Forbs dropped a recent list of the world 30 most valuable clubs and the list has surprised many with the caliber of clubs listed. English Premier League Manchester United was named the world’s second most valuable football club behind only Real Madrid. This is coming after the club has struggled the most in recent times.
Forbes’ annual list, external of the world’s most valuable football teams ranks Manchester United second with a value of $6.6bn (£4.9bn). It has a revenue of $834m (£620m) in the 2023-24 season. According to Forbes, United’s value increased by 1% despite finishing 8th in the Premier League table in 23-24 and failing to qualify for the Uefa Champions League.
Manchester United did win the FA Cup that season, whereas in 24-25 season they finished 15th in the Premier League. They were in the final of the Uefa Europa League but lost to Tottenham. Despite on-pitch struggles, debts of £1bn and losses of £113.2m reported in 23-24, they continue to benefit from having one of the strongest brands in all of sport.
The club has a massive global fanbase, built over two decades of dominance in the 1990s and 2000s. Last summer, around 250 staff were made redundant, saving the club an estimated £8m-£10m. A further 200 staff could lose their jobs this summer.
Two months back United revealed plans for a new £2bn stadium on the site of Old Trafford. On the list the top is Spanish top side Real Madrid. The La liga side topped the rankings with a value of $6.75bn and revenue of $1.129bn, while Barcelona are third.
Manchester City boasted the second largest revenue in 23-24 ($901m), but are fifth in terms of total value ($5.3bn), a 4% rise on the previous year. Liverpool are the fourth most valuable football club in the world with a value of $5.4bn) and a revenue of $773m in 23-24.
