions he has, and for the quality and talent he has, the fact that he has never won a Ballon d'Or feels wrong.

"He has all the conditions to do it, but I don't know what has happened. Maybe some things are more important to him than the game, I don't know?

"He's a top player, but he could do more. He could manage his life better, especially considering the influence he has on the next generation of Brazilian players."

"I'm tired of these ex-players who are there and only open their mouths to talk sh*t," Neymar replied on an Instagram story.

"A five-minute interview and all he did was talk about other people's lives. If you want to criticise, criticise. But talking sh*t like that is not possible."

While the 31-year-old has obviously scored plenty at PSG, neither party has fully achieved their aim; PSG's of winning the Champions League and Neymar collecting a Ballon d'Or.

The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.

Also Read: Players with the most champions league titles

Golden Boot: Rules

The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.

The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.

Historical Overview

Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.

Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.

Most Golden Boots win

Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).

Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.

Also Read: Manchester United Trophy Cabinet

Most Golden Boots win in football history (All Time)

1. Lionel Messi | 6 Times

2. Cristiano Ronaldo | 4 Times

3. Luis Suárez | 2 Times

4. Thierry Henry | 2 Times

5. Robert Lewandowski | 2 Times

The European leagues are up and running and we have already witnessed some great encounters between the top European teams. The hunt to win the European Golden Boot is also taking shape for the 2024-25 season.

Some big names from the Top five European leagues are already in full swing and they are scoring loads of goals to clinch the coveted annual award for the highest goalscorer in Europe. However, some young and talented players have enlisted themselves in the charts as well; even from outside of the top five European leagues.

According to the coefficient rankings updated by UEFA on 7 November 2024, the top five European Leagues are the English Premier League, Serie A (Italy), LaLiga (Spain), Bundesliga (Germany), and French Ligue 1 respectively. 

Sportzpoint brings you all the details about the leading goalscorers in the top five European leagues, details of the UEFA League ranking, and the leading goalscorers competing for the 2024-25 European Golden Boot.

The European Golden Boot Race

The Golden Boot is awarded by European Sports Media (ESM) which is a unified association of Football Magazine publications such as Marca, Kicker, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Frankfurter AZ, etc. They took over since 1996-97 season and started a new ranking system based on the position of the league for the respective players. 

The UEFA coefficient ranking is considered a measure for weighting points, with the principle being to acknowledge players who score in leagues of higher quality according to rankings, which makes it tougher to find the back of the net.

The number of goals scored in the top five leagues of Europe are counted with a multiplier of two, while those from leagues ranked six to 21 receive a 1.5 multiplier, and goals from all other leagues are counted as one.

This is how the points system works. 

⚽️🏆 Players with the Most European Golden Boot Wins:

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi: 6
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo: 4
🇺🇾 Luis Suarez: 2
🇫🇷 Thierry Henry: 2
🇵🇱 Robert Lewandowski: 2

😳😳😳🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/AObaXoSpah

— Sholy Nation Sports (@Sholynationsp) July 26, 2024

Before looking at the players' list, here is the official UEFA ranking of league coefficients:

UEFA Ranking: League coefficients

Rank 1-5

Goal scorers from these five leagues receive a multiplier of 2. 

Rank 6-21

Goal scorers from these leagues ranked from 6 to 21 receive a multiplier of 1.5. 

Top goalscorers of the 2024-25 season in the top 5 European Leagues (as of 24th May 2025):

Premier League | England

1. Mohamed Salah | 28 Goals

• Club: Liverpool FC
• Nationality: Egypt
• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 28

2. Alexander Isak | 23 goals

• Club: Newcastle United
• Nationality: Sweden
• Appearances: 33
• Goals: 23

3. Erling Haaland | 21 goals

• Club: Manchester City
• Nationality: Norway
• Appearances: 30
• Goals: 21

4. Chris Wood | 20 goals

• Club: Nottingham Forrest
• Nationality: New Zealand
• Appearances: 35
• Goals: 20

5. Bryan Mbeumo | 19 goals

• Club: Brentford
• Nationality: Cameroon
• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 19

