In a world where the free market reigns supreme, footballers who are hot commodities are often lured by multiple clubs. They are free to chase more lucrative opportunities, but it's the release clause that stops them and the other clubs from poaching the talent. The higher the release clause, the more skilful, the more crucial the player. By setting an immensely high release clause, a club basically put the player beyond the reach of others. Of course, Jude Bellingham is insane talent, but no clubs would pay $1 billion just to trigger the clause. When it comes to the highet release clauses in football, Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate the list, with multiple players having a release clause of $1 billion.
From Pedri to Mbappe: Players With the Highest Release Clause in 2025
Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
Ever since he joined Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham's stature in the world of football has skyrocketed. He was the main reason Real Madrid secured the La Liga title and the Champions League last season. Bellingham signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid in 2023, running until 2029. His weekly wage is estimated at £220,000, making him one of the highest-paid young players. His contract includes a $1.05 Billion release clause, reflecting his immense value to Real Madrid.
Gavi - Barcelona
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
Gavi, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia, is a dynamic midfielder known for his tenacity and vision. Despite injury setbacks, he played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s 2022-23 La Liga triumph. At 17, he became Spain’s youngest-ever international, earning praise for his fearless style. Gavi’s current contract with Barcelona comes with a release clause of €1 billion ($1.05 billion).
Pedri - Barcelona
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
Pedri, Barcelona’s midfield maestro, is celebrated for his composure and playmaking. His breakout campaign at Euro 2024 earned him the Young Player of the Tournament award. His ability to dictate games has drawn comparisons to Andrés Iniesta. Pedri’s contract includes a €1 billion ($1.05 billion) release clause, unchanged in his latest extension.
Ferran Torres - Barcelona
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
After his career seemed to have reached an impasse at Manchester City, Ferran Torres took a leap of faith in Barcelona, signing a five-year deal that runs until 2027, and it has a release clause of €1 billion ($1.05 billion). He has scored 17 goals for Barcelona this season, including some vital match-winning goals that have helped the team to stay at the top of the table.
Vinicius Jr - Real Madrid
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid’s electrifying winger, has become a global superstar. His match-winning goal in the 2022 Champions League final secured Real Madrid’s 14th title. He played a key role in the 2023-24 La Liga and Champions League double. Known for his pace and dribbling, Vinicius has consistently tormented defences. Vinicius’ contract includes a €1 billion ($1.05 billion) release clause, thus making it borderline impossible to acquire him.
Camavinga - Real Madrid
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
Eduardo Camavinga, a versatile French midfielder, has been a revelation at Real Madrid since joining from Rennes in 2021. His brace against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League was pivotal in one of the competition’s greatest comebacks. Camavinga signed a contract extension with Real Madrid last year that will keep him at the club till 2029. If any club wants to snap him, they will have to pay a hefty release clause of $1.05 Billion.
Kylian Mbappe - Real Madrid
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
Kylian Mbappé finally joined his dream club Real Madrid in 2024. After initial struggles, the French forward has finally found his groove, leading the goal-scoring charts for Madrid. Mbappé signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid in 2024, running until 2029, with a weekly wage of around $300,000, and a release clause of $1.05 billion.
Rodrygo - Real Madrid
Release Clause: $1.05 Billion
Rodrygo has grown into a highly reliable clutch performer for Real Madrid, offering direct attack and constant threat. His brace against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semi-final sparked a historic comeback. Rodrygo contributed to Real Madrid’s 2022-23 Copa del Rey and 2023-24 La Liga and Champions League titles. In the 2025 Spanish Super Cup, he scored a stunning free-kick against Barcelona. : In 2023, Rodrygo signed a five-year extension until 2028, which comes a release clause of $1.05 Billion.
