Man City Overtakes Real Madrid As World's Most Valuable Football Club

Manchester City have made history by dethroning Real Madrid CF as the world's most valuable football club brand, according to the latest report by Brand Finance.

With a brand value of €1.5 billion, Manchester City FC has seen a remarkable 13 per cent increase, while Real Madrid experienced a 4 per cent decline, dropping to the second position.

The pandemic has played a significant role in reshaping the football industry, and Manchester City FC's brand value has surged by 34 per cent since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.

The club's consistent success on the pitch, including securing four Premier League titles in the last five seasons, combined with its strong off-field performance in terms of building a robust brand and attracting fans and sponsors, has propelled them to the top spot.

Manchester City

Hugo Hensley, Head of Sports Services at Brand Finance, commended Manchester City for their extraordinary achievement and highlighted the anticipation for their upcoming clash with Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final.

Hensley also acknowledged the club's prowess in creating a strong brand that resonates with fans and partners.

Although Real Madrid CF slipped from the top position in terms of brand value, they reclaimed the title of the world's strongest football club brand.

Brand Finance's assessment factors in marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance, utilizing data from over 10,000 football fans globally.

Real Madrid CF's strong brand has attracted fans, players, investors, and sponsors, driving higher revenues, and prices for sponsorship, and reducing risks related to on-pitch performance.

Spanish Clubs Remain Strong

Spanish clubs continue to demonstrate their strength in the global football brand rankings.

Following Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona (€1.4 billion) maintain its third position, while Club Atletico de Madrid (€549.56 million) hold the 12th spot.

FC Barcelona, despite facing challenges on and off the pitch, secured the Spanish LaLiga title, outperforming both Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid.

Two other Spanish clubs, Sevilla FC (€189.27 million) and Villarreal CF (€137.38 million) have significantly risen in the rankings.

Sevilla FC climbed five places to 25th, thanks to stability under the leadership of Jose Luis Mendilibar and notable victories against Manchester United and Juventus in European competitions.

Villarreal CF ascended four spots to claim the 36th position, capitalizing on a 5 per cent increase in brand value.

The rankings also witnessed the inclusion of Real Sociedad (€133.63 million) in 37th place and a significant rise for Real Betis (€153.1 million), jumping nine positions to secure 34th place.

Real Betis, finishing 6th in LaLiga, is undergoing a €70 million renovation of its stadium to enhance its brand strength and global recognition.

In the battle of the English giants, Manchester United (€1.4 billion) surpassed its long-time rival, Liverpool FC (€1.4 billion), taking the fourth position.

Both clubs experienced positive growth in brand value, marking a resurgence after the pandemic-related setbacks.

Liverpool FC's success under Jurgen Klopp's leadership and Manchester United FC's League Cup triumph under Erik Ten Hag have contributed to their brand value trajectories.