Barcelona Tops Forbes List Of The Most Valuable Clubs In The World

Spanish Club Barcelona has been named as the most valuable Club in the world knocking Real Madrid at the Spot for the first time according to Forbes

Real Madrid and Manchester United dominated the spot for the past 16-years with either side named five times {5} and eleven {11} times respectively, but in the latest rankings Barcelona valued at $4.76 billion have edged ahead of their fierce rivals Real Madrid.

Since Forbes published last list rankings two years ago, Barcelona has recorded 18 percent rise. This ranking list comes amid turmoil at the club. Barcelona has been hardly hit financially by the coronavirus pandemic, while the future of captain and star player Lionel Messi remains uncertain.

Barcelona’s French forward Ousmane Dembele (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 5, 2021. (Photo by Pau BARRENA / AFP)

However, despite the financial consequences of the pandemic, the world’s top 20 clubs have seen an average 30 per cent increase in value over the past two years.

Average revenue for the top 20 clubs was $441m for the 2019/20 season, representing a drop of 9.6 per cent from 2017/18, while average operating income declined by 70 per cent to $23m.

Forbes’ Mike Ozanian compiling the list said the average worth was up 30 per cent from two years ago, but there is pain being absorbed due to the coronavirus pandemic limiting matchday revenue.

“The world’s 20 most valuable soccer teams are worth an average of $2.28 billion (£1.66bn) apiece, an increase of 30% from two years ago, the last time we published the ranking,” Ozanian said.

“The jump comes despite a decline in revenue caused by limited attendance during the pandemic, with buyers focused on what they see as still untapped revenue potential in the sport’s massive global following.

“Average revenue for the 20 teams was $441 million (£321m) for the 2019-20 season, down 9.6% from 2017-18, while average operating income fell by 70% over the period to $23 million (£17m).

“The pain is far from over, with a worsening decline in match-day revenue during the current season as most of the teams in Europe’s top leagues still permit few fans to attend games.”

Those figures are expected to drop further when it comes time to assess the finances of the ongoing 2020/21 season, which has seen a campaign played almost entirely without match day spectators.

PHOTO/COURTESY

Premier League Club Liverpool was ranked among the biggest risers on Forbes’ list, who saw a two-year value increase of 88 per cent, as well as Germany’s Borussia Dortmund (112%) and French champions Paris Saint-Germain (129%).

Meanwhile, AC Milan, AS Roma, and West Ham United all saw decreases in value while remaining in the top 20.

Which football club is the most valuable in the world?

1. Barcelona, $4.76 billion
2. Real Madrid, $4.75 billion
3. Bayern Munich, $4.215 billion
4. Manchester United, $4.2 billion
5. Liverpool, $4.1 billion
6. Manchester City, $4 billion
7. Chelsea, $3.2 billion
8. Arsenal, $2.8 billion
9. Paris Saint-Germain, $2.5 billion
10. Tottenham Hotspur, $2.3 billion
11. Juventus, $1.95 billion
12. Borussia Dortmund, $1.9 billion
13. Atletico Madrid, $1 billion
14. Inter Milan, $743 million
15. Everton, $658 million
16. AC Milan, $559 million
17. AS Roma, $548 million
18. West Ham United, $508 million
19. Leicester City, $455 million
20. Ajax, $413 million