In a recent report by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, Real Madrid has emerged as the highest revenue-generating football club for the 2022-23 season, dethroning Manchester City from the top spot. The Deloitte Football Money League, in its 27th year, revealed that the world’s top football clubs collectively earned a record-breaking €10.5 billion ($11.4bn) during the season, marking a significant 14% increase compared to the previous year.
Real Madrid’s resurgence to the top of the revenue rankings after a five-year hiatus reaffirms their status as one of the most successful and commercially powerful clubs in the world. They reported a staggering €831 million in revenue for last season, an increase of €118 million from the previous year. This milestone underscores the club’s ability to attract lucrative sponsorship deals, sell merchandise globally, and fill their iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with passionate fans.
The top five revenue-generating clubs also include Manchester City (€826m), Paris Saint-Germain (€802m), Barcelona (€800m), and Manchester United (€746m). Notably, the inclusion of PSG and Barça in the top five reflects a trend of European clubs regaining ground against the dominance of the English Premier League. However, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur maintain their positions in the top 10, emphasizing the continued financial strength of English clubs.
One of the most striking developments in the ranking is Liverpool’s drop from third to seventh place. This decline can be attributed to their downturn in performance in both domestic and European competitions. Despite their immense global fan base and strong commercial ventures, poor results on the field have negatively impacted their revenue and marketability. However, Liverpool remains a formidable force, known for their historic successes and a track record of bouncing back.
Deloitte’s analysis reveals a significant shift in the revenue streams for football clubs. For the first time since the 2015-16 season, commercial revenue has surpassed broadcast income as the largest source of income. This shift highlights the growing importance of sponsorship deals, merchandising, and matchday revenue for clubs’ financial stability and sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in reshaping revenue trends, but the overall trajectory signals the need for clubs to adopt a more commercially focused business model.
In addition to the analysis of men’s clubs, Deloitte also assessed the revenue generated by women’s football teams. Although the data does not include major markets such as the United States and Japan, it sheds light on the growing popularity and financial prospects within the women’s game. Barcelona topped the list for women’s teams with generated revenue of €13.4 million, representing an astonishing 74% increase from the previous year. The rise of women’s football presents exciting opportunities for clubs to tap into new markets, cultivate fan bases, and foster gender equality within the sport.
Real Madrid’s resurgence to the top of the revenue charts symbolizes their enduring legacy as a football powerhouse. The club’s ability to attract substantial revenue from various sources, coupled with their global fan base, reinforces their status as one of the most commercially viable clubs in the world. Additionally, the shifting revenue landscape and the rise of women’s football open up new possibilities for clubs to diversify their income streams and expand their global reach. As the football industry continues to evolve, clubs must navigate the changing landscape to ensure long-term financial stability and competitiveness.