Top 10 football clubs by market value and revenue
The value of the world’s leading football clubs extends far beyond matchday performance. Their financial results, sponsorship agreements and commercial operations provide a snapshot of how sport, business and global markets intersect.
Football has evolved from a sport into a global business – one that commands multibillion-dollar valuations, complex ownership structures and worldwide fanbases. As of November 2025, the world’s ten most valuable football clubs combine history, heritage and considerable commercial power.
From Madrid to Manchester, each club’s worth reflects not just trophies and tradition, but also global broadcasting deals, sponsorship revenue and growing digital engagement. Below, we explore the top 10 football clubs by market capitalisation and revenue, providing context on how these giants have built their value.
Overview: the globalisation of football value
The business of football has expanded rapidly over the past two decades. Deloitte’s Football Money League 2025 reports that the top 20 clubs generated over €11bn in total revenue during the 2023/24 season – the highest figure on record.
Forbes’ latest valuations show that club worth continues to rise, with even mid-ranking teams now valued above $1bn. Commercial partnerships, international tours and streaming-led broadcast deals have diversified revenue sources well beyond domestic matchdays.
While most top clubs remain privately owned or member-controlled, a few – such as Manchester United (MANU), Borussia Dortmund (BVB) and Juventus (JUVE) – maintain public listings, allowing investors limited exposure to football’s commercial growth.
Top 10 most valuable football clubs
As of 18 November 2025, the most valuable football clubs in the world include:
| # | Club | Country | Value (USD) | Revenue (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Madrid | Spain | $6.75 billion | $1,129 million |
| 2 | Manchester United | England | $6.6 billion | $834 million |
| 3 | Barcelona | Spain | $5.65 billion | $821 million |
| 4 | Liverpool | England | $5.4 billion | $773 million |
| 5 | Manchester City | England | $5.3 billion | $901 million |
| 6 | Bayern Munich | Germany | $5.1 billion | $827 million |
| 7 | Paris Saint-Germain | France | $4.6 billion | $870 million |
| 8 | Arsenal | England | $3.4 billion | $771 million |
| 9 | Tottenham Hotspur | England | $3.3 billion | $666 million |
| 10 | Chelsea | England | $3.25 billion | $591 million |
Source: Forbes, 30 May 2025.
Together, these clubs represent more than $49bn in estimated value, highlighting football’s enduring global economic appeal.
1. Real Madrid (Spain)
Real Madrid, founded in 1902, remains the global benchmark for success both on and off the pitch. Holding a record 15 UEFA Champions League titles and 36 La Liga trophies, the club has built a legacy of consistent performance and global reach. In 2025, it retained its position as the world’s most valuable club, worth $6.75bn with annual revenue exceeding $1.1bn. The redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabéu, featuring modern facilities and hospitality areas, has reinforced its long-term commercial strength. Sustained fan engagement, legacy players and international visibility continue to support Real Madrid’s financial resilience.
2. Manchester United (England)
Manchester United (MANU), founded in 1878, remains England’s most valuable football institution and one of the few major clubs with publicly traded shares. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, it is valued at $6.6bn and continues to rank among the world’s most recognised sports brands. Its rich heritage – including 20 league titles, 12 FA Cups and three European Cups – underpins its global following. Recent ownership changes, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 2024 minority acquisition, have prompted strategic restructuring and renewed investment in facilities and management.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
3. Barcelona (Spain)
FC Barcelona, established in 1899, continues to represent the Catalan spirit of Més que un club ('More than a club'). Known for its commitment to youth development and fan ownership, it remains one of the few member-controlled giants in world football. Valued at $5.65bn, the club’s commercial strength is driven by its global merchandising network and digital engagement. Despite recent financial challenges, Barcelona’s recovery efforts – including sponsorship renewal and stadium redevelopment – aim to restore profitability while maintaining its distinctive identity and cultural influence.
