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Forbes has finally revealed its 15th annual list of the world's most valuable football teams titled 'The Business of Soccer' and the results produced are shocking, to say the least.
Many well-known clubs including Paris Saint-Germain have failed to make the cut for the top 10 most valuable football clubs, in the face of the mega-money deals clinched by the French giants in the transfer markets gone by.
The current values of the teams have been computed keeping the following in mind: match day revenue, broadcasting revenue, commercial revenue and brand revenue.
Although it can be argued that the values of the clubs do not determine the success of these teams, as underpinned by Claudio Ranieri's 2015-16 squad of late, it is important to note that such instances are rare birds and it is customarily these financial powerhouses who procure success in Europe's top flight.
So without further ado, let's dive straight into the list!
Also Read: World Cup 2018: Top 10 most valuable teams in the tournament
#10 Tottenham Hotspur
Current Value: $1.237 B
As stated previously, Les Parisiens failed to make their way to the top 10 list courtesy of Tottenham Hotspur who managed to beat them to the 10th spot.
The club had a mixed season last year as it drew to a close without any major silverware. Of course, it was going to be a difficult year for Mauricio Pochettino's side who were forced to move from White Hart Lane, which was demolished for a new, $1 billion project, to Wembley Stadium.
All the same, on balance, Spurs fared well in the 2017-18 season, finishing third in the English Premier League ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal and reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup, only to suffer a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
According to Forbes, The Lilywhites' value has increased by 17% as compared to the last year and they now boast a value worth $1.237 billion with a net debt value of 19%, highest amongst the top ten clubs.
The revenue and the operating income of the club are $387 million and $141 million respectively.
As for the valuation breakdown, the matchday revenue makes up 12.3% with $152 million, broadcasting revenue constitutes 51.2% with $633 million, commercial revenue makes up 16.3% with $202 million and the brand revenue accounts for 20.1% with $249 million.
#9 Juventus
Current Value: $1.472 B
The only Italian club on the list, Juventus had another stellar season domestically as they won their seventh consecutive Serie A and fourth consecutive Coppa Italia titles.
The club has gained an increase of 17% in their value in comparison with the last year when it was reckoned at $1.26 billion.
The Old Lady has a net debt value of 6% with an operating income worth $62 million.
On the subject of valuation breakdown, Juventus have a match day revenue of $174 million, broadcasting revenue of $705 million, commercial revenue of $288 million and brand revenue of $305 million, making up an aggregate of $1.472 billion.
#8 Liverpool
Current Value: $1.944 B
The only time Liverpool came close to getting their mitts on a major silverware in the 2017-18 season was when the Jurgen Klopp's side bested AS Roma to reach the Champions League final. However, their hopes were brutally crushed by the 13-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid.
In 2017, Forbes worked out The Reds' value at $1.49 billion which has bagged a 30% increase since then, the highest amongst the top ten teams.
The club's revenue has nearly doubled since 2010 and operating income increased more than three-fold during the 2016-17 season.
Relating to the valuation breakdown, the match day revenue forms 15.7% with $305 million, broadcasting revenue constitutes 35.8% with $696 million, commercial revenue makes up 26.4% with $513 million and brand revenue comprises 22.1% with $430 million.
#7 Chelsea
Current Value: $2.062 B
Chelsea ended their uninspiring season on a high note by clinching the Emirates FA Cup title on the eve of 19 May 2018.
The takeover of the club by the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2003 has elevated the team's status and has put them shoulder to shoulder with some of the top European clubs.
As of now, The Pensioners' value is reckoned at $2.062 billion which has increased by 12% from $1.85 billion in 2017.
The net debt value of the club is 0%!
#6 Arsenal
Current Value: $2.238 B
It was another forgettable season for The Gunners as they dropped to sixth in the Premier League, failing to qualify for the Champions League next season.
The major shock came with the resignation of Arsene Wenger, who threw in the towel after 22 years at the club.
It will be Unai Emery who will lead Arsenal next season in place of Le Professeur.
Notwithstanding a series of disenchanting seasons at The Emirates Stadium, Arsenal is currently valued at $2.238 billion which has augmented by 16% in comparison with last year.
The club also has a net debt value of 12% with an operating income of $178 million.
#5 Manchester City
Current Value: $2.474 B
On number 5, we have the team that left all but every football fan awestruck with their magnificent performance last season.
Pep Guardiola's side prevailed in the English Premier League without any apparent parallels, winning the trophy in a glorious fashion.
In the last year, The Citizens' value has gained an increase of 19% from $2.08 billion to $2.474 billion.
Just like Chelsea, Manchester City also have a net debt value of 0%!
#4 Bayern Munich
Current Value: $3.063 B
With their impressive financial clout, Bayern Munich have turned Bundesliga into a one-horse race in the recent years.
Not only have they acquired talent from other top European clubs but have also ruthlessly left their fellow German clubs in the lurch by scooping up their top quality players.
Their value has increased from $2.71 billion in 2017 to $3.063 billion in 2018. During 2016-17, Bayern Munich generated $374 million in commercial revenue, the most in football.
As of now, The Bavarians have a net debt value of 0% with a revenue of $640 million!
The operating income of the club is estimated to be $105 million.
#3 Barcelona
Current Value: $4.064 B
Despite a splendid domestic season, Barcelona have dropped from 2nd most valuable club in 2017 to 3rd in 2018.
Still and all, the club's value has landed a 1-year increase of 12% from $3.64 billion to $4.064 billion.
La Blaugrana has a measly debt value of 1% with an operating income of $111 million and a revenue of $706 million.
Their valuation is largely a result of commercial revenue ($1288 million) followed by broadcasting capital ($1121 million).
#2 Real Madrid
Current Value: $4.088 B
After an anaemic domestic performance, Real Madrid drew curtains over the season with an awe-inspiring 3rd consecutive Champions League trophy, 4th in the last five years.
Los Blancos have moved up the list of the most valuable football clubs as compared to last year from the 3rd spot to the 2nd.
At the minute, they have a total value of $4,088 milion with a paltry 2% net debt value. The revenue and operating income of the club are reckoned at $735 million and $94 million respectively.
The club boasts a commercial revenue of $1266 million followed by the broadcasting revenue which is computed to be $1194 million.
#1 Manchester United
Current Value: $4.123 B
In defiance of a majorly disappointing season, Manchester United have topped the Forbes' list for the second successive year.
Last year, the Red Devils' value was calculated to be $3.69 billion which has secured an increment of 12%.
Nonetheless, they have the second-highest net debt value on this list of 18%, only a per cent less than Tottenham Hotspur.
The club also has the highest operating income of $254 million and a revenue of $737 million.
Their nonpareil valuation is mainly a consequence of $1374 million worth of commercial revenue and $1146 million worth of broadcasting revenue.
