The twelve most valuable football teams in the world.
After another summer of heavy spending there are some exceptionally loaded teams playing their trade this season. But that isn’t the only thing that drives a club’s value through the roof. On pitch successes coupled with off-field sponsorship deals have driven these clubs’ worth through the roof, and according to Forbes, these are the 12 most valuable football teams in the world.
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12. Schalke – $580m
The Bundesliga giants have a number of top stars in their ranks and the side has gradually increased its value having spent all but five seasons in the German top flight. Ranked as the third biggest sports club in Germany, they have a series of up and coming starlets that will someday earn the club a fortune and throwing their recent agreement with Coca Cola into the mix their books look very healthy indeed.
11. Borussia Dortmund – $600m
Another German club that has seen their worth rise considerably over the years, the club could have made a lot more had it not been for the likes of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski leaving for free. Their recent successes have brought them some huge funds in prize fees and television rights, and another strong start to the season could suggest that they are primed for more success after falling back into Bayern Munich’s shadow.
10. Liverpool – $691m
Liverpool have always had a high stock in the world game, and thanks to Brendan Rodgers’ revival their value is soaring once again. Adding to their recent sale of Luis Suarez for £75m, their re-entry into the Champions League and approval for a redevelopment of Anfield will no doubt add to their already very valuable portfolio as one of world football’s most marketable brands.
9. Juventus – $850m
The Italians continued dominance of Serie A, coupled with regular runs in the Champions League have guaranteed that the club are well sound financially. Moving to a new ground and the development of new training and media centres, as well as new kits and sponsors have all played their part in maintained the club’s wealth.
8 AC Milan – $856m
Jumping ahead of their Serie A rivals, the Italians giants from Milan remain one of the division’s most stylish and marketable sides despite their recent lack of success. They’ve dropped off recently, having recorded two lowly league positions and failed to qualify for this season’s Champions League. However, selling their best players for big sums as well as maintaining a superb training complex has ensured that they haven’t fallen too far.
7. Manchester City – $863m
Despite having an owner with a seemingly bottomless pit of money, the current Premier League champions fall behind their divisional rivals when it comes to the market share. However they are an expanding global brand with a new-80 acre training complex, a host of lucrative sponsorship deals and participation in the Champions League, proving that sometimes you do have to spend money to make money.
6. Chelsea – $868m
Another Premier League club to benefit from a billionaire owner, London-based Chelsea have seen their club rise up the power ranks over the last decade. Their recent Europa League victory only added to their value and their continued run in the Champions League will boost them even further. Having underwent some heavy spending of their own over the summer their Premier League credentials also look strong and could see them on their way to climbing this list even further.
5. Arsenal – £1.33bn
Boosting the Gunners’ value is a string of sponsorship deals, a well-developed world brand and a 60,000+ seat stadium built in 2006, which they have now paid the debt off on. Their continued presence in the Champions League has boosted their numbers too, and last year’s FA Cup victory has only added to their value.
4. Bayern Munich – $1.85bn
FC Hollywood, as they’re known, boosted the brand name greatly by swelling the ranks of club membership and attracting new sponsorship deals from the likes of Coca-Cola and Lufthansa. Regular attendances at the Alianz Arena has seen them swell the ranks and their continued domination of the Bundesliga looks set to continue following a summer of smart recruitment.
3. Manchester United – $2.81bn
Despite their dip in form over the past year United have maintained a steady cash-flow and are still the undoubted top dogs of the Premier League. Stocks are heading back up but lack of Champions League this season is estimated to cost the club in the region of £50 million, but their marketability is back up after bringing on some world class talent on the pitch and organising new sponsorship deals with GM and Adidas off it.
2. Barcelona – $3.2bn
The La Liga side are a world recognized brand with their players appearing in ads everywhere you look. Even the Neymar transfer scandal and a relatively unproductive 2013/14 season can’t dampen this club’s value. With Neymar himself bringing in an entire stream of revenue by himself, the Spanish giants are raking it in on a consistent basis.
1. Real Madrid – $3.44bn
Breaking the £3bn barrier despite match attendance being down at the club thanks to the economic recession, Real have managed to keep themselves at the top of the list once again. This has been compensated for by increases in commercial and broadcast revenue as well as a highly developed world brand. The club’s participation in the Champions League is a big financial boost, made even better by winning the tournament last season, which was offset by deals with Adidas, Emirates, Audi and Coca-Cola.
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