With clubs making enormous sums of money from a variety of sources, including ticket sales, TV broadcasting rights, merchandise, transfers, and sponsorship agreements, football has developed into a multibillion dollar industry. As clubs find innovative methods to profit on their worldwide popularity, these revenues increase year. Club finances were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, though, and many are still struggling to recover from the resulting economic depression.
The Deloitte Football Money League (DFML) is generally considered the most reliable source for evaluating the financial titans of the football world, despite the fact that it can be difficult to pinpoint the precise revenue of teams. The DFML gives a detailed picture of the financial situation of football by ranking the highest-earning teams in the world.
English Premier League clubs topped the list in 2024, accounting for almost half of the total revenue made by the top 20 European clubs.
According to the 2024 Deloitte Football Money League rankings, these are the top ten wealthiest football teams worldwide:
Real Madrid (€831.4 million)
Long regarded as a behemoth of world football, Real Madrid overtook Manchester City to restore their position at the top of the Money League. Strong item sales and the return of fans to stadiums after COVID drove the club’s record revenue of €831 million, an increase of €118 million over the previous year.
Real Madrid added to their amazing collection of 15 Champions League trophies by winning the 2024 UEFA Champions League, further solidifying their domination on the pitch. Their status as the richest club in the world was cemented by their remarkable matchday earnings, television money, and advertising partnerships.
2. €825.9 million for Manchester City
Manchester City is now unquestionably a major force in the world of finance. They have demonstrated that their ascent to the top was not a coincidence with a revenue of €825.9 million. Together with their Premier League and UEFA Champions League victories, the club’s astute business practices increased their broadcast revenue by €50 million, and they also made an extra €26 million from advertising deals.
The wealth of their Abu Dhabi owners further contributes to their domination both on and off the pitch, while some of their financial transactions have drawn criticism.
3. PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) (€801.8 million)
Notwithstanding their high salary costs and significant investments in elite players, PSG is nevertheless financially successful. The club’s global fan base, business ties, and lucrative sponsorship deals drove its revenue to €801.8 million.
Their financial strength is demonstrated by their second consecutive year of placing in the top three, with €83.5 million coming from their ownership of the commercial subsidiary of the Ligue de Football Professionnel.
Barcelona, at €800.1 million
Despite experiencing financial instability recently, Barcelona is making a comeback to the top. They have recovered from a €1.2 billion deficit with €800.1 million in revenue, thanks to new sponsorship agreements, like as their collaboration with Spotify, and the return of supporters to the Spotify Camp Nou. They experienced a 61% increase in matchday earnings and a 45% increase in commercial revenue.
Barcelona’s worldwide brand and devoted fan base continue to bring in enormous sums of money despite their difficulties in the UEFA Champions League.
5. €745.8 million for Manchester United
In terms of both money and fan base, Manchester United is still among the largest clubs in the world. Despite falling out of the top three, the Red Devils are still quite successful commercially, with an annual income of €745.8 million.
They have remained among the wealthiest clubs thanks to their enormous broadcast rights, huge advertising deals, and steady matchday earnings. But increasing debt and poor financial management have cast doubt on their long-term viability.
6. €744 million for Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich exemplifies financial sustainability by retaining their elite status without resorting to extravagant spending. Because of their solid business relationships with Allianz, Adidas, and Audi, the club made €744 million.
Their position among the wealthiest clubs is maintained by their financial acumen and consistency in both domestic and European competitions.
Liverpool, seventh (€682.9m)
Liverpool is still a financial powerhouse even after a difficult season on the pitch. Their €682.9 million in revenue puts them in the top 10, but a dip in broadcast earnings and subpar domestic and European results caused them to fall from third to seventh position.
Nonetheless, Liverpool appears to have a bright future as the Anfield Road Stand development is expected to increase matchday revenue in the upcoming years.
8. Tottenham (€631.5 million)
Due in large part to their cutting-edge stadium, which also hosts NFL games, Tottenham Hotspur has seen a sharp surge in revenue in recent years. Spurs continue to grow financially with €631.5 million in revenue, a result of astute business dealings and a prudent transfer policy.
The club’s financial success has been greatly aided by chairman Daniel Levy, who has made sure they continue to rank among the richest in the world.
Chelsea, with €589.4 million
Chelsea has remained among the top 10 wealthiest teams despite a difficult time when Roman Abramovich, the former owner, was sanctioned. Chelsea’s commercial success helped them make €589.4 million in income, and new ownership under Todd Boehly has brought in new investment.
How successfully Boehly’s ownership guides the team through the upcoming seasons will have a significant impact on their financial future.
10. €532.6m for Arsenal
Arsenal has replaced Juventus in the top 10 for the first time since 2018–19. Due to Mikel Arteta’s better on-field performance and solid commercial partnerships, the Gunners generated €532.6 million in revenue.
Their global fan base remains a major factor in their financial success, and their comeback has made them one of the richest teams again.
Even if teams like Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan are still in the top ten, Premier League teams rule the rankings, demonstrating the power and attraction of English football on a global scale.
