Ranking the Top 6 Free Transfers of All Time, Including Messi to PSG and Mbappe to Real Madrid

• Kylian Mbappe officially sealed his dream transfer move to La Liga champions Real Madrid on Monday evening, June 3
• The France international is understood to have penned a lucrative five-year deal on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain
• Sports Brief takes a look at six of the best free transfers in football, including Andrea Pirlo's move from AC Milan to Juventus

Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid marks one of the biggest free transfers in history.

Real Madrid confirmed on Monday evening that the 25-year-old will join on a Bosman deal following the expiration of his contract with Paris St. Germain on June 30.

Despite PSG's record-breaking £163 million signing of Mbappe in 2018, he will leave the club for free, although ESPN reports suggest a portion of his £150 million signing-on fee may go to PSG.

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While the 2018 World Cup winner isn't the first big name to move on a Bosman, Sports Brief takes a look at six of the best free transfers ever.

Robert Lewandowski (Dortmund to Bayern)

Borussia Dortmund suffered a significant blow when Robert Lewandowski departed for Bayern Munich on a free transfer.

The prolific striker, who excelled during his four seasons at the Westfalenstadion, clinching over a hundred goals and aiding Dortmund to consecutive Bundesliga titles, left for Munich in 2014.

Lewandowski's tenure at Bayern was marked by remarkable success, including 344 goals in 375 games and a record-breaking seven Bundesliga top scorer awards.

He also secured eight Bundesliga titles and a Champions League trophy with the club, setting a new single-season record with 41 goals in 29 league appearances during the 2020/21 campaign.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona to PSG)

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Lionel Messi's debut season at Paris Saint-Germain in 2021-22 didn't showcase his peak performance, tallying just 11 goals. However, securing a player of his calibre without a transfer fee was a significant coup.

After severing ties with Barcelona, where Messi had spent his entire career, due to financial constraints hindering contract negotiations, PSG swooped in. Messi's arrival in France saw him swiftly add another Ballon d'Or to his collection, and he concluded his inaugural season at Parc des Princes with a Ligue 1 title under his belt.

Esteban Cambiasso (Real Madrid to Inter)

Esteban Cambiasso left Real Madrid for Inter Milan on a free transfer in 2004, where he quickly became indispensable and earned the club's Player of the Season award in his debut year.

Spending a decade with Inter, he clinched five Scudetti and achieved a remarkable Serie A, Coppa Italia, and Champions League treble under Jose Mourinho in 2009/10.

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Cambiasso, who made 431 appearances and scored 41 goals for Inter, was later inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2020.

After leaving Inter, he joined Leicester City on another free transfer, playing a key role in their successful fight against Premier League relegation during the 2014/15 season and earning the club's Player of the Season award.

Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan to Juventus)

Andrea Pirlo's free transfer to Juventus stands out among brilliant Bosmans, marking an oversight by AC Milan that came back to haunt them.

Departing from Milan to a direct rival, Pirlo rejuvenated Juventus, leading them to reclaim the Italian football throne and initiating an era of unparalleled dominance.

In his four seasons with Juventus, Pirlo clinched four consecutive league titles and earned Serie A Footballer of the Year honours three times during those triumphs, per GOAL.

Paul Pogba (Man United to Juventus)

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Juventus pulled off a stellar Bosman move when they acquired Paul Pogba, rescuing the midfielder from a stagnant situation at Manchester United and refining his skills in Turin.

Over four seasons with the Bianconeri, Pogba transformed into one of the most coveted talents in global football.

His debut season was marked by the prestigious 2013 Golden Boy award, recognizing him as Europe's top under-21 player.

Pogba played a pivotal role in Juventus' dominance, clinching four consecutive league titles and earning three selections in the Serie A Team of the Year.

His departure fetched a world-record fee for Juventus, prompting Manchester United to rectify their mistake by re-signing the midfielder for £89m.

Sol Campbell (Tottenham to Arsenal)

Sol Campbell's move from Spurs to Arsenal in 2001 is arguably the Premier League's most controversial transfer.

Despite facing backlash for joining their arch-rivals, Campbell thrived at Arsenal, becoming a key figure in their success.

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He played a pivotal role in the 'Invincibles' season of 2003/04, helping Arsenal secure an unbeaten Premier League title.

Campbell's contributions solidified his status as one of the league's top central defenders.

Mbappe on how PSG 'exiled' him

Elsewhere, Sports Brief also recently reported on Mbappe claiming PSG attempted to freeze him out of the Ligue 1 champions' first team.

Speaking for the first time since signing a five-year contract with Real Madrid, he claimed the French club told him he would not play again.

The Parisians made true their threat when they excluded Mbappe from their preseason team and prohibited him from their training facility.