Richest football clubs in the world: Top 20 teams ranked

Football today is as much about business as it is about trophies. The richest football clubs in the world dominate not only on the pitch but also in global revenue, sponsorships, and fan reach. Giants like Real Madrid, who recently topped the rankings with record-breaking income, highlight how financial power fuels sporting success.

Key takeaways

• Real Madrid tops the list as the richest football club in the world with revenues of £714.7m.
• The Premier League dominates, with 8 teams featured in the top 20 richest clubs.
• Manchester City and PSG showcase how wealthy owners can quickly elevate clubs into global powerhouses.
• Historic giants like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United remain among the most valuable football clubs in 2025.

Richest football clubs in the world

Football is more than a sport—it is a global business worth billions. The richest football clubs in the world generate massive revenues from broadcasting, sponsorships, merchandise, and ticket sales.

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These financial giants not only dominate on the pitch but also shape the game’s economy. In this ranking, we reveal the top 20 richest clubs and explore how money and success go hand in hand.

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20. Olympique de Marseille – £222.1m

• Country: France
• League: Ligue 1
• Stadium: Stade Vélodrome
• Owner: Frank McCourt

Marseille is France’s only Champions League-winning team and a proud member of the top 20 richest football clubs in the world. The club’s fiery fan base fills the Stade Vélodrome for every home game.

Their rivalry with PSG in Le Classique is the fiercest in France. Marseille’s history includes legends like Didier Drogba and Jean-Pierre Papin.

19. Napoli – £230.1m

• Country: Italy
• League: Serie A
• Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
• Owner: Aurelio De Laurentiis

Napoli returned to glory by winning Serie A in 2023, securing their spot in the top 20 richest clubs. The club is a symbol of southern Italy and enjoys one of the most passionate fan bases.

Their legends include Diego Maradona, who defined an era in the 1980s. In recent years, Napoli’s Serie A triumph restored its reputation as a powerhouse in Italian football. The club continues to attract top talent and remains one of Europe’s most passionate football institutions.

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18. West Ham United – £236.5m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: London Stadium
• Owner: David Sullivan & Daniel Křetínský

West Ham United is firmly among the richest football clubs in the world, thanks to European success. Their Conference League win in 2023 gave them continental glory.

The move to London Stadium boosted matchday capacity. Known as The Hammers, their academy has produced legends like Bobby Moore and Frank Lampard.

17. Newcastle United – £247.4m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: St James’ Park
• Owner: Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)

Newcastle United’s rapid rise has sparked the question: Is Newcastle the richest club in the world? While they are not yet first, their ownership by PIF makes them one of the richest football club owners in the world.

The Toon Army provides unmatched support at St James’ Park. Newcastle’s revival and Champions League return ensure they are a growing power in the Premier League table.

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16. Eintracht Frankfurt – £252.3m

• Country: Germany
• League: Bundesliga
• Stadium: Deutsche Bank Park
• Owner: Member-owned (50+1 model)

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League triumph in 2022 lifted them into the top 50 richest football clubs. Their fan base is among the most passionate in Germany.

Though not as dominant as Bayern or Dortmund, Frankfurt’s European success boosted revenues. They continue to grow as a respected force in European football.

15. Atlético Madrid – £313m

• Country: Spain
• League: La Liga
• Stadium: Cívitas Metropolitano
• Owner: Miguel Ángel Gil Marín & Enrique Cerezo

Atlético Madrid ranks in the top 20 richest clubs in the world, thanks to consistent Champions League appearances. Their La Liga wins in 2014 and 2021 broke the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Diego Simeone’s leadership has defined their resilient style. The Madrid Derby remains one of Europe’s most intense rivalries.

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14. Inter Milan – £325.7m

• Country: Italy
• League: Serie A
• Stadium: San Siro
• Owner: Suning Holdings Group

Inter Milan stands proudly among the top 20 richest football clubs in the world. Their treble in 2010 remains one of football’s greatest achievements.

Inter reached the Champions League final in 2023, boosting their European profile. The Derby della Madonnina with AC Milan highlights their rich history.

