Author: Miguel Ángel Dávila 🇵🇪
Lawyer

The article is also available in French and Spanish:

                                                               

Published and translated by the firm Winter – Dávila & Associés
Paris, 4 February 2024                                                                 

In recent years, the Brazilian national football team has failed to win the World Cup. Indeed, the last time the “Scratch” was crowned world champion was in Japan – Korea 2002. Likewise, it has also been unable to lift the Copa América title, as the last time the “Canarinha” won the Copa América was in 2019. However, in the field of international player transfers, Brazil remains the undisputed “King.”

Indeed, according to the Global Transfer Report 2024, which has been recently published by FIFA, Brazilians continue to lead in the number of international player transfers, with a total of 2,350, representing USD 591.5 million. In addition to relying on the historical reputation of Brazilian footballers, this high number of transfers may also be linked to the fact that since 2019, all Copa Libertadores champions, the most prestigious tournament in CONMEBOL, have been Brazilian clubs.

YOU CAN ALSO READ: Comments on FIFA Circular No. 1905

In second place, we have the most recent World Cup champions, Argentina, with 1,217 international transfers carried out in 2024. That is, almost half as many transfers compared to their South American neighbor. Although, at the club level, results have not favored Argentina in the Copa Libertadores, the number of renowned “stars” and the country’s reputation as a talent developer remain strong.

Meanwhile, the British take third place in this ranking, with 1,078 player transfers to other countries. In terms of the number of transfers, the United Kingdom is also the most dominant region within UEFA in 2024.

On the other hand, in terms of revenue from transfers, English clubs rank first in the world, generating USD 1.34 billion.

As a historical leader in this ranking, it is no surprise that the United Kingdom holds third place globally, first place in its region (in terms of number of transfers), and that England leads the world in total revenue from club transfers. Considering the participation of English teams—the main representatives of the UK—in every UEFA Champions League edition, their performances have been remarkable, with Manchester City as the most recent English champion in 2023. Additionally, the Premier League, widely regarded as the best and most competitive domestic football league, further reinforces England’s dominance in the market.

AI-generated image

In fourth place are the French, with a total of 1,052 international transfers, making them the second-largest exporter of footballers within UEFA (26 fewer than the United Kingdom). Regarding club earnings, France ranks second globally, just behind England, in total revenue generated from transfers, which amounted to USD 868.4 million.

Although the number of transfers is less than half that of the South American giant, the revenue received by French clubs confirms that the European nation continues to excel in player development. This success is largely due to the high-performance training centers (centres de formation) spread throughout the country.

Finally, rounding out the top five in this ranking, we have Nigeria, with 954 international transfers. The African nation finished as runners-up in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (having last won the title in 2013). However, at the club level, Nigerian teams have not won the CAF Champions League since 2004, when Enyimba secured back-to-back titles.

YOU CAN ALSO READ: Diarra affair : Seism on the transfer market

In this sense, as a summary or conclusion, from a purely quantitative perspective, Brazil remains the king of international transfers, with 2,350 operations. This seems to confirm a phrase frequently heard at international Sports Law conferences: “In every league in the world, there is always at least one Brazilian,” as reflected in the following data:

Top 5 Nationalities with the Most Transfers in 2024

  1. Brazilians – 2,350 transfers
  2. Argentinians – 1,217 transfers
  3. Britons – 1,078 transfers
  4. French – 1,052 transfers
  5. Nigerians – 954 transfers

On the other hand, from a purely financial standpoint, English clubs lead the global ranking for transfer revenue, generating USD 1.34 billion. Along with other UEFA nations, this confirms that, in general, footballers playing in European clubs continue to be valued higher than their South American counterparts:

Top 5 Nationalities by Club Transfer Revenue in 2024

  1. England – USD 1.34 billion
  2. France – USD 868.4 million
  3. Portugal – USD 671.8 million
  4. Spain – USD 651 million
  5. Brazil – USD 591.5 million

The full report can be downloaded at the following link: https://inside.fifa.com/legal/news/international-transfers-reach-historic-high-in-2024

LEGAL NOTICE: This article has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for legal advice directed to particular circumstances. You should not take or refrain from taking any legal action based on the information contained without first seeking professional, individualized advice based on your own circumstances. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely on advertisements.


If you want advice related to the subject of the
article do not hesitate to contact us!
(email: 
contact@wdassocies.com)