Real Madrid Becomes First Football Club to Surpass €1 Billion in Revenue

By Evans Momodu
3 minute digest

Real Madrid has made football history, becoming the first club to generate more than €1 billion (£845 million) in revenue during a single year, according to Deloitte's Football Money League.

The Spanish giants, who reclaimed the top spot from Manchester City, achieved this milestone following an exceptional 2023/24 season, where they won both LaLiga and the Champions League.

Key Financial Highlights from Real Madrid’s Record Year

1. Matchday Revenue Surge:

   • Renovations to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium played a pivotal role, leading to matchday revenues doubling to €248 million (£209 million).

2. Commercial Revenue Growth:

   • A 19% increase in commercial revenue brought in €482 million (£407 million), driven by:
     • A lucrative sleeve sponsorship deal with HP.
     • Increased merchandise sales.

3. Total Revenue:

   • Real Madrid's €1.045 billion (£883 million) in revenue far surpassed Manchester City’s €837 million (£707 million), the second-place finisher.

Deloitte’s Top 10 Football Money League Rankings (2023/24)

1. Real Madrid: €1,045m (£883m)
2. Manchester City: €837m (£707m)
3. Paris Saint-Germain: €805m (£680m)
4. Manchester United: €770m (£650m)
5. Bayern Munich: €646m (£646m)
6. Barcelona: €642m (£642m)
7. Arsenal: €726m (£605m)
8. Liverpool: €603m (£603m)
9. Tottenham Hotspur: €519m (£519m)
10. Chelsea: €460m (£460m)

Key Insights from the Rankings

• English Clubs Dominate: Six of the top ten spots were occupied by Premier League clubs, showcasing the league's financial dominance.
• European Success Crucial: Deloitte noted that participation in UEFA competitions is critical for club revenues. For instance, Juventus dropped from 11th to 16th after being excluded from European fixtures due to financial fair play breaches.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s record-breaking season highlights the growing financial potential of top-tier football clubs, especially with the right combination of on-field success, strategic sponsorships, and infrastructural investments. With these milestones, Real Madrid has further cemented its place as a global football powerhouse.
Source: Sky news