Business magazine Forbes has been compiling its football rich list since 2004 and for the first time Real Madrid have knocked Manchester United off their perch at the top of the list. It is not that United have stopped growing, simply that Real have grown even faster.
Forbes value the Spanish giant at $3.3bn with Manchester United just behind on $3.17bn. Barcelona are in third place. It is evident that the two leading Spanish clubs are impervious to the troubles of the country’s economy.
Business magazine Forbes has been compiling its football rich list since 2004 and for the first time Real Madrid have knocked Manchester United off their perch at the top of the list. It is not that United have stopped growing, simply that Real have grown even faster.
Forbes value the Spanish giant at $3.3bn with Manchester United just behind on $3.17bn. Barcelona are in third place. It is evident that the two leading Spanish clubs are impervious to the troubles of the country’s economy.
Six other Premier League clubs make the top twenty. The arrival of Newcastle United in 20th place with a value of $263m is an interesting development. Arsenal are fourth on $1,326bn, ahead of Chelsea in seventh place with $901m. Manchester City are ninth, Liverpool are tenth and Spurs are eleventh.
Forbes calculates its figures on the basis of the various revenue streams of a club, including television money, ticket sales and merchandise.
David Beckham was the highest earning player, followed by Real Madrid’s Ronaldo.