Real Madrid top soccer’s rich-list for 11th year but Premier League dominates

More than half of the top 30 highest-earning football clubs in the world play in the Premier League - but Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona lead the way. Real Madrid retained their place at the summit of the Deloitte Football Money League for the 11th year in a row, having generated £439million. It comes despite a £4.3 million fall in broadcast revenue although significant gains in commercial revenue and matchday income made up for it. Its Spanish rival Barcelona was just behind on £427 million revenue. However, there were nine premier league clubs in the top 20 and another eight among the next ten teams just outside the top 20.

We have also seen a slowdown of growth from the top five clubs, with revenues growing by just four per cent year on year, compared to 11 per cent in the previous edition.

Dan Jones, Deloitte

The 2016 Deloitte Football Money League - detailing the 2014/15 season - ranks clubs based on their earnings from matchday revenue, broadcast rights and commercial sources. Manchester United remain the top-earning Premier League club, bringing in £395.2 million. However, that total is £38 million down on their 2013/14 figure and the Old Trafford outfit have slipped one place in the overall ranking to third. United’s absence from the 2014/15 Champions League contributed to them being overtaken by winners Barcelona, whose revenue was up by £21.2 million. United, however, are being tipped to top the league next year after their return to the competition.

Despite a reduction in revenue year-on-year, the fact that Manchester United remain in the top three of the Money League demonstrates the underlying strength of the club’s business model.

Tim Bridge, Deloitte

Sports rich league