Revealed: List of the 10 richest clubs in the world, with one club surpassing $1 billion for the first time

Real Madrid has officially become the first football club ever to generate over €1 billion in revenue in a single season. The Deloitte Football Money League report for 2025 reveals Real Madrid’s remarkable performance, with revenue reaching almost €1.046 billion (£883m) in the 2023-24 season. This milestone success underlines Real Madrid’s position as a leading force in the global football economy.

Real Madrid’s financial success can be attributed to several factors, with the newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium playing a key role. Matchday revenue doubled to €248 million, thanks to increased capacity and premium seating.

Commercial income also saw a significant increase, further strengthening the club’s financial performance. These impressive revenues demonstrate the financial benefits of stadium redevelopment projects.

Real Madrid’s financial power has allowed them to adapt their transfer strategy. In recent years, they have prioritized acquiring and developing young players, moving away from the “Galácticos” policy of signing established stars at significant expense. This strategic shift reflects a long-term strategy to build a sustainable financial model and develop talent within the club. This decision has had a significant impact on the financial stability of the club.

The 10 Richest Men’s Clubs

The Deloitte Football Money League 2025 top 10 richest men’s clubs are:

  1. Real Madrid – €1.0455 billion
  2. Manchester City – €837.8 million
  3. Paris Saint-Germain – €805.9 million
  4. Manchester United – €770.6 million
  5. Bayern Munich – 765.4 million euros
  6. Barcelona – €760.3 million
  7. Arsenal – €716.5 million
  8. Liverpool – €714.7 million
  9. Tottenham Hotspur – €615 million
  10. Chelsea – €545.5 million

The 2023-24 season generated record revenue in the Deloitte Football Money League, with clubs generating a combined €11.2bn – a 6% increase on the previous season. This remarkable increase reflects growth across matchday, commercial and broadcast revenues. The average club in the Money League generated €560 million in revenue. This data highlights the overall financial success of top football clubs and the continued growth of the sport.

Key revenue drivers: Matchday, advertising and broadcast

Several key factors contributed to the revenue increase. Matchday revenue was up 11% year-on-year increase and exceeded 2 billion euros for the first time. Commercial revenue remained the largest source, reaching €4.9 billion – up 10%.

Broadcast revenue also contributed significantly to the overall financial success of the Money League clubs. The analysis suggests that several factors contribute to the overall financial health of leading football clubs.

Stadium redevelopment projects significantly impacted revenue generation. Many clubs are renovating the stadium, recognizing the potential for increased matchday and commercial revenue.

The improved retail results and increased sponsorship revenue also highlight the successful implementation of brand activation strategies. This analysis shows how infrastructure improvements and brand management are key components to achieving financial success.

Real Madrid’s newly renovated Bernabéu Stadium played a crucial role in their record-breaking revenue. The marketing of personal seat licences, the sale of new VIP seats and the increased arena capacity contributed significantly to their match day revenue. The club also reported a 20% increase in commercial revenue, further highlighting their success. This case study highlights the importance of strategic investment and effective management to maximize revenue generation.

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