Teams from all over the world often use release clauses in football to protect their star players from other clubs in the transfer market.
Of course, not every side can afford to include extremely high exit clauses, so it’s often only the biggest teams that insert these into their players’ contracts.
Release clauses are also required in Spain, with LaLiga rules stating that they have to be in all contracts.
As such, Barcelona and Real Madrid players often have the highest release clauses in world football because they are two of the world’s biggest and richest clubs.
Jude Bellingham joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Dortmund and has a 1 billion euro break clause in his contract at the Bernabeu.
This works out at a staggering £871million, and there are plenty of other Barcelona and Real Madrid players with similar clauses.
Barcelona quartet Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Ferran Torres all also have similar clauses to Bellingham. Ansu Fati, who spent some time on loan at Brighton, also has a 1 billion euro exit clause.
In the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne’s £213m release clause is the highest.
Erling Haaland also has a clause that is believed to be 200m euros, working out at around £175m, which City are trying to take out before one of Spain’s big two swoop.
As a result, no Premier League players make the top ten.
The highest release clauses in football
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
Since signing for Real, Bellingham has established himself as a fans-favourite at the Bernabeu thanks to several top displays.
The England international is already in the conversation as the world’s best player at this moment in time, and though it’s early days, he has no intention of leaving Spain anytime soon.
When asked about his future, he said: “This is the club I want to be at for the next 10 to 15 years of my life. I am loving it there.”
And the good news for Los Blancos fans is that no one is going to be able to afford his ludicrous release clause, so unless they decide to sell for less, he isn’t going anywhere.
But after winning the LaLiga and Champions League double in his first season, it’s hard to see why he would be joining another team anytime soon.
Ansu Fati – Barcelona – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
In 2021, Fati signed a new deal with Barcelona after he burst onto the scene and looked to be the heir to Messi.
He hasn’t progressed as much as some expected and spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Brighton.
However, the Spanish international is still a sensational player and will almost certainly enjoy an excellent career, even if he doesn’t reach those unrealistic expectations.
But if he ever does, Barcelona are protected in the transfer market due to his incredible break clause.
Pedri – Barcelona – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
Pedri is one of two young Barcelona midfielders who the club believe can emulate Xavi and Andreas Iniesta.
The Spanish duo were the bedrock of one of the greatest club sides we have ever seen, and Xavi helped bring Pedri through as Barcelona manager before departing the club.
He believes that Pedri is already at the level of his former teammate, which explains why he also has a 1 billion euro release clause.
And he’s going to new heights under Hansi Flick.
Ronald Araujo – Barcelona – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
Unlike some of these other Barcelona players, Araujo isn’t from La Masia and was signed in 2018 from Uruguay.
The 25-year-old has risen through the ranks to become one of their most important players.
He can play at centre-back or at right-back and possesses pace, strength and calmness on the ball.
His deal expires in 2026, but before that, any team wanting to sign him will have to obliterate the world transfer record.
Gavi – Barcelona – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
The other half of Barcelona’s new Spanish midfield duo is Gavi.
He is another Spanish international and someone who Barcelona hope to build their team around.
Gavi likes to play between the lines and looks to combine with the other players on his side to fashion chances for others.
He’s already a sublime footballer, so it’s no wonder the LaLiga giants whacked in a huge release clause.
He’s just returning from an ACL injury, but hopes are still very high for this wonderful midfielder.
Ferran Torres – Barcelona – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
The final Barcelona player on this list might surprise some, but former Man City forward Ferran Torres does have a 1 billion euro release clause in his deal.
He joined the Spanish side in 2021 from City in a deal worth up to 65million euros.
But he’s yet to really show his true talent and has often been used as a substitute rather than as a regular starter.
However, Torres is still young and has plenty of time to show why Barcelona signed him in the first place.
Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
Vinicius Jr is arguably the most exciting player on this list, along with Bellingham.
The Brazilian winger is one of the most direct players in the world and has added finishing and end product to his crazy dribbling ability.
Vinicius Jr played a huge role in the 2021/22 Champions League win, scoring the winner against Liverpool.
He just missed out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri and is determined to put that right in 2025.
He became a member of the 1 billion euros club in 2023 and will likely stay at Real Madrid for the majority of his career.
Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
There aren’t too many players in world football who can play two positions as well as Camavinga.
The Frenchman joined Real Madrid as a midfielder and always looks brilliant when he plays there.
However, due to the club’s sheer amount of options, he also plays at left-back.
Given he’s so young, you would think this might be a challenge, but it looks as if he’s played there his whole life.
Camavinga is already an important player for France and could go on to make countless appearances for Real Madrid.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
Rodrygo became the latest Real Madrid player to join the 1 billion Euro club in November 2023.
The LaLiga giants extended the Brazilian’s contract to 2028.
Rodrygo formed a key part of Real Madrid’s lethal attack during the 2023/24 campaign as they won the Champions League and Spanish top-flight.
However, with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, his minutes have somewhat reduced.
Jules Kounde – Barcelona – €1bn (£871m/$1.08bn)
The final member of the 1 billion Euro club is Jules Kounde.
The French defender joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 from Sevilla and was handed this break clause.
He can play at centre-back or right-back and is a key player for the club.
