Top 15 longest contracts in football history

Erling Haaland’s latest renewal with Manchester City places him in the top three.

Transfers and contract situations are often hot topics in the footballing world. In 2017, PSG signed Neymar Jr from FC Barcelona for a fee of €222 million. This move brought a change to the entire footballing world and served as a reminder that the future of a player can be decided in a matter of days.

Clubs have sought to secure their most valuable players with lengthy contracts throughout the history of this beautiful game. However, these long-term contracts are now becoming a normal occurrence in world football. This begs the question: Which player has committed to a single club for the longest time? So, to answer that, we will take a look at the 15 longest contracts in football history.

15. Antonín Kinský (Tottenham Hotspur)

Contract Length: 6 years

Our list kicks off with Tottenham Hotspur‘s recent signing, Antonín Kinský. The Czechia international joined Spurs from Slavia Prague in January and is already viewed as a vital part of the team by Ange Postecoglou. Considering the length of his contract, it is clear that Tottenham Hotspur view him as an important asset to the club.

14. Keane Lewis Potter (Brentford F.C.)

Contract Length: 6 years

The Englishman joined Brentford from Hull City back in 2022. Considering his tremendous development in the last few seasons, Brentford extended his contract in early January for six more years. Potter has shown incredible versatility and can play anywhere in the attack. He has also delivered some successful performances as a left-back in some games this season.

13. Aaron Anselmino (Chelsea FC)

Contract Length: 7 years

Chelsea signed the Argentine defender from Boca Juniors for €16.5 million on a seven-year deal. Aaron was supposed to spend the 2024/25 season with Boca Juniors on loan. However, he was recalled by Chelsea earlier this month after injuries to players like Fofana and Badiashile. He has demonstrated his immense quality with his boyhood club on many occasions and will look to replicate the same form for the Blues.

12. Filip Jørgensen (Chelsea FC)

Contract Length: 7 years

The Danish goalkeeper signed with Chelsea for €24.5 million from Villarreal. He has served as a backup for Robert Sànchez in the Premier League and has majorly featured in competitions like the UEFA Conference League, EFL Cup, and FA Cup. Despite limited chances, Jørgensen has impressed everyone with his performances.

11. Renato Veiga (Chelsea FC)

Contract Length: 7 years

Next up on our list is another Chelsea player. He moved to the English side last year from FC Basel for around €14 million. The length of his contract was for seven years with a further one-year option. The Portuguese international majorly operates as a left-back but can also perform equally well as a center-back or a defensive midfielder.

10. Pedro Neto (Chelsea FC)

Contract Length: 7 years

Neto burst onto the football scene when we signed with Wolves in 2019. After five successful seasons with the club, the Portuguese winger moved to Chelsea in August of last year. He can operate on either flank and is known for his direct playing style.

He is a swift winger and is very agile as well. He is an important part of Enzo Maresca’s project and is committed to the club for many more seasons.

9. João Félix (Atletico Madrid)

Contract Length: 7 years

In July 2019, João Félix signed with Atletico Madrid from Benfica on a seven-year deal for €126 million. He became the third most expensive signing in football history, only behind Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe. However, this move did not pay off for both parties involved, but it still stands as one of the lengthiest contracts in football history.

8. Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club)

Contract Length: 8 years

The Spanish international renewed his football contract with the Basque club for eight years in 2024. He has scored more than seven goals for the club already in the ongoing season and is a major part of Ernesto Valverde’s project. The length of his contract also showcased the trust the Athletic Club had in the player.

7. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea FC)

Contract Length: 8 years

Chelsea paid €115 million to Brighton for the signing of Moisés Caicedo in 2023. The Ecuadorian signed with the Blues for eight years and committed his best years as a player to the club. He operates on the right side of midfield and plays the holding midfield role to almost perfection. He is the ninth most expensive signing in football history.

6. Enzo Fernandes (Chelsea FC)

Contract Length: 9 years

The World Cup winner moved from Benfica to Chelsea in January 2023 and became the most expensive Premier League signing in history. The midfielder was instrumental in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America triumphs. He signed with Chelsea during a difficult period for the club and played a key role in rejuvenating the midfield.

5. Cole Palmar (Chelsea FC)

Contract Length: 9 years

Chelsea signed Cole Palmar from fellow Premier League side Manchester City in 2023. After impressing the entire world with his debut season, Chelsea handed an improved nine-year contract to the Englishman. Cole Palmar will be 31 by the time his existing contract expires. This deal shows the trust both the player and the club have in each other for their future.

4. Saul (Atletico Madrid)

Contract Length: 9 years

Saúl shocked the entire world when he renewed his contract with Atletico Madrid for nine years back in 2017. He was one of the best midfielders in the world at the time and was linked with many other big clubs in Europe. He went out on loan to Chelsea and Sevilla during his time with Atletico Madrid. His contract will expire this year, and looking back, things have not turned out as expected.

3. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Contract Length: 9.5 years

Erling Haaland signed one of the most lucrative contracts in football history when he renewed his contract with Manchester City until 2034. He will earn more than $500 million during his time with the Cityzens. Erling Haaland is arguably the best striker in world football right now and has already shattered many Premier League records in his first two seasons.

2. Jon Moncayola (Osasuna)

Contract Length: 10 years

Jon Moncayola, a 26-year-old Spanish professional footballer, plays as a midfielder or a right-back for Osasuna. Moncayola made his LaLiga debut in 2019, and in 2021. He renewed his contract with the Los Rojillos for 10 years. His contract will last until 2031 and reflects his commitment to Osasuna.

1. Denílson (Real Betis)

Contract Length: 10 years

Following his incredible form in the 1998 World Cup, Real Betis signed the Brazilian wonderkid Danílson for £ 21.5 million on a 10-year contract. He became the most expensive signing in world football at the time. He was known for his excellent footwork and dribbling ability. His time with Real Betis was full of ups and downs, and only eight years after signing his historic contract, Real Betis parted ways with the Brazilian.

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