France tops transfer exports: clubs earned $1.7 billion this summer
FIFA statistics show French clubs collected $1.7 billion from selling players abroad between 1 June and 2 September.
French clubs led all leagues in income from player sales during the summer transfer window, taking in a total of 1.7 billion dollars, FIFA data show. The figure covers the period from 1 June to 2 September and refers specifically to revenue from transfers to clubs in other leagues.
FIFA figures and the ranking
English clubs ranked second, selling players for 1.43 billion dollars, followed by Germany with 1.02 billion and Spain with 773 million dollars. The top-10 list also includes Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Brazil and Denmark.
Analysts highlight that French clubs earned nearly three times more than they spent on players arriving from abroad during the same window — a statistic that underlines France's role as a major exporter of football talent.
The FIFA dataset running from 1 June to 2 September is the basis for the comparisons between leagues and illustrates shifts in market activity this summer. Clubs from Ligue 1 and other French divisions were especially active in selling young and established players to wealthier leagues.
Market observers say the gap between sales revenue and spending abroad reflects both the strength of French player development and strategic club policies that prioritise sales. The numbers reinforce France's image as a pipeline of talent for Europe and beyond.
Photo: press material from the event
