Man United Emerge Forbes’ Richest Club Globally
Despite featuring in Europe’s second tier club competition, UEFA Europa League last season, Manchester United have returned to top world’s most valuable club list with its total worth estimated at $3.69 billion (about £2.86 billion or N1.476 trillion).
Topping this elite clubs’ annual list for the first time in five years, the Red Devils, who defeated Ajax Amsterdam 2-0 to lift this year’s Europa league crown, lead seven other English teams to register a strong showing in the top 20 clubs globally.
According to a statement by Forbes’ Media Assistant Managing Editor, Mike Ozanian, “Manchester United’s return to the top spot is a testament to their powerful brand and marketing acumen,”
Interestingly, five English clubs are listed in the top 10 cadre alongside Manchester United. They are Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspurs
In second place is Lionel Messi’s FC Barcelona with its value at $3.64bn (about £2.82bn) while Spanish giants and reigning UEFA Champions League title holders, Real Madrid are in third place with $3.58bn (£2.77bn).
In the last four years, Madrid, who emerged the La Liga title winners this season have been the front runners. While the Galácticos saw their worth drop by two per cent as Manchester United’s went up by 11 per cent.
Placing fourth on the log are German champions Bayern Munich were fourth, while Italian title winners and UEFA Champions League losing finalists, Juventus are currently in ninth position.
On the 15th position is West Ham United while Leicester City that won the Premiership in 2015-16 season comes in on number 19 with Italian side, Napoli bringing up the rear at number 20.
Below Is Forbes’ Top 20 Clubs
- Manchester United – $3.69bn (£2.86bn)
- FC Barcelona – $3.64bn (£2.82bn)
- Real Madrid – $3.58bn (£2.77bn)
- Bayern Munich – $2.71bn (£2.1bn)
- Manchester City – $2.08bn (£1.61bn)
- Arsenal – $1.93bn (£1.5bn)
- Chelsea – $1.85bn (£1.43bn)
- Liverpool – $1.49bn (£1.15bn)
- Juventus – $1.26bn (£976m)
- Tottenham – $1.06bn (£821m)
- Paris St-Germain – $841m (£652m)
- Borussia Dortmund – $808m (£626m)
- AC Milan – $802m (£621m)
- Atletico Madrid – $732m (£567m)
- West Ham – $634m (£491m)
- Schalke 04 – $629m (£487m)
- Roma – $569m (£441m)
- Inter Milan – $537m (£416m)
- Leicester City – $413m (£320m)
- Napoli – $379m (£294m)