13. AC Milan – £331.2m

• Country: Italy
• League: Serie A
• Stadium: San Siro
• Owner: RedBird Capital Partners

AC Milan is a historic name in the top 50 richest football clubs, with seven Champions League titles. After years of decline, they returned to success by winning Serie A in 2022.

Their brand remains strong thanks to legends like Maldini, Van Basten, and Kaká. Milan’s derby with Inter is among the most famous in world football.

12. Borussia Dortmund – £361m

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• Country: Germany
• League: Bundesliga
• Stadium: Signal Iduna Park
• Owner: Member-owned with corporate shareholders

Borussia Dortmund is among the top 20 richest football clubs in the world thanks to its passionate fan base and youth development model. The Yellow Wall is one of the most iconic sights in football.

Dortmund has produced global stars like Haaland, Bellingham, and Lewandowski. Their rivalry with Bayern Munich ensures they stay relevant in the Bundesliga title race.

11. Juventus – £371.7m

• Country: Italy
• League: Serie A
• Stadium: Allianz Stadium
• Owner: Agnelli family (Exor Group)

Juventus is Italy’s leader in revenues, ensuring a place in the top 20 richest clubs in the world. Known as La Vecchia Signora, they dominate Serie A with 36 titles and two Champions League wins.

Their black-and-white stripes are recognised globally, backed by legends like Del Piero and Buffon. The Derby d’Italia with Inter is one of Europe’s biggest rivalries.

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10. Arsenal – £457.8m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: Emirates Stadium
• Owner: Kroenke Sports & Entertainment

Arsenal’s revival under Mikel Arteta has lifted them back into the top 10 richest football clubs in the world in 2025. The Emirates Stadium ensures strong matchday income, while Champions League qualification boosted revenues.

Their legacy includes 13 league titles and the famous unbeaten Invincibles season. Arsenal remains a key force in the top 10 richest clubs in Premier League rankings.

9. Chelsea – £506.3m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge
• Owner: Todd Boehly-led consortium

Chelsea remains part of the top 10 richest clubs in the Premier League, fueled by Champions League success and global sponsorships. They won Europe’s top prize in 2012 and 2021, cementing their place among elite clubs.

Despite the recent transition under new ownership, revenues remain strong. Chelsea’s rivalries with Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United keep them in the spotlight.

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8. Tottenham Hotspur – £542.8m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Owner: ENIC Group

Tottenham Hotspur has grown into a commercial powerhouse, earning a place in the top 20 richest football clubs in the world. Their stadium is one of the most modern in Europe and generates revenue beyond football with NFL games and concerts.

Spurs’ profile continues to rise despite limited recent trophies. The North London Derby against Arsenal is one of the Premier League’s most iconic rivalries.

7. Liverpool – £587m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: Anfield
• Owner: Fenway Sports Group (FSG)

Liverpool is consistently among the top 10 richest clubs in the Premier League thanks to Champions League success and global fan support. Their six European titles strengthen their place among the most valuable football clubs in 2025.

Anfield’s expansion has increased matchday income significantly. Rivalries with Manchester United and Everton fuel their status as one of the top 20 richest clubs in the world.

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6. Bayern Munich – £639.5m

• Country: Germany
• League: Bundesliga
• Stadium: Allianz Arena
• Owner: Member-owned (50+1 rule) with corporate partners

Bayern Munich leads Germany in both trophies and finances, securing its spot in the top 10 richest football clubs in the world. They boast 6 Champions League titles and 33 Bundesliga championships.

Bayern’s financial stability and global brand partnerships make it one of the most valuable football clubs in 2025. Their rivalry with Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker is the highlight of German football.

5. Manchester United – £640.1m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: Old Trafford
• Owner: INEOS & Glazer family (joint control)

Manchester United has long been one of the top 10 richest clubs in the Premier League and globally. Known for 20 league titles and three Champions League trophies, their brand power remains unmatched.

