Spanish giants lead global revenue rankings for a third straight year while the Premier League features prominently
Real Madrid remain football’s biggest financial powerhouse heading into 2026, topping the latest Deloitte Football Money League after once again generating more revenue than any other club in the world.
The updated rankings show Los Blancos out in front for a third consecutive year and for the 15th time in the past 21 seasons.
It is important to note that the Deloitte Football Money League focuses purely on income rather than profit. The rankings measure commercial, broadcast, and matchday revenues, not how efficiently clubs operate or how much they ultimately retain after costs.
That distinction matters, particularly at the top end of the game, where wages, transfer fees, and infrastructure spending can be substantial.
Even so, the revenue figures underline the continued financial strength of Europe’s elite. Real Madrid finished first with €1.161 billion in revenue, followed by Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool completing the top five.
European success drives revenue at the top
A common thread among the leading clubs was their performance on the biggest stages. The top-four sides all benefited from deep runs in the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, competitions that significantly boost broadcast income and global exposure.
Success in these tournaments continues to be one of the clearest drivers of financial growth at the elite level.
“On pitch performance remains a primary driver for clubs to progress to the upper echelons of the ranking, with many clubs benefitting from new and expanded European and international club tournaments,” Tim Bridge, lead partner in the Deloitte Sports Business Group, said.
Deloitte’s 2026 Football Money League report: Revenue from the 2024/24 season.
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“In the 2024/25 season, Money League clubs on average played more games than the season before, reflecting the growth of competitions and sporting performance of many in the ranking. While this presents substantial financial opportunity, a balance must be struck between revenue optimisation and protecting both the value of the on-field product and player welfare amidst ever-increasing fixture schedules.”
Barcelona recorded one of the sharpest year on year increases, posting a 27 percent rise in revenue to €974.8 million. Bayern Munich also saw healthy growth, while Paris Saint-Germain’s commercial strength kept them firmly among Europe’s financial heavyweights despite a more modest increase.
Liverpool were the highest placed English club, finishing fifth with €836.1 million in revenue. Their position was helped in large part by winning the Premier League, which brought additional prize money and commercial momentum. However, the broader picture for English football at the very top was less dominant than in previous years.
English clubs occupied six of the top10 places overall, but the order may raise eyebrows. Manchester United ranked eighth with €793.1 million in revenue, a position that reflects their continued commercial pull despite inconsistent results on the pitch. Manchester City placed sixth, while Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea rounded out the to10.