Football, or soccer, is a sport that brings together people from all walks of life, cultures and nationalities.
Over the years, it has seen some of the most expensive and high-profile transfers, some of which have caused quite a stir. Here are some of the most controversial transfers in the history of football:
Luis Figo – Barcelona to Real Madrid (2000)
This was one of the most shocking transfers of all time, as Figo made a switch from Barcelona to their bitter rivals Real Madrid in 2000. He was a fan favourite at Barcelona and his move caused a lot of anger and frustration among the supporters. The Portuguese star was pelted with objects, including a pig’s head, during his first match back at the Camp Nou.
Sol Campbell – Tottenham to Arsenal (2001)
Sol Campbell’s move from Tottenham to Arsenal in 2001 was another transfer that caused a lot of controversy. He was a lifelong Tottenham fan and a key player for the team, making the move to their North London rivals all the more shocking. This transfer was seen as a betrayal by Tottenham supporters and Campbell was subject to abuse from the Tottenham fans whenever he returned to White Hart Lane.
Neymar – Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (2017)
Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most expensive transfers in football history, costing the French club a whopping €222 million. The transfer caused a lot of controversy as it challenged the existing financial structures in football, and many felt that Paris Saint-Germain was just buying success.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Manchester United to Real Madrid (2009)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid was one of the most high-profile transfers in football history. The Portuguese star was a fan favourite at Manchester United and his move to Real Madrid was seen as a huge loss for the English club. This transfer was controversial as it broke the record for the most expensive transfer at the time and many felt that it was a sign of the growing financial power of Spanish football.
Philippe Coutinho – Liverpool to Barcelona (2018)
Philippe Coutinho’s transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona was another high-profile transfer that caused a lot of controversy. He was a key player for Liverpool and his move to Barcelona was seen as a huge loss for the English club. This transfer was controversial as it happened in the middle of the season, causing many to question the timing of the move.
These are just a few of the most controversial transfers in the history of football. Each transfer caused a lot of debate and discussion, and some still remain a hot topic to this day. Regardless of the controversy, these transfers have shaped the sport and have helped to make it the popular and exciting game it is today.
