Real Madrid may lag behind Barcelona in La Liga, but they still financially outpace their long-time rivals, as indicated by their position at the top of the financial standings of the world’s 20 wealthiest football clubs, as compiled by accountants Deloitte.
Deloitte Football Money League
1. Real Madrid: $A596 million
2. Barcelona: $A541 million
3. Man Utd: $A474 million
4. Bayern Munich: $A434 million
5. Arsenal: $A372 million
6. Chelsea: $A347 million
7. AC Milan: $A320 million
8. Liverpool: $A305 million
9. Inter Milan: $A305 million
10. Juventus: $A288 million
11. Manchester City: $A207 million
12. Tottenham Hotspur: $A198 million
13. Hamburg: $A198 million
14. Lyon: $A198 million
15. Marseille: $A191 million
16. Schalke: $A189 million
17. Atletico Madrid: $A169 million
18. Roma: $A166 million
19. Stuttgart: $A155 million
20. Aston Villa: $A148 million
For the sixth consecutive year, Real achieved the top position in Deloitte’s chart for the 2009/10 season, reporting revenues of $A596 million.
Barcelona maintained the second position with $A541 million, while Manchester United, one of seven English teams within the top 20, held the third spot.
Each of the 20 clubs included hails from the “big five” European leagues. England had seven clubs, Germany contributed four, Italy had four, Spain offered three, and France added two.
Despite experiencing a less-than-stellar season, finishing second in La Liga and being eliminated from the Champions League in the round of 16 by Lyon, Real retained its leading status.
Dan Jones, the report’s editor, noted, “In the coming years, particularly as UEFA’s financial fair play rules take effect, Real Madrid’s revenue prowess should, in theory, translate into a competitive advantage on the pitch.”
The revenue for Real was enhanced by hosting the 2010 Champions League final at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
UEFA’s financial fair play regulations aim to compel clubs participating in European tournaments to spend only what they earn, rather than depending mainly on the financial support from affluent owners like Roman Abramovich (Chelsea) or Sheikh Mansour (Manchester City).
Buford Balony says: How many of these teams turn a profit?
