Richest football clubs in the world worth millions of dollars in terms of their value.
Manchester city is the richest football club in the world with estimated revenue of $766 millions in 2022. Football clubs now have a revenue worth hundreds of millions of dollars annually. In the last few years, the footballing world has taken a different approach to finances affecting transfer markets and players' salaries.
But the real question is, Are the clubs getting back the money they are spending? Every top club spends hundreds of millions in the overwhelming transfer market that is prevalent at the moment.
So, the wealthiest football clubs don't necessarily mean having the most affluent owners and spending much in transfer markets. As per Deloitte, the list is purely based on how much revenue the club has generated throughout the season. The revenue usually comes from shirt sales, stadium tickets, and trophies.
Every year, Deloitte publishes a list of the world's top 20 richest football clubs. Most of the teams on this list play in the premier league because English football clubs have huge broadcasting rights, and it is one of the most-watched football leagues in the world.
Also, the list includes three Spanish heavyweights, two teams for Germany and Italy each, a French giant, and one from Russia.
16. West Ham United ($231 Million)
West Ham United is 16th on our list, making around $231 million in the 21/22 season as per Deloitte.
The London-based club had a fantastic season, and it could have been better had they not failed to win the last game of the season. Even after that, they are in the Europa Conference League Qualifiers.
Surprisingly, West Ham has not won a league title until now. However, they have claimed the FA Cup three times. Their home stadium is London Stadium having a total capacity of 60,000.
6. Paris Saint-German ($580 Million)
PSG is the only French team on the list coming at the 6th position, a step-up from the last year.
The French giants are one of the few sides whose revenue has increased from the last year. They have generated a total of $580 million throughout the season, which saw them lifting the Ligue 1 trophy again.
Moreover, the signing of Messi was a key factor for the team, but the magical trio of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe are yet to deliver in the European championships.
The most successful club in France has won 10 league titles and is still waiting for a UCL trophy. The home games of PSG take place in Parc De Princes, a stadium with a capacity of 47,929.
20. Aston Villa ($216 Million)
To get things underway, it is the premier league club that snatches the 20th position on the list.
Aston Villa reportedly made a total revenue of around $216 Million with an average run in the premier league last season. They finished the season in the 14th, but it could have been worse.
However, the fans turned up for the club as Villa Park rarely had empty seats throughout the season. The stadium has a capacity of 42.682.
19. FC Zenit ($221.1 Million)
The only Russian club on the list, FC Zenit, is listed as the 19th richest club in the world by Deloitte Football Money League.
Moreover, the raining Russian champions generated total revenue worth $221.1 million in the 21/22 season. They are the winners of the last four Russian Premier Leagues, and the form doesn't seem to be declining.
The team plays its home games in Gazprom Arena, which has a capacity of 68,000 attendances.
18. Everton FC ($227.35 Million)
If one team came out of the syllabus for having a bad season, it's Everton.
The Premier League team found itself battling relegation for most of the season. The club suffered from financial issues, and internal conflicts didn't improve things.
Nonetheless, they generated a revenue of $227.35 million last season. Going into the next season, the Merseyside club will probably look to deliver something to their fans who are in turmoil.
They play their home games at Goodison Park with a capacity of 39,414.
17. Wolverhampton Wanderers ($228.6 Million)
Since their promotion to the top-tier in 2018, Wolves have been sensational. They managed to finish thrice in the top half of the table in four years.
They concluded the last season in the 7th position, just 2 points behind United. The team had a pretty decent run in the Europa League as well.
In the 21/22 season, Wolves generated around $228.6 million in revenue, making them the 17th richest club in the world. The club plays its home games at Molineux Stadium, having a total capacity of 32,050.
15. Leicester City ($266.45 Million)
And the premier league dominance continues as another name on the list is Leicester City.
Leicester City didn't necessarily have a great last season. Indeed, we don't expect them to repeat the 2015/16 season every year, but looking at their early form, the Foxes should have finished higher than 8th.
The English underdogs scored 62 goals in the premier league last season, the fifth-highest league. They fold the season with total revenue of $266.45 million, making them the 15th wealthiest football club in the world.