Serie A | Italy

1. Mario Retegui | 25 goals 

• Club: Atalanta BC
• Nationality: Italy
• Appearances: 35
• Goals: 25

2. Moise Kean | 18 goals

• Club: AFC Fiorentina
• Nationality: Italy
• Appearances: 10
• Goals: 5

3. Ademola Lookman | 15 goals

• Club: Atalanta BC
• Nationality: Nigeria
• Appearances: 30
• Goals: 15

4. Romelo Lukaku | 14 goals

• Club: Napoli
• Nationality: Belgium
• Appearances: 36
• Goals: 14

5. Marcus Thuram | 14 goals 

• Club: Inter Milan
• Nationality: France
• Appearances: 32
• Goals: 14

LaLiga | Spain

1. Kylian Mbappe | 30 goals

• Club: Real Madrid
• Nationality: France
• Appearances: 34
• Goals: 30

2. Robert Lewandowski | 25 goals 

• Club: FC Barcelona
• Nationality: Poland
• Appearances: 33
• Goals: 25

3. Ante Budimir | 21 goals 

• Club: CA Osasuna
• Nationality: Croatia
• Appearances: 37
• Goals: 21

4. Ayoze Perez | 19 goals 

• Club: Villarreal
• Nationality: Spain
• Appearances: 30
• Goals: 19

5. Raphinha | 18 goals

• Club: FC Barcelona
• Nationality: Brazil
• Appearances: 35
• Goals: 18

Bundesliga | Germany 

1. Harry Kane | 26 goals 

• Club: Bayern Munich
• Nationality: England
• Appearances: 31
• Goals: 26

2. Serhou Guirassy | 21 goals

• Club: Borussia Dortmund
• Nationality: Guinea
• Appearances: 30
• Goals: 21

3. Patrik Schick | 21 goals

• Club: Bayer Leverkusen 
• Nationality: Czech Republic
• Appearances: 31
• Goals: 21

4. Jonathan Burkardt | 18 goals

• Club: 1.FSV Mainz 05
• Nationality: Belgium
• Appearances: 29
• Goals: 18

5. Tim Kleindienst | 16 goals 

• Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach
• Nationality: Germany
• Appearances: 31
• Goals: 16

Ligue 1 | France

1. Ousmane Dembele | 21 goals 

• Club: Paris Saint-Germain
• Nationality: France
• Appearances: 29
• Goals: 21

2. Mason Greenwood | 21 goals 

• Club: Olympique de Marseille
• Nationality: England
• Appearances: 34
• Goals: 21

3. Arnaud Kalimuendo | 17 goals

• Club: Stade Rennais FC
  
• Nationality: France
• Appearances: 33
• Goals: 17

4. Jonathan David | 16 goals

• Club: Lille OSC
• Nationality: Canada
• Appearances: 32
• Goals: 16

5. Alexandre Lacazette | 15 goals

• Club: Lyon
• Nationality: France
• Appearances: 30
• Goals: 15

Read Also | Most goals in Europe's Top Five Leagues in 2023/24 Season

The Ultimate European Golden Boot Race (Among the top 10 European Leagues according to UEFA coefficient rankings)

Considering the players from the top 10 European leagues in this list, this is what the current race of chasing the 2024-25 European Golden Boot looks like:

The Champions League has always been a huge honour for any team. Teams like Real Madrid have won the trophy as many as 15 times while AC Milan, FC Barcelona, Ajax and Bayern Munich have won found success in Europe's biggest club competition. 

As a result, the players from such elite teams as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Ajax, and AC Milan dominate the charts of players with the most Champions League titles.

Also Read: Most Champions League titles won by Football Clubs

Players who have won the most Champions League titles

Iconic Real Madrid left-winger Paco Gento used to hold the record for the most Champions League titles by a player. He has won six trophies in his 18 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, Real Madrid legends Toni Kroos, Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Nacho have equalled his record and became the only players to win six Champions League titles in the UCL era. 

Former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is tied up at 5 UCL titles with players like Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Larence Seedorf as well as other Real Madrid giants in Hector Rial and Marquitos, Lucas Vázquez, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and a few others.

Also Read: Top 5 Defenders with the Most Champions League Goals

Former Barcelona superstars, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta, and Gerard Pique won four titles as a player. 

List of Players who have won more than four UCL titles:

El Clasico is one of football’s biggest rivalries, between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Over the years, they’ve played many exciting and emotional matches, full of great goals and big moments. With stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Roberto Carlos, these games are always packed with talent and drama.

10. Real Madrid 5-0 FC Barcelona, 1995

The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona match on January 7, 1995, at the Santiago Bernabeu was unforgettable. Zamorano netted a hat-trick, leading Real Madrid to a commanding 5-0 victory in this LaLiga clash. It was one of the most one-sided El Clasico matches ever, with the home team fully dominating Barcelona.

