Who would've thought Ronaldo's once €1B release clause would be equaled multiple times in the past few years?
Lionel Messi had a €700m hefty buyout clause at the peak of his powers in 2017. With Ansu Fati, Pedri, Araujo, and Gavi, the Catalans have four players with €1B buyouts on their roster, clearly locking down the club's future.
As we go into the 2023 winter transfer window, let's look at the players whose current contracts feature the biggest release clauses in world football.
Vinícius Júnior
The latest addition to the €1B release clause club is Vini Junior. On July 15, 2022, the 21-year-old Brazilian signed a new four-year contract with Real Madrid. With a €10m-a-year salary increase, Vini becomes one of Madrid's highest-paid players.
Vini Jr enjoyed a magnificent season at the Bernabeu, adding the goal threat to his strong locker of ball-carrying and dribbling skills. He scored 22 goals and notched 20 assists in 2021/22 alone, scoring the game-winner in the Champions League final.
Eduardo Camavinga
In November 2023, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga signed a new contract at Real Madrid until 2029. As part of the new deal, the Frenchman cemented the €1B release clause.
“Real Madrid is a dream, it's my life,” said Camavinga after penning his extension.
Pedri
Neymar says that “he reminds me of Iniesta.” Barcelona teenage midfielder Pedri became Barcelona's first player to sign a new contract with a €1B release clause on October 14, 2021.
The 19-year-old Golden Boy winner surpassed the previous club record for a buyout option. Antoine Griezmann's contract in 2019 included an €800m release clause, which topped Messi's €700m from the renewal of the Argentine's 2017 renewal.
Ansu Fati
The heir to Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati extended his contract at Barcelona in October 2021. The long-term agreement also included a €1B release clause. Manchester United, Liverpool, and PSG offered Fati twice the salary that he earns at Barcelona (roughly €4M net/year). Still, the La Masia graduate wanted to stay with his home club.
Fati finished second in the Golden Boy award in 2020 behind Erling Haaland. Fati scored six goals and notched one assist in just 14 appearances in a 2021/22 season marked by injuries. He's currently on loan to Brighton, looking to revive his career under Roberto De Zerbi.
Ronald Araujo
Barcelona also handed Uruguayan Ronald Araujo a new deal in May 2022 that includes a €1B release clause. The center-back has played three seasons for the Catalan giants, topping it off with 30 La Liga appearances last term.
Now a mainstay of the first team, the 23-year-old looks to continue his defensive titan status against modern attackers. He also scored three crucial goals against Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Atletico last season.
Gavi
17-year-old Barca phenom Gavi signed a new deal with Barcelona on September 14, 2022, and officially joined the €1B release clause club. The La Masia graduate is already playing an integral role in Xavi's midfield alongside fellow Spanish starlet Pedri.
The three-generational talents — Gavi, Fati, and Pedri — are all on the same salaries at €4M net/year.
Karim Benzema
Real Madrid extended Karim Benzema's contract on August 20, 2021, and inserted the €1B release clause. Benzema may be Madrid's 34-year-old elder statesmen, but he hasn't slowed down a bit.
Benzema wrapped up the best season of his career at Real Madrid by scoring 44 goals and providing 15 assists in all competitions, including these golazos on the road to Madrid's Champions League triumph. The Frenchman could be on his way to securing his first Ballon d'Or.
Ferran Torres
Barcelona signed forward Ferran Torres from Manchester City for 60 million euros during the 2021/22 transfer window. His five-year deal included a €1B release clause to match teammates Pedri and Ansu Fati.
Xavi will be looking to get the best out of the 22-year-old Spaniard in his first full season at Camp Nou.
Photos: Twitter/@sporf/@zjfcb_/@el_mejor_7
