Brussels: UEFA's 2025 European Club Finance and Investment Landscape report, unveiled on Thursday, highlights that the continent's football economy has not only recovered but has also exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
According to Anadolu Agency, the report reveals that top-division club revenues are projected to surpass £30 billion ($35.4 billion) by 2025, with commercial revenues expected to exceed £10 billion. In the 2024 financial year, the total revenue for top-division football clubs reached £28.6 billion, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year. The English Premier League continues to dominate as the wealthiest league.
The report includes 136 top-division clubs, featuring nine teams from the UK, eight each from Spain and Italy, seven from both France and Germany, and six from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Trkiye. The list also features clubs from other countries with fewer representatives.
The English Premier League's revenue soared to £7.44 billion in 2024, nearly doubling that of its closest competitor, Spain's La Liga. Commercial revenues, encompassing sponsorships and merchandise, amounted to £9.7 billion across all European top-tier clubs in 2024. Gate receipts saw a notable increase of 10%, reaching £4.4 billion, as stadium attendances reached record highs across Europe.
Wages continued to be the largest expense for clubs, rising by 3.33% to a total of £18.6 billion in 2024, coinciding with the implementation of new financial sustainability regulations.
Real Madrid topped the revenue rankings with a record £1.18 billion in 2025, driven by its Champions League success and stadium redevelopment. Following Real Madrid, Barcelona reported £989 million, Bayern Mnchen £861 million, Manchester City £855 million, and Liverpool £852 million. Other top earners included Paris Saint-Germain (£837 million), Arsenal (£822 million), Manchester United (£793 million), Tottenham (£673 million), and Chelsea (£585 million).
Galatasaray emerged as the highest-earning Turkish club, reporting revenues of £280 million, a 13% year-on-year increase, fueled by European competition participation and strong domestic merchandise sales.