Real Madrid Retain Global Crown as Manchester United Slide to Lowest-Ever Ranking
Liverpool have been named the highest-earning Premier League club for the first time in their history, according to the Deloitte Football Money League 2026 report, which analyses club revenues for the 2024/25 season.
The report, released in January 2026, shows Liverpool climbing to fifth place globally with revenue of €836 million (approximately £702 million). This marks a significant achievement for the Anfield club, driven by on-pitch success including winning the Premier League title, a strong return to the Champions League, and increased commercial income from expanded non-matchday events at their stadium.
Real Madrid maintained their position as the world’s top-earning football club for the third consecutive year. The Spanish giants generated a record €1.161 billion (roughly £975 million / $1.36 billion), becoming only the second club to surpass the €1 billion mark. Their growth was fueled by robust commercial performance, particularly in merchandising and sponsorship deals, despite not securing La Liga or the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Manchester United experienced a notable decline, falling to eighth place globally with €793 million in revenue — their lowest-ever ranking in the Deloitte list. The drop was primarily attributed to missing out on Champions League football, which led to a sharp reduction in broadcast revenue, compounded by a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League.
Key Financial Insights from the 2026 Report
The Deloitte Football Money League highlights the continued financial dominance of Europe’s elite clubs, with the top 20 generating a combined record €12.4 billion — an 11% increase from the previous year.
Here are the top eight clubs in the 2026 ranking:
- Real Madrid – €1.161 billion
- Barcelona – €975 million
- Bayern Munich – €861 million
- Paris Saint-Germain – €837 million
- Liverpool – €836 million
- Manchester City – €829 million
- Arsenal – €822 million
- Manchester United – €793 million
This season marked the first time no English club featured in the global top four. However, the Premier League remains the strongest league financially, placing six clubs in the top 10 and 15 in the top 30 worldwide.
Liverpool’s rise underscores how on-pitch performance — particularly Champions League participation and domestic success — directly translates into higher broadcast and commercial revenues. In contrast, Manchester United’s fall demonstrates the heavy financial penalty of missing European competition.
The Deloitte Football Money League focuses on revenue generated from football operations, including matchday income, broadcasting rights, and commercial activities. It does not reflect pure profit margins or overall club valuations.
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