Fansided

Real Madrid is world’s most valuable soccer team

By Alexandra Huber

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Real Madrid leads the list of the most valuable soccer organizations in the world. 

Real Madrid has another title add to its collection – the world’s most valuable soccer organization.

One of the three founding members of the Primera Division, Real Madrid is worth $3.26 billion with $746 million in revenue, the most of any other soccer team in the world, according to Forbes.

Forbes has ranked soccer teams twelve times over the years and Real Madrid has topped the list of most valuable teams the past three years. During that time, Real Madrid has averaged an annual operating income of $171 million. To put that into perspective, the Dallas Cowboys come in at $241 million.

Joining Real Madrid at the top are Europe’s other heavy hitters including Barcelona, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City. Even casual soccer fans will know these names, and that is no coincidence. Essentially, these teams have created a global following and have realized how to take advantage.

These teams all rank in the top 10 of the following crucial areas: social media following, as well as broadcast, matchday, and commercial revenue.

So where do the rest of the teams stack up?

Madrid’s in-country rival, Barcelona, comes in as the runner-up, for the second straight year, with a total worth of $3.16 billion. At third is Manchester United, which is worth a total of $3.1 billion.

What about German powerhouse Bayern Munich? Bayern, the winner of the Champions League in 2013, comes in with a commercial revenue of $396 million, however, their broadcasting revenue is decidedly lower at just $146 million. Assuming they get a new television contract, Bayern might be able to challenge the rest of the European power teams.

Four notable under-performers on the list are Italian squads Juventus ($837 million), AC Milan ($775 million), Inter Milan ($439 million), and Napoli ($353 million). Although those teams make the list, none rank higher than ninth.

Real Madrid’s roster is stacked with some of the world’s most recognizable stars including Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the all-time record for gaols scored in UEFA competition, Pepe, and Sergio Ramos.

In addition to being the most valuable organization, Real Madrid is also one of the most successful. The club has racked up 32 La Liga titles, 19 Copa del Rey, and 10 European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles, and 3 Intercontinental Cups. Surely their undisputed success is one reason they are able to rake in so much money.

Look for Barcelona and the rest to do their best to catch up.

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