FIFA’s Global Transfer Report for 2022 highlights outstanding trends in the football transfer market, underscoring the dominance of English clubs and the expanding professionalization of women’s football.
In 2022, spending in men’s professional football nearly rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, reaching $6.5 billion—an increase from $4.86 billion in 2021 but still short of the $7.35 billion record set in 2019.
Of this total, 12.5% came from the top 10 most expensive transfers, including Real Madrid’s purchase of Aurélien Tchouaméni from AS Monaco for $84.12 million and Liverpool’s acquisition of Darwin Nuñez from Benfica for $78.59 million.
English clubs led the way in spending, surpassing $2 billion for the first time, with Italy trailing crucially at $673.3 million. French clubs earned the most from transfers, totaling $740.3 million.
The report also reveals outstanding progress in women’s football. A record 119 associations engaged in 1,555 transfers, marking a 19.3% increase from 2021.
The number of participating clubs rose by 22%, from 410 to 500. Total spending on women’s transfers reached a record $3.3 million, a 62% increase from the previous year.
Keira Walsh’s transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona was the most remarkable, accounting for over a third of the total expenditure.
Emilio Garcia Silvero, FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, commented on the report, noting, “These figures reflect the remarkable advancements being made as more female players turn professional.”