Revealed: How Much Legendary Footballers Like Pele And Maradona Would Cost In Today’s Market
REUTERS/POOL/Ted Blackbrow
Football transfer sums have reached heights nobody would have predicted in the modern era. Over the last decade, there were some big money signings that included the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez, and Fernando Torres, to name a handful. But in summer 2017, the fees have soared extremely high, especially after Neymar going to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for a staggering £198 million.
Last season, Manchester United broke the world record fee after signing Paul Pogba for £89 million, but Neymar’s sum increased the record by more than a £100 million. Interestingly teenagers too, coughed up more than £100 million in transfers, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele hinting at a more crazy market in the upcoming years.
According to Giffgaff, a comparison of the yesteryear superstars were made with the present footballers that attracted huge sums. From Pele and Maradona to Johan Cruyff, all were compared with several players of the modern day game, and some crazy figures followed suit.
Considered to be the greatest of all time, Brazilian legend Pele was compared to Neymar, and the three-time World Cup winner is valued at a mind blowing £351 million. Yes, teams would have coughed out this astronomical sum for the superstar. Pele notched 515 goals by the age of 25, which is Neymar’s age right now. Although he scored all of his goals in Brazil, there is no doubt that Pele is miles ahead of Neymar.
Arsenal broke their club record fee by signing Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette for a stunning £53 million. And former Dutch and Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff has been compared to the French star. Cruyff is four times ahead with a valuation of £242 million. By the age of 26, Cruyff had two Ballon d’Or titles to his name, as compared to the former Lyon man.
Meanwhile, Argentina legend Diego Maradona was compared to Romelu Lukaku, and the former Napoli is valued at £94 million. Maradona has seen himself feature in a debate that goes on until the present day, as to whether he is the best ever footballer, or is it Pele? His price tag appears to be way lower than what Pele would fetch though.
Several other past legends too were compared, and overall, it’s them who rule the roost than the modern day players.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.