Top-10 richest clubs in world football based on revenue

Forget the scores and rivalries for a moment. There’s another battle in football — the financial one. Being the richest means more than just having wealthy owners. It’s about generating your own revenue to buy players, upgrade stadiums, and grow a global fanbase.

Where Football Clubs Make Their Money

• Matchday Revenue: Ticket sales, hospitality, and stadium experiences
• Broadcasting: TV deals from domestic leagues and competitions like the Champions League
• Commercial Deals: Sponsorships, merchandise, tours, and corporate partnerships

Each year, Deloitte’s Football Money League ranks clubs by revenue. Here are the top 10 for the 2022/23 season:

Top 10 Richest Clubs in 2022/23

1. Real Madrid (€831.4 million)

The Kings are back! Real Madrid returned to the top with strong sponsorship deals and Champions League success. The revamped Santiago Bernabéu Stadium now generates income beyond football, making Madrid a financial powerhouse.

2. Manchester City (€825.9 million)

Winning helps… a lot. City’s historic treble — Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League — boosted revenue across the board, attracting even more commercial partners.

3. Paris Saint-Germain (€801.8 million)

More than a club, it’s a brand. PSG turned football into fashion with Neymar, Messi, and a collaboration with Nike’s Jordan brand. Their brand-first approach drives huge revenue.

4. FC Barcelona (€800.1 million)

The Great Catalan Comeback. Barcelona bounced back from financial struggles. Their Spotify stadium deal and strong ticket sales put them back among the elite.

5. Manchester United (€745.8 million)

The Unshakeable Brand. United remains one of the strongest commercial clubs despite inconsistent results. Their global fanbase ensures packed stadiums and top sponsorship demand.

6. Bayern Munich (€744.0 million)

A Model of German Consistency. Bayern dominates the Bundesliga and partners with giants like Allianz and Adidas. Their member-owned model keeps finances strong and stable.

7. Liverpool (€682.9 million)

The Power of Anfield. Despite fewer trophies this season, Liverpool’s global fanbase, historic success, and electric stadium atmosphere sustain strong revenues.

8. Tottenham Hotspur (€631.5 million)

The Stadium That Changed Everything. Tottenham’s multi-purpose stadium hosts NFL, concerts, and boxing, proving stadiums can be profit centers even without consistent trophies.

9. Chelsea (€589.4 million)

Transition and Enduring Appeal. Ownership changes and instability didn’t stop Chelsea from remaining in the top 10, thanks to their London location and past successes.

10. Arsenal (€532.6 million)

The Gunners’ Resurgence. Arsenal’s near Premier League title win and Champions League return fueled matchday and commercial growth, bringing them back into the financial elite.

The Bigger Picture

These clubs show that football’s financial game is as competitive as the one on the pitch. Winning helps, but smart branding, global reach, and commercial innovation often make the difference. The richer the club, the bigger the stage they can build for future success.