United’s global fan base and commercial deals keep them among the most valuable football clubs in 2025. Their rivalries with Liverpool and Manchester United ensure continued sporting relevance.

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4. Barcelona – £687.6m

• Country: Spain
• League: La Liga
• Stadium: Spotify Camp Nou (under renovation)
• Owner: Member-owned (Socios model)

Barcelona remains one of the most valuable football clubs in 2025, despite recent financial struggles. Their global brand is powered by historic players like Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta and the famous La Masia academy.

Playing temporarily at Estadi Olímpic has slightly reduced revenues. Still, Barça is secure in the top 20 richest clubs in the world rankings.

3. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – £689.2m

• Country: France
• League: Ligue 1
• Stadium: Parc des Princes
• Owner: Qatar Sports Investments

PSG is firmly in the top 20 richest football clubs in the world, thanks to its global stars and powerful owners. The club dominates French football and continues to grow commercially under QSI’s leadership.

PSG is often mentioned in debates about the richest football club owners in the world due to Qatari backing. Their fierce rivalry with Marseille in Le Classique highlights their national importance.

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2. Manchester City – £709.9m

• Country: England
• League: Premier League
• Stadium: Etihad Stadium
• Owner: City Football Group (Abu Dhabi United Group)

Manchester City is second in the top 5 richest clubs in the world, showcasing both sporting dominance and financial power. Their treble in 2023 highlighted their transformation into Europe’s elite.

With Etihad sponsorships and the backing of one of the richest football club owners in the world, revenues have surged. City is also a leader in the top 10 richest clubs in Premier League rankings.

1. Real Madrid – £714.7m

• Country: Spain
• League: La Liga
• Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu
• Owner: Member-owned (Socios model)

Real Madrid tops the list of the top 10 richest football clubs in the world in 2025 with record-breaking revenues. The Spanish giants are also one of the most valuable football clubs in 2025, thanks to global commercial strength and Champions League success.

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The newly renovated Santiago Bernabéu has boosted matchday and sponsorship income. Their legendary rivalry with Barcelona in El Clásico cements their place as the most powerful club in Europe.

Which is the richest club in the Premier League?

The richest club in the Premier League in 2025 is Manchester City. With revenues of about £709.9 million, City leads all English teams thanks to huge broadcasting deals, commercial sponsorships, and consistent Champions League success. Their rise has been powered by strong financial backing from the City Football Group and a global brand that continues to expand.

What was the richest football club in the world in 2025?

In 2025, the richest football club in the world—by revenue—was Real Madrid. According to the Deloitte Football Money League, Real Madrid generated over €1 billion in revenue in a single season—the first club ever to achieve this milestone—firmly holding the top spot in global football finance.

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Who are the top 10 richest clubs in the world?

Based on annual revenue generated and operating income, here is a list of the top 10 richest clubs in the world:

• Real Madrid – £714.7m
• Manchester City – £709.9m
• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) – £689.2m
• Barcelona – £687.6m
• Manchester United – £640.1m
• Bayern Munich – £639.5m
• Liverpool – £587.0m
• Tottenham Hotspur – £542.8m
• Chelsea – £506.3m
• Arsenal – £457.8m

What is the most valuable team in 2025?

In 2025, the most valuable football club in 2025 is Real Madrid. Forbes ranked Real Madrid at the top of its 2025 list, valuing the club at $6.75 billion, making it the most valuable football team globally for the fourth straight year.r

Which team is very rich?

In 2025, the team considered to be very rich and financially dominant is Real Madrid. The Spanish giants lead both in revenue and valuation, making them the richest football clubs in the world.

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Football’s economy is changing fast, with revenue growth driven by global fans and sponsors. The richest football clubs in the world prove success is built on more than trophies. Traditional giants and rising powers compete for the top spots each year. One thing is clear—football’s financial race is as fierce as the battle on the pitch.

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Some earn seven digits with a few hours of playing a day, guaranteed by contracts signed between them and professional sports teams. But, of course, it has taken hours of practice and a lifetime's worth of dedication for the highest-paid athletes to be where they are today.

Source: Briefly News