Top Soccer Clubs with the Highest Valuation in 2025
World's Most Valuable Soccer Teams Break Records
Real Madrid, the Spanish soccerpowerhouse, has once again taken the crown as the world's most valuable soccer team, according to Forbes' annual ranking. Boasting a staggering value of $6.75 billion, this marks a 2% increase from last year, maintaining a consistent reign that spans over a decade.
For the first time in history, Real Madrid surpassed the $1 billion revenue threshold during the 2023-24 season, becoming the first soccer team and only the second team from any sport to achieve this milestone, following in the footsteps of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. Despite the impressive feat, the club trails the Cowboys' valuation by more than $3 billion.
Manchester United ranks a close second with a valuation of $6.6 billion, maintaining their competitive edge over another Spanish powerhouse, Barcelona, which sits third in the financial standings at $5.65 billion. Together, the 30 most valuable soccer teams are worth an impressive $72 billion, averaging $2.4 billion each – a 5% increase from the previous record.
The Premier League dominates the list with 12 teams, while Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 each contribute four, two, three, and one team, respectively. The Major League Soccer (MLS) boasts eight teams, with LAFC leading the pack at $1.25 billion, though none rank higher than 15th.
European clubs benefit from lucrative continental competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League, which offers significant prize money. For example, Real Madrid's run to the 2023 title brought in $154 million. However, red tape, restrictive ownership requirements, and a lack of a salary cap contribute to unique challenges across the continent.
The new renovation of Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, reportedly costing $1.9 billion, is expected to boost match-day revenue and further cement the club's financial dominance. English club Manchester United also stands out for its strong brand and massive global fanbase, built over two decades of dominance in the 1990s and 2000s.
While Real Madrid's revenue total is similar to that of the Dallas Cowboys, the disparity in valuation reflects different leagues' revenue multiples, reflecting investors' enthusiasm and prospects for future growth. The NFL's average multiple is 9 times revenue, with the NBA even higher at 11.7x. European soccer clubs, by contrast, boast an average multiple of 5.1x revenue.
The multiples in MLS suggest more optimism and explain the higher valuations of teams such as the LA Galaxy, despite recording much lower revenue than Premier League clubs. Despite slower growth compared to some North American leagues, European teams are still appreciating, with leading teams such as Arsenal and Newcastle United seeing significant revenue increases year over year.
Plenty of teams have high hopes for a boost from the expanded Club World Cup and the FIFA World Cup due to be held in North America in 2026. Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain could also see a rise in valuation next year, depending on the outcome of the forthcoming Champions League final. Barcelona is also embarking on a renovation of its Camp Nou stadium, with plans to challenge the $1 billion revenue barrier.
On the field and off, the El Clásico rivalry remains a focal point for soccer fans around the world.
The World's Most Valuable Soccer Teams
- Real Madrid: $6.75 billion (LaLiga)
- Manchester United: $6.6 billion (Premier League)
- Barcelona: $5.65 billion (LaLiga)
- Liverpool: $5.4 billion (Premier League)
- Manchester City: $5.3 billion (Premier League)
- Bayern Munich: $5.1 billion (Bundesliga)
- Paris Saint-Germain: $4.6 billion (Ligue 1)
- Arsenal: $3.4 billion (Premier League)
- Tottenham Hotspur: $3.3 billion (Premier League)
- Chelsea: $3.25 billion (Premier League)
- Juventus: $2.15 billion (Serie A)
- Borussia Dortmund: $2.05 billion (Bundesliga)
- Atletico de Madrid: $1.7 billion (LaLiga)
- AC Milan: $1.5 billion (Serie A)
- LAFC: $1.25 billion (MLS)
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- Football and soccer are two terms synonymous with the sport played by Real Madrid, the world's most valuable soccer team.
- In the prestigious ranking of the world's most valuable football teams, Real Madrid secures the top position, with a staggering valuation of $6.75 billion.