Furthermore, the club took everyone by surprise with their exceptional league run in 2015/16 as they comfortably won the league with 81 points leading the runner-up Spurs by 10 points.
The club plays its home games at King Power Stadium, which has a capacity of 32,312.
14. Inter Milan ($345 Million)
The Italian giants finished second in the league this season, just 2 points behind their city rivals, AC Milan. The two clubs shared the same form throughout the season. However, it was AC Milan who just topped the league table.
Following the season's conclusion, Inter generated a total of $345 million in revenue, second in the league. They are the 14th richest football club in the world in terms of revenue generated.
Also, Inter is one of two Italian football clubs on this list. The club shares its home stadium, San Siro, with AC Milan. It has a capacity of 80,018, making it the largest football stadium in Italy.
13. Atletico Madrid ($346.3 Million)
Atletico Madrid went trophyless in the 21/22 season while the other half of the city got the glory. Nonetheless, the Simeone-led team finished 3rd, displaying persistent football in La Liga and the champions league.
In 2021/22, the club generated a revenue of $346.3 million, the third-highest in the league division. They are ranked 13th in the list of Deloitte Football Money League.
With Laliga setting financial limits on everything, it's a huge opportunity to invest the money judicially as some players are rumored to be out for the next season.
The newly-made Wanda Metropolitano inhabits Atletico Madrid's home games with a capacity of 68,456.
12. Brossusia Dortmund ($352 Million)
The German football club is the 12th richest club in the world as of 2023, generating a revenue of $352 million on tickets, jersey sales, and alike.
Known for their fans, Dortmund finished second in Bundesliga, with Bayern Munich clinching the title, which is often the case. But everyone's eyes were at Dortmund this season, courtesy of Erling Haaland, who scored 22 league goals last season.
With him joining Manchester City, Dortmund does have money to go for some signings in the transfer market. The club is best known for its success in transfer markets. They are often referred to as an "academy" for other European clubs as they develop excellent players and sell them.
Dortmund plays its home games in Signal Iduna Park which has a capacity of 81,365. It is the biggest football stadium in Germany.
11. Arsenal FC ($382 Million)
Another London club on the list is Arsenal. The Gunners generated $382 million last season, which was a bittersweet ride.
The Gunners finished the league in the fifth position and were just left out of the champions league. Not many backed them to make such a turnaround after a horrific start to the campaign, due to which Arteta's position was threatened.
And at the end of the season, they finished as the 11th richest football club in the world. Emirates Stadium is the home of Arsenal Football Club, which has a capacity of 60,260.
10. Tottenham Hotspur ($423.2 Million)
One may also name it the London league instead of Deloitte Football Money League, right?
Tottenham Hotspur had a revival 21/22 season getting back into the champions league. And the fact that Son Heung-Min became the PL top scorer gives the team a perfect attacking duo in Kane and Son.
The Spurs generated total revenue of $432.2 Million in 2021/22, making them the 10th richest club in the world.
The North London club plays its home games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in 2019. It has a capacity of 62,850, making it the third-largest football stadium in England.
9. Juventus FC ($452.1 Million)
The Italian giants are the only Serie A team to make it into the top half of the list. Their annual revenue exceeds $452.1 million despite having a forgettable professional and emotional season.
Juventus concluded the season with 4th in the league, and the surprising Villareal FC knocked them out in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
Nonetheless, they are the most successful club in Italy, winning the league 36 times. But they haven't been able to get their hands on the Champions League trophy until now.
Their home stadium is Allianz Stadium, also called Juventus Stadium. It has a capacity of 41,507.
8. Chelsea FC ($514.2 Million)
And the wealthiest club in London in 2023 is Chelsea FC. The Blues brought back a revenue of around $514.2 million following their champions league glory last season.
The Blues finished third in the league behind the usual Manchester City and Liverpool. They were also among the title contenders for a long time in the season.
Thomas Tuchel-led side changed top management after Roman Abramovich was forced to forfeit the club's ownership amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
The West London club plays its home matches at Stamford Bridge which has a total capacity of 41,837.
