Ten Most Expensive Soccer Contracts for 2009

The offseason leading up to the 2009/2010 seasons in European soccer proved to be the most expensive in the history. Led by former Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to boyhood idols Real Madrid for a record-breaking $137,000,000,.

These figures represent how much the transfers cost the clubs, not how much the individual players earn.

The 10 most expensive contracts for 2009/2010:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid / Spain) - $137,000,000
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (FC Barcelona / Spain) - $ 96,000,000
3. Ricardo Kaka (Real Madrid / Spain) - $92,250,000
4. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid / Spain) - $49,500,000
5. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid / Spain) - $ 49,000,000
6. Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich / Germany) - $42,500,000
7. Carlos Tevez (Manchester City / England) - $41,500,000
8. Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal / England) - $41,000,000
9. Jaleon Corluka (Manchester City, England) - $ 38,500,000
10. Diego Milito (Inter / Italy) - $35,500,000