World’s Richest Football Clubs: Real Madrid and Barcelona Lead as Man United Suffer Historic Drop

Deloitte has released its annual Football Money League report, now reflecting the 2024/25 season — and the numbers confirm a financial era defined by Spanish dominance, English depth, and one dramatic fall from grace.

The report measures club revenue from sponsorships, merchandising, matchday income, non-matchday stadium events, prize money, and broadcasting rights. Transfer fees are not included.

Here’s how the financial landscape looks among the game’s elite.

Real Madrid Break the Billion Barrier Again

Real Madrid remain in a league of their own. For the second consecutive season, Los Blancos are the only club to generate more than €1 billion in annual revenue — this time reaching a new record of €1.2 billion.

Matchday income dipped slightly by 6% due to lower season ticket sales, but still reached €233 million, the second-highest figure ever recorded in Deloitte’s history. Meanwhile, commercial revenue surged by 23%, underlining the club’s unmatched global brand power.

Real Madrid top the Money League rankings for the third straight year.

Barcelona’s Big Comeback

Barcelona posted one of the strongest growth figures in Europe, with revenue up 27% compared to last season. A key driver was the sale of VIP seating packages worth around €70 million.

The club’s total revenue climbed to nearly €975 million — their best result in five years. For comparison, their previous high in this period was €800 million in 2023. Since 2021, Barça had not ranked higher than fourth before this resurgence.

Bayern and PSG Stay Among the Elite

Bayern Munich return to the top three for the first time since 2021, helped significantly by income linked to participation in the expanded Club World Cup 2025.

Paris Saint-Germain dropped out of the top three but still had a highly successful season, capped by winning the Champions League. Their revenues also increased slightly, keeping them firmly in the top five.

Liverpool Lead England

Liverpool are now the highest-earning English club, boosted by a 34% increase in broadcasting revenue after returning to the Champions League. Commercial income also rose 7%, thanks in part to hosting more non-matchday events at Anfield.

The club has ranked higher before — including third place in 2022 — but this marks a new era of financial strength on Merseyside.

Manchester City Slide, Manchester United Hit a Low

Manchester City fell from second to sixth, their lowest position in five years. A third-place Premier League finish, compared to previous title-winning seasons, contributed to the drop.

But the biggest shock belongs to Manchester United. The club recorded its worst-ever Money League ranking, falling to eighth. While matchday and commercial revenues increased by €75 million, broadcasting income dropped by €52 million — a decline that mirrors their on-pitch struggles.

Arsenal Stable, Aston Villa Make History

Arsenal continue their upward financial trajectory, even though they remain seventh, the same position as last year.

Aston Villa are the surprise climbers, reaching 14th place, the highest ranking in club history. Inter lead the second ten, followed by Borussia Dortmund and Atlético Madrid.

Further down the list come AC Milan, Juventus, and Newcastle.

Stuttgart and Benfica Break New Ground

Stuttgart return to the top 20 for the first time since 2009/10, thanks to Champions League participation and stadium modernization.

Benfica sit 19th and become the first club outside Europe’s top five leagues to enter the top 20 since Zenit did so in 2020/21.

English Clubs Dominate the Rankings

There are nine English clubs in the top 20 — a staggering show of Premier League financial power.

Meanwhile, for the first time since 2021/22, only one French club (PSG) made the top 20. Marseille slipped to 30th.

The third ten of the rankings also includes six more English sides: Brighton, Everton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Wolves, and Brentford. They are joined by Eintracht Frankfurt, Roma, and Flamengo.

Record-Breaking Revenues Across the Board

Deloitte reports that the 2024/25 season was the most lucrative ever. The top 20 clubs generated a combined €12.4 billion, an 11% increase year-on-year.

Matchday revenue hit a record €2.4 billion, up 16%. Broadcasting income rose 10% and remains the largest overall revenue stream, accounting for 38% of total earnings. For clubs ranked 11th–20th, that share rises to nearly half (49%).

A major factor behind the growth is the expanded Club World Cup, along with UEFA’s restructured European competitions. Prize and distribution money from UEFA tournaments increased by 22% compared to last season.

Real Madrid alone earned €594 million from commercial and sponsorship deals — a figure that by itself would rank among the top 10 total revenues worldwide.

The financial gap at the top of football continues to widen — but with new tournaments, growing commercial strategies, and global expansion, the race off the pitch is becoming just as intense as the one on it.

Published by Patrick Jane
24.01.2026