Top 5 Longest Contracts in Football History

Erling Haaland has signed a huge 9.5-year deal to stay at Manchester City, planning to play there until he is 34 years old. He came from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and quickly became a star, scoring over 100 goals for Manchester City already.

Details of Haaland’s New Contract

According to The Athletic, Haaland’s new contract goes beyond his original one, which was set to end in 2027. Since joining for €60 million, Haaland has scored 111 goals in 126 games, and won two Premier League titles, and one Champions League. He might even break Alan Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals. “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” said Haaland on Mancity.com.

Some of the Longest Contracts in Football History

Haaland joins a list of players known for their long-term commitments to their clubs. Notably, legends like Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, and Raul Gonzalez have signed lifetime contracts with their respective clubs, although Iniesta left Barcelona a year after securing his deal.

Here are some notable long contracts in football:

Joao Felix – 7 years

After a high-profile transfer to Atletico Madrid for €127 million, Felix struggled to meet expectations and eventually moved to Chelsea, signing a seven-year contract.

Mykhailo Mudryk – 8.5 years 

Mudryk’s move to Chelsea in January 2023 for €70 million included an 8.5-year contract, despite his challenges, including a provisional doping suspension.

Cole Palmer – 9 years 

After joining Chelsea in 2023, Palmer quickly made his mark and secured a nine-year contract the following summer.

Erling Haaland – 9.5 years 

With his new deal, Haaland continues to be a pivotal figure for Manchester City and a strong contender for future Ballon d’Or honors.

Denilson – 10 years 

Signed by Real Betis after the 1998 World Cup for a record fee, Denilson’s decade-long commitment included a loan to Flamengo and culminated in a Copa del Rey win in 2005, although his time at Betis was mixed with challenges.