Real Madrid Sets Record as First Football Club to Surpass €1 Billion in Revenue
Real Madrid has made history by becoming the first football club to generate over €1 billion in revenue during a single season. The club’s impressive financial milestone for the 2023-2024 season highlights their dominance on and off the field.
According to Deloitte’s Football Money League report, Real Madrid recorded €1.046 billion in revenue, with much of the growth tied to the transformation of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Renovations doubled match-day income to €248 million, giving fans a revamped stadium experience.
Commercial revenue also saw a significant boost, increasing by 19%, thanks to new sponsorship deals and a surge in merchandise sales. The club’s success on the pitch, winning the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup, further enhanced their global appeal.
Theo Ajadi, assistant director at Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, noted, “Surpassing €1 billion is a landmark achievement in club football. Real Madrid’s stadium redevelopment, coupled with strategic licensing and sponsorships, has been pivotal to this financial success.”
Financial Giants of Football
Trailing behind Real Madrid in revenue rankings, Manchester City secured the second spot with €838 million, while Paris Saint-Germain came third with €806 million. Manchester United and Bayern Munich rounded out the top five, generating €771 million and €660 million, respectively.
The revenue gap between Real Madrid and Manchester City is the largest ever recorded in the 28-year history of Deloitte’s list, underscoring Madrid’s financial leadership.
European Clubs Achieve Record Revenues
Collectively, European football clubs reached a record-breaking €11.2 billion in revenue, a 6% increase from the previous season. The Premier League retained its financial dominance, with nine clubs ranking in the top 20.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea all secured top-10 positions, while teams like Newcastle, West Ham, and Aston Villa also contributed to the league’s financial strength.
Ajadi highlighted the Premier League’s influence, stating, “The league’s media rights remain unmatched, driving its financial power and enabling clubs to invest heavily for success in Europe.”
This milestone reaffirms Real Madrid’s position as a global leader in football, setting the standard for financial and competitive excellence.
