Which 5 football clubs are the richest in the world?
In this ranking, the five richest football clubs in the world are Real Madrid ($6.07 billion), Manchester United ($5.6 billion), Barcelona ($5.51 billion), Liverpool ($5.29 billion) and Manchester City ($4.99 billion). Clubs are ranked by estimated club value, which changes from year to year, so check a current valuation list before you quote a figure.
According to the Deloitte Football Money League 2023, total revenue of the top 20 football clubs rose 13% in 2021/22 to €9.2 billion, up from €8.2 billion in 2020/21.
Football is one of the most lucrative industries in the world, and running a top club is expensive. Players’ wages, coaching staff, managers, equipment and stadiums all add up, so careful budgeting matters. Below, Ugrado explains how football clubs make money and then lists the five richest clubs.
How do football clubs earn money?
Football club revenue falls into a few main categories.
Broadcasting rights
Clubs earn money from the exclusive broadcasting rights to matches, highlights and related content. Examples include domestic and international broadcasting rights, digital platforms such as club websites, mobile apps and social media, and European competitions such as the Champions League and the Europa League.
Sponsorship and advertising
Sponsorship is one of the main revenue streams. The club signs a contract with a brand or company, for example for the logo on the team jersey, stadium signage, perimeter boards and joint marketing campaigns.
Matchday and ticketing
Matchday revenue is income from ticket sales, hospitality packages and merchandise sold at home matches. It matters most for clubs with large, passionate fan bases that fill their stadiums week after week.
Merchandise
Clubs build on their brand popularity by selling official merchandise such as jerseys, scarves and hats that carry the club logo and colours. Sales of licensed merchandise add a lot to a club’s revenue.
Prize money and performance bonuses
Clubs earn prize money and performance bonuses for results on the pitch, such as winning a domestic league title or cup, or taking part in continental competitions. These rewards encourage success and add to the club’s revenue.
Player transfers
Clubs also earn money from player transfers. Fees vary with the player’s profile and popularity, and a club can earn them from both buying and selling deals. In 2017, for example, Neymar’s move to PSG, at €222 million, became one of the most expensive transfers in history.
The five richest football clubs in the world
1. Real Madrid (Spain): $6.07 billion
Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
Nickname: Los Blancos (The Whites)
Real Madrid is the most valuable football club in this ranking, at $6.07 billion. Star players, the all-white kit loved by fans around the world, and a stadium known everywhere set the Real Madrid brand apart from its rivals.
2. Manchester United (England): $5.6 billion
Stadium: Old Trafford, Manchester
Nickname: The Red Devils
Manchester United follows closely at $5.6 billion, just ahead of Barcelona. The Glazer family owns the club. Ticket sales and other matchday activity at Old Trafford add to its revenue.
3. Barcelona (Spain): $5.51 billion
Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona
Nickname: La Blaugrana (The red and blue)
The Spanish club is valued at $5.51 billion, thanks to its brand power and global appeal. It has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Spotify.
4. Liverpool (England): $5.29 billion
Stadium: Anfield, Liverpool
Nickname: The Reds
Liverpool is valued at $5.29 billion, supported by broadcast and commercial revenue and a kit deal with Nike. Under Jürgen Klopp, the club won both the Premier League and the Champions League.
5. Manchester City (England): $4.99 billion
Stadium: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Nickname: The Citizens
Manchester City is valued at $4.99 billion and is majority owned by Sheikh Mansour, the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. Growth has been driven by an increase in commercial revenue in 2021-22. The club has one of the highest wage bills in world football, and it has won multiple Premier League titles since Sheikh Mansour’s arrival in 2008.
Summary of the richest football clubs in the world
| Rank | Club | Country | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Madrid | Spain | $6.07 billion |
| 2 | Manchester United | England | $5.6 billion |
| 3 | Barcelona | Spain | $5.51 billion |
| 4 | Liverpool | England | $5.29 billion |
| 5 | Manchester City | England | $4.99 billion |
What makes a football club rich?
Revenue streams and sources vary with a club’s popularity, size, performance and player profiles. Follow the Ugrado guide to stay updated with current sports and iGaming trends. Learn how to get nominated or featured on the Ugrado Ranking Board.
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