Manchester United have topped Deloitte’s Football Money League for the second year running, topping the rich list ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Mirror’s Simon Bird relayed the list from the accounting organisation, with United retaining top spot for revenue generated in the 2016-17 season despite playing their European football in the UEFA Europa League rather than the more lucrative UEFA Champions League.
Here are the top 20 clubs, all of whom reside in Europe:
1. Manchester United, £581.2 million (up from £515.3 million in 2015-16)
2. Real Madrid, £579.7 million (£463.8 million)
3. Barcelona, £557.1 million (£463.8 million)
4. Bayern Munich, £505.1 million (£442.7 million)
5. Manchester City, £453.5 million (£392.6 million)
6. Arsenal, £419 million (£350.4 million)
7. Paris Saint-Germain, £417.8 million (£389.6 million)
8. Chelsea, £367.8 million (£334.6 million)
9. Liverpool, £364.5 million (£302 million)
10. Juventus, £348.6 million (£253.5 million)
11. Tottenham Hotspur, £305.6 million (£209.2 million)
12. Borussia Dortmund, £285.8 million (£212.3 million)
13. Atletico Madrid, £234.2 million (£171 million)
14. Leicester City, £233 million (£128.7 million)
15. Inter Milan, £225.2 million (£134 million)
16. Schalke, £197.8 million (£167.9 million)
17. West Ham United, £183.3 million (£143.8 million)
18. Southampton, £182.3 million (£124.3 million)
19. Napoli, £172.5 million (£107.8 million)
20. Everton, £171.2 million (£121.5 million)
The top 20 earned a combined revenue of £6.8 billion, with half of them comprised of Premier League clubs who benefit from the record £3.8 billion broadcasting deal, which have been included in the figures for the first time.
United had announced their finances for 2016-17 in September, per Rob Harris of the Associated Press:
According to Deloitte (h/t Bird), the Red Devils were only able to retain top spot by winning the Europa League, which netted them £44 million.
Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said:
“At the top, we’ve seen the closest ever battle for the top spot, with Manchester United pipping Real Madrid to retain their title of the highest revenue generating club in the world.
“United’s ability to retain first position is all the more impressive against the backdrop of the weakened pound against the euro, and with both Real Madrid and Barcelona forecasting further revenue growth in 2017/18, the battle at the top will likely come down to on-pitch performance again next year.
“With all three clubs through to the Round of 16 of the Champions League, it may be as simple as the club that goes furthest in the competition will have the best chance of topping the Money League next year.”
AC Milan failed to feature in the top 20 for the first time, while PSG are France’s only representatives, despite Monaco winning Ligue 1 and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
The remaining nine spots are divided equally between La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga, with three representatives apiece.
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credit: Bleacherreport