The summer transfer window is closed but there are still a host of talented players without a club and therefore available to sign for free.
BBC Sport takes a look at some of the biggest stars who are currently out of contract and up for grabs.
Paul Pogba, 33 (Last club: Monaco)
Former Manchester United midfielder Pogba has played very little football since his 18 month doping ban ended in March 2025. The Frenchman made just six appearances for Monaco after joining them last summer and, after a series of injuries, the French club terminated his contract last month – one year before it was due to end.
Karim Benzema, 38 (Last club: Al Hilal)
French striker Benzema has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia since leaving Real Madrid in 2023, spending three years with Al Ittihad. But just six months after joining Al-Hilal the Ballon d’Or winner has terminated his contract. The arrival of attacking trio Crysencio Summerville, Ollie Watkins and Gabriel Martinelli has perhaps pushed Benzema out and, despite already making three appearances for Al-Hilal this season, his contract was terminated on 31 August.
Riyad Mahrez, 35 (Last club: Al Ahli)
Another player to have had their contract terminated in the Saudi Pro League is five-time Premier League winner Mahrez. The Algeria winger joined Al Ahli from Manchester City in 2023, scoring 37 goals in 122 appearances in all competitions. Reports suggest he will stay in the Saudi league and is close to joining Al-Shabab.
Raheem Sterling, 31 (Last club: Feyenoord)
Sterling was released by Feyenoord after just three months and eight games and is set to appear in court next month to face charges of dangerous driving after crashing his car into motorway barriers in May. Sources told BBC Sport the former Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea winger had faced “an extremely tough couple of years”.
Philippe Coutinho, 34 (Last club: Vasco da Gama)
Former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Coutinho left his boyhood club Vasco de Gama in February, saying he was “tired mentally”. The Brazilian has not officially announced his retirement and has previously been linked with a move to the MLS.
Jadon Sancho, 26 (Last club: Manchester United)
It has been a turbulent few years for Sancho since joining United from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in 2021 and he has spent the last two and-a-half years playing elsewhere on loan, most recently at Aston Villa following a lacklustre period at Chelsea. Sancho made just 30 Premier League appearances for United but has reportedly attracted interest from Dortmund for a move back to the club.
Dani Carvajal, 34 (Last club: Real Madrid)
Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs of his generation, Carvajal has been a free agent since his contract with Real Madrid ended in June. Carvajal made 451 appearances across all competitions for Real in 13 years and has not been linked with a new club. He has reportedly been training at the Spanish Football Federation’s facilities over the summer with compatriot and fellow free agent Joselu.
Jamie Vardy, 39 (Last club: Cremonese)
Vardy spent last season with Cremonese after 13 years with Leicester City but relegation to Serie B prompted the Italian side to let the striker go. He has been heavily linked with a move back to the English Football League with Wrexham, Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham all reportedly interested.
David Alaba, 34 (Last club: Real Madrid)
Experienced full-back Alaba left Real Madrid in May after five years with the club and, for a spell this summer, Manchester United were the bookies’ favourite to sign the Austrian. The former Bayern Munich star has had a storied club career that has yielded 12 league titles and four Champions Leagues. Despite speculation of interest from a number of clubs as his Real contract came to an end, so far, Alaba has not signed for anyone.
Sergio Ramos, 40 (Last club: Monterrey)
Legendary Spanish defender Ramos has been without a club since December 2025 after leaving Mexican side Monterrey. Although aged 40, he has not announced his retirement while some reports suggest he still feels fit enough to compete at a high level. Earlier this year he spearheaded a consortium who attempted to acquire a controlling stake in his former club Sevilla but the bid failed.