The World’s Top 5 Richest Soccer Clubs

Soccer proved to be the only sport that wasn’t affected by the economic downturn, and in fact various clubs showed a growth in revenues. Real Madrid earned a record revenue of €401.4 million. The clubs fought hard to earn more and more, with English clubs facing problems to keep up with other clubs as the euro and pound fell 11% and 17% respectively as compared to dollar during the period June 2008 to June 2009. Here we take a look at the soccer scoreboards top 5 richest soccer clubs in the World today.

1. Real Madrid
It seems like Real Madrid never experienced the recession. It earned its all time highest revenue of €401.4 million last year. For the fifth consecutive year, Real Madrid has been the largest revenue generating club. Despite having a disappointing season, Real Madrid managed to increase its revenue by 10%, by broadcasting income. Real Madrid is considered by many as being the number one soccer club in the world and features great players such as Kaka from Brazil, Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, and Iker Casillas from Spain who is the captain of the team.

2. FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona is a Spanish club which has moved from number 3 to number 2 on the list of the world’s richest soccer clubs. It earned €365.9 million last year. Barcelona took over Manchester United’s rank at number 2 as it won the Champions League. It increased its revenue by €57 million over the year before. It had an amazing season last year and features some of the great upcoming players such as the Hero of the 2010 World Cup for Spain, David Villa, and the man without whom Spain would perhaps not have been able to win the World Cup, Andres Iniesta. Apart from these two players, the one and only Lionel Messi of Argentina is also an integral part of Barcelona.

3. Manchester United
Manchester united slipped from number 2 to number 3 on the list of the world’s richest soccer clubs. Being an English club, they experienced a decline in their earnings due to the devaluation of the euro and pound against the dollar. They earned €327 million last year. The club features one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Edwin van der Sar of the Netherlands, and England’s famous forward, Wayne Rooney.

4. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is a German soccer club and is ranked fourth in this list. It earned €289.5 million last year. Being a German club it features many German players and a few international stars such as Ribery of France.

5. Arsenal
Arsenal climbed to number 5 from number 6 on this list and replaced their London rivals, Chelsea. It earned €263 million last year. Being an English club, Arsenal also faced the same problem as Manchester United but still they both have managed to remain in the top 5. It features players like the great Cesc Fabregas of Spain who is the captain of Arsenal, and Arsavin, the Russian scamp.

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