The match gave Real Madrid an edge in the title race for La Liga.

9. Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona, 2014

The Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Spain, hosted the 2014 Copa Del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona on April 16. The match seemed headed for extra time, but a brilliant 85th-minute goal from Gareth Bale secured the victory for Real Madrid. It marked their 19th Copa del Rey title.

8. FC Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid, 2010

After dominating El Clasico the previous season, Barcelona, led by coach Pep Guardiola, continued their strong form in 2009-10. Real Madrid had spent big to rebuild their "Galactico Era," bringing in stars like Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Madrid’s firepower wasn’t enough. Barcelona crushed them 5-0 at the Camp Nou, with David Villa scoring twice. Messi didn’t score but played a big role in most of the goals.

Read Also: Barcelona vs Real Madrid trophy battle: Which club has won more trophies

7. FC Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid, 2007

This LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid took place at Camp Nou on March 10, 2007, and ended in an exciting 3-3 draw. Both teams played their hearts out, making it one of the greatest El Clasico matches in recent years.

Messi scored a hat-trick, while Van Nistelrooy scored twice and Ramos added one for Madrid. A fierce, high-scoring clash that highlighted both teams' firepower.

6. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 2005

The early 2000s saw Real Madrid stacked with stars like Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, and Ronaldo Nazario. Despite Barcelona boasting talents like Ronaldinho, Eto'o, and Xavi, Madrid outclassed them with a 4-2 win—Zidane and Ronaldo struck early, while Raul and Owen sealed it in the second half.

5. Real Madrid 3-1 FC Barcelona, 1960

Real Madrid’s clash with Barcelona in the 1960 European Cup Semifinal is seen as a key moment in El Clasico history. Madrid won 3-1 and reached the final. Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas found the net for Real Madrid, sealing their victory in the semifinal against Barcelona.

The match showed the strong rivalry and attacking power of both teams. It's still remembered today as one of the greatest El Clasico matches and a major turning point in their history.

4. FC Barcelona 4-0 Real Madrid, 2015

During the peak of the MSN era at Barcelona, the team looked unstoppable in Spain. But for the first El Clasico of the season, Messi was out with an injury. Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t make much impact, while Luis Suárez and Neymar stepped up. They led Barcelona to a dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Read Also: Youngest goalscorers in El Clasico: Lamine Yamal breaks 77-year-old record to become the youngest ever

3. Real Madrid 4-2 FC Barcelona, 1988

With both teams playing attacking football and creating plenty of chances, this was the greatest El Clasico match of the 1980s. Butragueno gave Real Madrid the lead, but Gary Lineker put Barcelona ahead. Goals from Schuster and Michel made it 3-1 for Madrid. Julio Salinas gave Barca hope, but a late goal from Hugo Sanchez sealed the win for Real Madrid.

2. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2011

One of the most intense and dramatic El Clasicos happened in 2011 during the Supercopa de Espana. The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu, but the second leg had everything—goals, fouls, and lots of drama.

Iniesta put Barcelona ahead, Ronaldo equalised, and Messi sealed it with two goals, including a late 88th-minute winner. The match turned chaotic after a foul on Fabregas sparked a brawl, leading to four red cards and Mourinho infamously poking Vilanova in the eye.

1. FC Barcelona 3-2 Real Madrid, 2017

Debatably the greatest El Clasico match of the modern era, took place in the 2016-17 LaLiga season. Real Madrid was leading the league and hoping to extend their lead, while Barcelona needed a win to stay in the title race.

What made this match unforgettable happened in the final moments. The ball was passed to Messi just outside the Real Madrid penalty area. Instead of taking a wild shot, Messi calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner, securing a crucial victory for Barcelona at their biggest rivals' home.

Welcome to our live coverage of the Arsenal vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League 2024-25 quarter-final 1st leg match at Emirates Stadium.

This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you the buildup, head-to-head stats, team news and real-time updates of the all-important match from our web desk. 

Real Madrid qualified for the last eight after a controversial penalty shootout win over Atletico Madrid, after losing four games to their road to the round of 16. 

In the meantime, Arsenal thrashed PSV by 9-3 on aggregate to reach the quarter-finals. 

We have an exciting 90-minute game at hand. So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the updates from Sportz Point's web desk.