7. Liverpool FC ($574 Million)
Yet another premier league team makes it on the top half of the list. The Merseyside club generated revenue worth $574 Million.
Liverpool had a fantastic 2021/22 season, but they were the second-best team, losing the UCL final to Real Madrid and the domestic trophy to Manchester City. But the Anfield crowd never failed to get behind their team.
With the signing of Nunez and Salah's contract extension, Liverpool is set to start the 22/23 season all guns blazing.
Moreover, Liverpool is the most successful European English club, with 6 Champions League trophies. They play their home games at Anfield Stadium, with a capacity of 53,394.
5. Manchester United ($582 Million)
The Red side of Manchester is the second-richest club in England, behind their city rivals. They came 5th in our list, generating a total revenue of $582 million throughout the 21/22 season.
Moreover, Manchester United is the most successful English club with a record 20 league titles and three champions league titles. But the club's recent form has been questionable.
Talking about their season, it was a disappointing ride. The change in management didn't help as the Red Devils were left fighting for the Europa League spot on the final match day of the season.
Nonetheless, the Old-Trafford faithful and millions of fans worldwide didn't betray their team. The stadium has a capacity of 74,140 attendances. It is the second-largest football stadium in England and the largest stadium owned by a Football club.
4. FC Barcelona ($607 Million)
The list-topper of the previous year is downgraded to the 4th position in the list. Well, that's not a surprise now, is it?
The Catalan giants have had financial problems like no other clubs in Europe. In addition to that, the emotional wreck of seeing Messi play for another club is something that needs time to move on from.
Barcelona generated a total of $607 million in revenue last season. They went trophyless, but the agony multiplied when their arch-rivals from Madrid bagged both domestic and European glory.
Moreover, Camp Nou hosts the home games of FC Barcelona. With a capacity of 99,354, it is not only the largest stadium in Spain but also the largest in Europe.
In 2021, FC Barcelona was the wealthiest club in the world, generating a whopping $745 million in revenue amid the pandemic. And yet, Messi was the problem, right?
3. Bayern Munich ($637.6 million)
Another side that never fails to provide is Bayern Munich. The Bavaria football club is the most successful in Germany, having won 32 domestic and six champions league titles.
The Bundesliga giants collected total revenue of $637.6 million in the 21/22 season. They won the Bundesliga, yet again, but their champions league run was ended surprisingly by Villareal in the quarter-finals.
Bayern Munich can also make a case for being one of the most successful clubs in Europe. They play their home games at Allianz Arena, having a capacity of 75,004. It is the first stadium in Europe to have a full color-changing exterior.
2. Real Madrid ($668.2 million)
The usual suspect, of course, is Real Madrid. The Spanish side comes second in the list generating a total revenue of $668.2 million last season.
Known for their consistency over the years and decades, Real Madrid and Barcelona have made La Liga a two-horse race for over a century. The game between Real Madrid and Barcelona, also called El-Classico, is the most-watched football club game in the world.
The Carlo Ancelotti-led side won Laliga comfortably and bagged yet another champions league win, taking the tally to 14. They are the most successful side in Europe and one of the world's most-followed football clubs. No wonder they have such a substantial annual revenue.
The team plays its home matches at Santiago Bernabeu with a capacity of 81,044. It is the second-largest stadium in Spain and 4th largest football stadium in all of Europe.
1. Manchester City ($672.5 million)
Not many saw this coming, but the English side has topped the list of the wealthiest football clubs in the world.
Following a problematic financial backfire due to the covid-19 pandemic, Manchester City is the side that has come back the strongest. Pep Guardiola's city went on to win the Premier League fashionably on the very last day, yet again.
The Blues of Manchester have generated a total of $672.5 million in revenue throughout the 21/22 season, making them the richest football club in the world.
Pep Guardiola's side is arguably the best football club at the moment. A potential winner of every tournament they play, the squad depth, and the Spaniard's beautiful football is worth watching every day.
The home games are played in Etihad Stadium, which has a capacity of 53,400.