Real Madrid have spent decades building a reputation for signing the biggest stars in world football, but the club have also demonstrated a remarkable ability to sell at the right time, with three exits generating fees that remain among the most significant in football history.
While Los Blancos are rarely dependent on player departures to balance their finances, they have consistently maximised value when allowing key figures to leave the Santiago Bernabéu. Here, we examine the three most expensive sales in the club’s history.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus €100 million
No player tops this list quite like Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese icon’s move to Juventus in the summer of 2018 brought Real Madrid €100 million and remains the club’s biggest sale to date.
After nine extraordinary seasons in Madrid, Ronaldo opted for a new challenge in Italy, bringing an end to one of the most successful periods ever enjoyed by an individual player at the Bernabéu. He had joined from Manchester United in 2009 and transformed into the face of an era that delivered unprecedented European success, lifting four Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles while establishing himself as the club’s all time leading goalscorer.
By the time the deal was completed in July 2018, Ronaldo had played 438 matches for Real Madrid and scored an astonishing 450 goals. More than seven years later, the deal still sits comfortably at the top of the list.
2. Ángel Di María to Manchester United €75 million
Second place belongs to Ángel Di María, whose move to Manchester United in August 2014 generated €75 million following an outstanding campaign under Carlo Ancelotti.
Having arrived from Benfica in 2010, Di María gradually developed into one of the club’s most influential attacking players. His finest season came in 2013/14, when he played a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid secure La Décima, the club’s tenth European Cup, with a performance in the Champions League final against Atlético Madrid that remains one of the defining moments of his career.
When the deal was finalised, the Argentine had accumulated 190 appearances for Real Madrid and had become one of the most decisive players in European football.
3. Casemiro to Manchester United €70 million
Third place is occupied by Casemiro, whose move to Manchester United in August 2022 was completed for €70 million.
Initially arriving at Real Madrid in 2013, Casemiro developed into one of the most dominant defensive midfielders of his generation. Alongside Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos, the Brazilian became a cornerstone of the club’s modern success, helping Real Madrid win five Champions League titles.
By the time the transfer was agreed, Casemiro had made 336 appearances for Real Madrid and had established himself as one of the most successful midfielders in the club’s recent history.
