Haaland 2034: Here are 10 other longest contracts in football history

• Erling Haaland has signed a record-breaking nine-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City, extending his stay until 2034
• Andres Iniesta left Barcelona for Japan just a year after signing a lifetime contract in 2017
• Chelsea made and broke Premier League records with lengthy deals for Mykhailo Mudryk, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer under Todd Boehly

Premier League star Erling Haaland’s jaw-dropping nine-and-a-half-year contract extension with Manchester City has sent shockwaves through the football world. 

While the Norwegian striker’s deal runs until 2034, establishing himself as a key part of City's plans moving forward, it’s far from the longest contract the sport has seen. Football clubs have often tied their most prized players to astonishingly long deals, ensuring stability and loyalty while locking out suitors. 

From lifetime contracts to decade-long commitments, these agreements have left their mark on football history.

Iniesta, Casillas, Raul among footballers with longest contracts ever

Here, TheRadar delves into 10 of the longest contracts in football history, highlighting how these monumental deals shaped players' careers:

1. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) – Lifetime contract

In 2017, Andres Iniesta, a Barcelona legend, signed a lifetime contract with the Catalan giants after dedicating over two decades to the club. Joining as a youth player in 1996, Iniesta went on to make 674 appearances, ranking behind only Lionel Messi and Xavi in the club’s all-time records. Surprisingly, just a year after signing the deal, Iniesta departed for Japan to join Vissel Kobe, spending five seasons there. Despite the premature end, the contract symbolized Barcelona’s recognition of Iniesta’s status as one of football’s greatest midfielders.

2. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) – Lifetime contract

Real Madrid awarded Iker Casillas a lifetime contract in 2008, recognizing his contributions as one of the best goalkeepers in football history. Casillas spent his entire professional prime with Los Blancos, amassing 725 appearances, second only to Raul. The Spanish shot-stopper was pivotal to Madrid’s dominance in the 21st century, making his departure in 2015 to FC Porto a bittersweet moment.

3. Raul (Real Madrid) – Lifetime contract

Joining Real Madrid’s youth academy in 1992, Raul was the face of the club for over 15 years. In 2008, he inked a lifetime contract, ensuring his legacy at the Bernabeu. 

Raul departed two years later, holding the club records for appearances (741) and goals (323), both of which have since been eclipsed by Cristiano Ronaldo. 

4. Denilson (Real Betis) – 10-year contract

In 1998, Real Betis broke the bank with a £21.5 million world-record fee to sign Denilson from Sao Paulo, securing him on a 10-year deal. 

However, the Brazilian winger struggled to meet expectations, scoring just 13 goals in 175 appearances. Denilson’s deal became more of a cautionary tale of overcommitting to potential.

5. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) – Nine-year contract

Before becoming synonymous with Barcelona, Lionel Messi signed a nine-year contract in 2005 as he broke into the first team. The Blaugrana’s confidence in their young prodigy paid off as Messi went on to become the club’s all-time top scorer. 

While Barcelona might have wished to secure him on a lifetime deal, financial turmoil forced Messi to leave for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

6. Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid) – Nine-year contract

In 2017, Saul Niguez penned a nine-year contract with Atletico Madrid as a key player under Diego Simeone. 

However, his fortunes declined in recent seasons, leading to loan spells that cast doubt on his long-term stay at the club. Despite the setbacks, Saul’s commitment to Atleti remains one of football’s longest agreements.

7. Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea) – Eight-and-a-half-year contract

Chelsea set a Premier League record by signing Mykhailo Mudryk to an eight-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023. The Ukrainian winger joined as part of Chelsea’s ambitious rebuild under Todd Boehly, although his performances have yet to fully justify the club’s faith in him.

8. Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea) – Nine-year contract

Chelsea broke their own record shortly after Mudryk’s arrival, signing Enzo Fernandez to a nine-year contract. The Argentine midfielder, fresh off a World Cup-winning campaign, became an asset for Chelsea’s long-term vision.

9. Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – Nine-year extension

After a stellar debut season at Chelsea, Cole Palmer signed a nine-year contract extension in August 2024. The former Manchester City prospect has flourished under Boehly’s ownership, reflecting Chelsea’s strategy of securing young talents on lengthy deals.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – Six-year contract (Honourable mention)

While not as lengthy as others, Cristiano Ronaldo’s six-year contract with Real Madrid in 2009 merits mention. Signed as a teenager by Manchester United in 2003, Ronaldo evolved into one of the world’s best players, ultimately becoming a Real Madrid legend.

Erling Haaland’s recent deal with Manchester City epitomises a growing trend of locking players into long-term commitments to secure stability in a volatile transfer market. While these contracts offer clubs the ability to build teams around key players, they also carry risks if performances falter.

As Haaland joins an elite group of players with monumental contracts, it’s clear that the intersection of loyalty and ambition continues to define modern football. The allure of long-term deals remains irresistible for clubs and players alike, shaping careers and rewriting the history books.

Cole, Ferdinand, Crouch heap praises on Chelsea star midfielder, compares him with Messi

Previously, TheRadar reported that Chelsea's young star Cole Palmer has earned high praise and comparisons to footballing legends following his stunning performance against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, January 14. 

The 22-year-old forward displayed his composure and skill, scoring a brilliant goal that left fans and pundits in awe. The goal put Chelsea ahead, though the match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.