The 2021/22 summer football transfer window has been a roller coaster ride. The unimaginable unfolded before our eyes. Legends of the game like Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos switched clubs for the first time. On the other hand, young prospects moved for astonishing amounts.

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many teams to cut back on their expenses, the summer transfer window of 2021-22 saw some of the clubs break their banks to get their desired player. SportzPoint takes you through the top 5 craziest transfers of the summer transfer window.

#5 Romelo Lukaku (Inter Milan to Chelsea)

Romelo Lukaku made a Chelsea return after an excellent season with Inter Milan. Nobody ever expected Inter Milan to let go Lukaku after the season he had in Italy. The Belgian had an excellent run with Inter winning the Serie A and scoring 28 goals across all competitions.

Although he crashed out of the quarter-finals from the Euro, he had an outstanding season and is one of the top contenders for the Ballon d'Or 2021. However, Inter could not say no when they saw the huge offer from Chelsea. Finally, both the parties agreed on €115m making him one of the costliest transfers ever in the Premier League.

Also Read: Lukaku's agent says the family was subjected to threats over the striker's transfer to Chelsea

#4 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid to PSG)

The man who bleeds Real Madrid and the one who has been there right from the start, Sergio Ramos had to move to PSG after the Los Blancos went against the idea of renewing his contract. It was like a nightmare in the Spanish capital after they came to know Ramos was joining PSG as a free agent.

PSG made headlines after they announced the signing of Sergio Ramos. The French giants are putting everything to get hands-on with the UEFA Champions League trophy. He will join the likes of Hakimi, Wijnaldum, Donnurumma and Messi in the dugout.

#3 Antoine Griezmann (FC Barcelona to Atletico Madrid)

One of the most shocking transfers of the Football transfer window 2021 if not the most shocking is FC Barcelona letting go Griezmann on loan. Barcelona was very keen on keeping the French international but on the deadline day they announced Griezmann is leaving for Atletico Madrid on loan with the Madrid club have an option to buy at €40m.

It was very unexpected for Barcelona as Antoine's salary was one of the reasons they couldn't keep Messi at the club. Moreover, giving a star player to the direct title rivals cost them once the earlier season and now they did the same thing again.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus to Manchester United)

Arguably one of the best players on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo shook the football transfer window after he made a dramatic return to his former club. The English giants' Manchester United signed the 36-year-old Portuguese from Juventus for €20m. Although Manchester City seemed the most likely destination for the forward; United put in a last-minute bid to ensure that Ronaldo doesn't join their rivals.

Manchester United are now looking stronger than ever with Varane, Maguire in the backlines; a combo of Bruno, Pogba, Ronaldo and Sancho upfront. However, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are equally strong if not more to win the Premier League title.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo records for Manchester United

#1 Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona to PSG)

Lionel Messi to PSG will go down as one of the most disheartening transfer sagas of all time. People could hardly imagine Lionel Messi in any other colours than the Blaugrana. Although there were many reports of Messi's contract renewal with FC Barcelona, no one could have predicted the end. Messi agreed to a 30% pay cut but it wasn't enough to register his contract because they were still in breach of La Liga's salary regulations.

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona after playing for 17 years in the first team to join PSG has to be the craziest transfer in the summer football transfer window so far. However, Messi has joined a star-packed team and is the most likely team to win the UEFA Champions League.

The No.10 jersey in football is always an iconic one. Be it for any club, country or any team playing in a local tournament, usually the best player of the team or the attacker wears the No.10 jersey for the team. 

FC Barcelona, one of the best and historical clubs in the World, had some of the greatest players ever to wear the No. 10 jersey for them. Today, in this article, we will discuss 10 legendary Barcelona players who have worn the jersey no. 10. 

To give you the context of the article, let me remind you that, after a great 2024-25 season, Lamine Yamal is set to wear the No.10 jersey for FC Barcelona in the next season, only if Ansu Fati leaves the club. 

Read Also | Football jersey numbers: Significance of jersey numbers in football

1. Lionel Messi (2008-2021)

If you talk about any stats or legendary things about FC Barcelona, there is a chance that you will have to mention the little man from Argentina, Lionel Messi. Most goals, most trophies, most assists, most Ballon d'Ors, and many more records for the club - Messi has everything to his name.

Messi had 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances for FC Barcelona and left the club with the most number of titles. The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner wore the No.10 jersey for the first time in 2008 when Ronaldinho left the Catalan club to join AC Milan. 

Since then, Messi has worn the iconic jersey for 14 years, before leaving the club as the greatest Barcelona player. 

Read Also | 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

2. Diego Maradona (1982–1984)

An Argentine legend followed by another one. One of the greatest footballers ever, Diego Maradona, who is known for his time at Italian Club Napoli, spent two seasons at FC Barcelona as well. 

Although Maradona's stint at Barcelona was full of controversies and injuries, he scored 38 goals in 58 matches and won the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup for FC Barcelona. 

3. Ronaldinho (2003–2008)

With his Samba magic and flair, Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the greatest Barcelona players ever. The Brazilian legend was there when Messi made his debut and gave him all the support to fill his shoes later. Before Messi, it was Ronaldinho, who used to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. 

Ronaldinho scored 94 goals and provided 71 assists in 207 matches for FC Barcelona. 