4. Liverpool (England)
Liverpool FC, founded in 1892, combines sporting history with community identity. With 19 league titles and six European Cups, it remains one of football’s most decorated clubs. In 2025, it holds a valuation of $5.4bn, reflecting its consistent growth under Fenway Sports Group. The expansion of Anfield, data-driven operations and enduring commercial partnerships continue to support Liverpool’s position among global leaders, while its cultural heritage strengthens its international profile.
5. Manchester City (England)
Manchester City, established in 1880, exemplifies modern football’s transformation. Since the Abu Dhabi United Group’s 2008 acquisition, City has become a model of sustained investment and strategic development. Now valued at $5.3bn with revenue of $901m, the club ranks among the sport’s commercial elite. Its parent company, the City Football Group, operates a network of global clubs that reflects football’s increasing internationalisation.
6. Bayern Munich (Germany)
Bayern Munich, founded in 1900, remains Germany’s most successful and financially disciplined club. Valued at $5.1bn, it stands as the only German team in the global top ten. Guided by its Mia san mia ('We are who we are') philosophy, Bayern balances sporting excellence with prudent management. Its fan-owned structure, 34 Bundesliga titles and six European Cups highlight a rare equilibrium between tradition, competitiveness and financial stability.
7. Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Paris Saint-Germain, founded in 1970, symbolises the ambition and commercial power of modern football. Backed by Qatari investment since 2011, PSG has become France’s most successful club and a prominent global brand. Valued at $4.6bn, it has leveraged its location, branding strategy and digital innovation to expand worldwide appeal. Its integration of youth development with international marketing has helped maintain competitiveness and broaden global influence.
8. Arsenal (England)
Arsenal, established in 1886, remains synonymous with North London heritage and modern football innovation. With 13 league titles and 14 FA Cups, the club continues to blend sporting achievement with business stability. Valued at $3.4bn and generating $771m in revenue, Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta reflects a strategic balance between youth investment, consistent management and sustainable operations.
9. Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Tottenham Hotspur, founded in 1882, has evolved into a symbol of modern sports enterprise. While its trophy cabinet may be smaller than some rivals, the club’s state-of-the-art stadium and event diversification – from NFL games to concerts – contribute to its $3.3bn valuation. Tottenham’s integration of entertainment and sport mirrors a broader shift in how major clubs generate and diversify revenue streams.
10. Chelsea (England)
Chelsea FC, established in 1905, completes the top ten. The club’s modern success, defined by six league titles and two European Cups, was built on strategic investment and global marketing. Valued at $3.25bn, Chelsea remains one of the sport’s most recognisable brands. Recent ownership changes have emphasised youth development, long-term sustainability and compliance with evolving financial regulations, supporting its continued market relevance.
Final thoughts
Football’s biggest clubs have become complex global enterprises – combining sporting legacy with commercial ambition. Their valuations reflect decades of growth, adaptation and global reach. However, valuation alone does not determine investment suitability. Ownership structures, regulatory environments and market conditions differ widely.
Create an account Open a demo account
FAQ
How many football clubs are on the stock market?
As of November 2025, only a handful of major football clubs maintain public listings, giving investors limited access to football’s commercial growth. Notable examples include Manchester United (listed on the New York Stock Exchange and available via CFDs), Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus. The vast majority of top clubs, however, remain privately owned or member-controlled, reflecting the sport’s complex ownership structures and globalisation.
Which is the richest football club in the world?
The world’s most valuable football club as of November 2025 is Real Madrid, with a valuation of $6.75 billion and annual revenue of over $1.1 billion. Manchester United remains England’s most valuable club, valued at $6.6 billion, and is one of the few with shares available to public investors. These valuations are driven by a mix of commercial, sporting, and global branding factors.
Is it worth trading football club CFDs?
Trading contracts for difference (CFDs) on football clubs offers exposure to the share price movements of some publicly listed teams, but it remains a specialist and high-risk market. Valuations can be extremely volatile, influenced by sporting outcomes, player transfers, and broader business developments. CFDs are traded on margin, and leverage can magnify both gains and losses. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results, and you should only trade CFDs if you fully understand the associated risks and can afford any potential losses.