Real Madrid named world’s richest club

According to the 2016 Deloitte Football Money League, Real Madrid are the world’s richest club for 11th consecutive year. 

The Deloitte Football Money League has become an annual tradition in the world of soccer, allowing fans, players and media alike an insight into the financial aspect of the game. It ranks club’s across the globe on their earnings from various sources such as broadcast rights, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales.

On Tuesday, it was revealeded for the 11th consecutive year that Real Madrid are top of the table, bringing an astounding $622.9 million during the 2014-2015 season. Despite having a disappointing season on the pitch, the club generated an extra $29.8 million in revenue from the season before.

Treble winners Barcelona took a big step forward, moving up to second on the list, bringing in a total revenue of $605.8 million. They passed Manchester United, who dropped to third on the list with $560.5 million.

Big spenders Paris St-German found a way to climb up the list as well, causing Bayern Munich to slip to fifth spot.

The biggest talking point to come out of Tuesday’s announcement, though, has to be the fact that an impressive nine Premier League clubs are in the top 20, while 17 are in the top 30. Even though English teams have struggled in continental competition over the past couple of seasons, their league has become the most marketable and watched on the entire planet. Both domestic and international broadcast rights deals have allowed for teams like West Ham United to sneak into the top 20.

Much like every other year, this 2016 edition of the Deloitte Football Money League proves just how much money the beautiful game and its biggest clubs continue to rake in.