Ranking the Top 5 Highest Release Clauses in Football

Football teams around the world often utilise release clauses to protect their star players from potential transfers to other clubs during the transfer market.

Naturally, only the wealthiest teams can afford to include extremely high exit clauses in their players' contracts.

In Spain, release clauses are obligatory according to La Liga regulations, and they must be incorporated into all contracts.

As a result, players from Barcelona and Real Madrid often possess the highest release clauses in world football, owing to the prestige and financial strength of these two prominent clubs.

Sports Brief delves into the realm of the highest release clauses in football.

Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid - €1bn

Since becoming part of Real, Bellingham has garnered affection from the Bernabeu crowd, receiving acclaim for several exceptional performances.

The English international is now being regarded as one of the top players globally, and even though it's early in his time with the club, he has no intentions of leaving Spain in the near future.

The comforting news for Los Blancos fans is that his extremely high release clause renders it nearly impossible for any other club to secure his services unless Real Madrid considers negotiating a lower transfer fee—an occurrence that currently appears improbable.

Ansu Fati - Barcelona - €1bn

In 2021, Fati signed a new deal with Barcelona, positioning himself as a potential successor to Messi. Despite not fulfilling certain anticipated levels of progress, he is currently on loan to Brighton in the Premier League. Nevertheless, the Spanish international continues to showcase exceptional talent, poised for a prosperous career even if he doesn't meet some unrealistic expectations.

However, if he surpasses those expectations, Barcelona has secured their position in the transfer market with his remarkable release clause.

Pedri - Barcelona - €1bn

Pedri is one of two promising Barcelona midfielders whom the club envisions can replicate the success of Xavi and Andreas Iniesta.

The Spanish pair played pivotal roles in one of the most formidable club sides in history, and Xavi, now the manager of Barca, asserts that Pedri has already reached the caliber of his former teammate. This is evident in Pedri's substantial 1 billion euro release clause.

Ronald Araujo - Barcelona - €1bn

Unlike numerous other Barcelona players, Araujo did not graduate from La Masia; instead, he was brought in from Uruguay in 2018.

The 24-year-old has risen to prominence, solidifying his role as one of the team's pivotal players. Despite his contract stretching until 2026, any team interested in acquiring his services must be ready to break the world transfer record.

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Vinicius Junior - Real Madrid - €1bn

Vinicius Jr unquestionably ranks among the most exhilarating players on this list, alongside Bellingham.

The Brazilian winger distinguishes himself as one of the most direct players worldwide, blending remarkable dribbling skills with improved finishing and end product.

Having entered the 1 billion euros club in 2023, it seems likely that he will continue to be a stalwart at Real Madrid for the majority of his career.