The number of silverware in a trophy cabinet remains the true reflection of a football club's success, but there's something about fanbase, loyalty, and history that also adds to the aura. For instance, Manchester United, despite not winning anything in 10 years, continue to be among the strongest brands in the sporting world. Thanks to the club’s legacy that has established it as a global brand that transcends sporting success. We look at the most valuable football clubs of 2024, as per Brand Finance report released earlier this year.
From Real Madrid to Barcelona: 7 Most Valuable Football Clubs in 2024
Real Madrid
Brand Value: $1.80 billion
Real Madrid continue to be the world's most valuable football club, dwarfing all their competitors by a significant margin. Their brand value shot up by 16% in 2024, rising up to $1.80 billion, thanks to their on-field performance where they won the Champions League title.
Manchester City
Brand Value: $1.72 billion
Manchester City's staggering dominance remains unparalleled, but they have now started showing results beyond the field too, amassing a legion of new-gen fans and boasting some of the most popular names in their roster like Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. They are valued at $1.72 billion.
FC Barcelona
Brand Value: $1.65 billion
Despite going through a period of financial turmoil, Barcelona's brand value hasn't taken a massive hit, thanks to their incredible legacy. Their brand value clocked $1.65 billion in 2024 and given how the team has performed so far under Hansi Flick, it will only rise.
Manchester United FC
Brand Value: $1.49 billion
Manchester United are the only team in the top five that has not won a domestic title in over a decade. Their last Premier League title came in 2012, and since then, the club have been in a cesspool of mediocrity. Yet they remain a force to reckon with, selling more merchandise and raking in more profit than a majority of the Premier League clubs. Their brand valuation stood at $1.49 billion in 2024.
Liverpool
Brand Value: $1.47 billion
Liverpool have been among the most consistent teams in European football for quite some time. The departure of a long-standing manager Jurgen Klopp left so many doubts over Liverpool's ability to stay afloat in the elite tier of European football, but they're doing just fine. The Merseyside-based club is valued at $1.47 billion.
FC Bayern Munich
Brand Value: $1.32 billion
Bayern Munich are the most valued football club in Germany. Their unprecedented success in the Bundesliga have earned them a fandom that transcends the German border. The club, currently sitting at the top of the table, is valued at $1.32 billion.
Paris Saint-Germain
Brand Value: $1.29 billion
Paris Saint-Germain's brand value is likely to take a hit after their main star Kylian Mbappe left the club this season to join Real Madrid. PSG is valued at $1.29 billion in 2024.
