Deloitte Football Money League 2018

An analysis of the clubs’ financial performance

Published just eight months after the end of the 2016/17 season, the Money League is the most contemporary and reliable independent analysis of the clubs’ relative financial performance.

Aggregate revenue for the top 20 Money League clubs rose 6 percent to €7.9 billion (£6.8 billion) in 2016/17, a new record, with the top three clubs—Manchester United, FC Barcelona, and Real Madrid—earning a combined revenue of €2 billion for the first time.

Manchester United pip Real Madrid to remain top of the Money League

Manchester United retained top spot for a second consecutive year, generating total revenue of €676m (£581m). This year’s battle for first place was the closest in Money League history, just €1.7m (£1.5m) separated Manchester United and second place Real Madrid: United’s win in the Europa League Final proving critical in the club topping our list for a 10th time. Real Madrid moved back above FC Barcelona into second place thanks to strong commercial growth in 2016/17 and a title winning season in both domestic and European competitions, with Bayern Munich and Manchester City making up the remainder of the Money League top five.

A place in the top 20 now requires revenue of approximately €200m, a 16 percent increase on last year and double the amount required in the 2010 edition of the Money League.

Premier League continues to dominate

The English Premier League has 10 teams in the top 20 this year, the highest ever from one country, with Southampton (18^th) making their debut in the Money League top 20, Manchester City consolidating their place in the top five, and Leicester City rising to 14^th from 20^th last year. Outside the top 20, there are four more English clubs ranked 21–30, including AFC Bournemouth who debut in 28^th place.

In the longer term, changes to the Champions League format from 2018/19 and the new Premier League domestic and international broadcast rights agreements commencing in 2019/20 will be key influencing factors on the membership and order of clubs in future editions of the Money League.

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Football Money League: Previous editions

Explore previous editions back to 2006:

• Deloitte Football Money League 2017, Planet football
  
• Deloitte Football Money League 2016, Top of the table
  
• Deloitte Football Money League 2015, Commercial breaks
  
• Deloitte Football Money League 2014, All to play for
• Deloitte Football Money League 2013, Captains of industry
• Deloitte Football Money League 2012, Fan power
• Deloitte Football Money League 2011, The untouchables
• Deloitte Football Money League 2010, Spanish masters
• Deloitte Football Money League 2009, Lost in translation
• Deloitte Football Money League 2008, Gate receipts
• Deloitte Football Money League 2007, The reign in Spain
• Deloitte Football Money League 2006, Changing of the guard

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