Alongside winning two La Liga titles, he also won the 2006 UEFA Champions League for the Spanish club.

Read Also | Top 10 Greatest EL Clasico Matches of All Time

4. Gary Lineker (1986–1989)

Gary Lineker is one of the greatest English players ever to play for FC Barcelona. From 1986 to 1989, Lineker played for FC Barcelona in 138 matches, wearing the famous No. 10 jersey. 

Lineker scored 51 goals for the Catalan club and helped them win the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.

5. Rivaldo (1997–2002)

Rivaldo, the Brazilian legend and captain, joined FC Barcelona in the 1997 season and played 235 games for the Catalan, the most he played for any club in his career. The attacking midfielder scored 130 goals for Barcelona and won four titles, including two La Liga titles. 

Not only that, during his stint at Barcelona, he won the FIFA Best Player Award and Ballon d'Or award in 1999. 

Read Also | Football Facts: Players With Champions League, World Cup and Ballon d'Or

6. César Rodríguez (1939–1955)

Since there was no consistency in jersey numbers during the 1930s and 1940s era, it is quite unclear how many games he played wearing the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. But Cesar, who wore the No. 10 jersey occasionally for FC Barcelona, played 344 games for the club.

In those games, he scored 226 goals and won 11 trophies for the club, including 5 La Liga titles. With 28 goals, he also finished the 1948-49 season as the top scorer of La Liga.

7. Juan Román Riquelme (2002–2005)

Another Argentine legend is on the list of legendary players to wear the No. 10 jersey for FC Barcelona. Riquelme, the legendary Argentine attacking midfielder, though he only played 42 games for FC Barcelona, made his mark before leaving for Villarreal and Boca Juniors. 

8. Michael Laudrup (1989–1994)

Laudrup, the Danish playmaker, was an integral part of Johan Cruyff’s dream team. The stylish midfielder played 226 games for FC Barcelona and scored 54 goals for the club. Along with his goals, Laudrup assisted 26 times as well. 

Laudrup won 9 trophies for FC Barcelona, including 1 UEFA Champions League, 4 La Liga titles, 1 UEFA Supercup and 2 Spanish Super Cups. Post becoming FC Barcelona.

After his successful 1992 and 1993 seasons, Laudrup joined Real Madrid the next season. 

9. Luis Suárez Miramontes (1955–1961)

One of the greatest Spanish midfielders, Luis Suárez Miramontes, is also one of the greatest FC Barcelona players. Luis Suárez Miramontes, in 176 games for FC Barcelona, scored 80 goals and assisted 21 times. 

Suarez won two La Liga titles and two Spanish Cup titles for FC Barcelona before moving to Inter Milan, where he flourished as a striker and went on to win two Champions League titles as well. 

But before leaving for Inter Milan, he won the 1960 Ballon d'Or while playing for FC Barcelona.

10. Hugo Sotil (1973–1976)

Hugo Sotil, the Peruvian striker, was one of the key players for FC Barcelona during the Johan Cruyff era. In 70 games, he scored 18 goals and helped FC Barcelona win the 1973–74 La Liga title.

Hugo was one of the key members of Barcelona's resurgence in the 1970s. 

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 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.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing for a massive summer signing as they eye the services of star Olympique Lyonnais forward Rayan Cherki.

The Red Devils are interested in strengthening their squad, and they have now joined the race to sign the gifted French under-21 forward, after it was reported that Lyon is willing to sell the player for approximately £20 million.

Read Also | Olympique Lyonnais faces provisional relegation and transfer ban

Manchester United are adamant to turn things around

In a difficult ongoing campaign this season, Manchester United have registered a record low point total in the Premier League, sitting on 38 points.

With only 6 games remaining to play for, the call for new talent has never been greater inside the club. Cherki, widely considered one of the most talented players in the world at this moment, has been identified as a top target for the club's Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim.

Read Also | Ruben Amorim has handed Manchester United owners his wish-list of three players

The various reports point out Cherki's great talent and his undeniable potential to shape games at the highest level. He has performed marvelously on the field in this season alone, achieving great statistics that would upgrade any team.

Cherki's display has attracted United's scouting department, particularly with the Red Devils' own challenges in creativity and attacking potency.

Cherki draws interest from Red Devils' management

At only the age of 21, Rayan Cherki has already become a familiar name in French and world football, and this season was his coming-out party.

His record of 13 goals from 23 appearances for France's U-21 team says volumes about his talent. Although Manchester United is still keen on signing him, the negotiating table will have to wait until the next summer transfer window, especially after facing Lyon in the Europa League.

By the way, Cherki's last-minute equalizer in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final matchup saved Lyon a 2-2 draw at home against United last week.

🇫🇷⭐️ | 𝐑𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐤𝐢 (𝟐𝟏) vs Man United:

1 Goal.
4 Key Passes.
4/7 Successful Take-Ons.
85% Pass Accuracy.
41 Passes Completed.
100% Successful Long Balls.
2/5 Successful Crosses.
6/11 Ground Duels Won.

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒. pic.twitter.com/jF3u3ZJKDG

— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) April 10, 2025

With Cherki catching headlines in Ligue 1, only time will tell how Lyon will deal with a possible transfer. United's desire is obvious, and if properly negotiated, Cherki's signing at Old Trafford may commence a new era for the club's attacking prowess.