Manchester United named third most valuable football club in the world

Man Utd did not win a trophy this season, but they are still regarded commercially among the world's elite football clubs.

Manchester United have been named the world's third most valuable club behind Real Madrid and Barcelona. United have been overtaken by Barcelona since Forbes published its last report 12 months ago.

Business magazine Forbes publishes an annual list of the world's most valuable football teams, and United have been valued at £5.35billion this year. That represents an increase on last year's valuation of £4.9bn, but the Reds have been overtaken by Barcelona on the list.

Forbes have named Madrid as the world's most valuable club at £7.06bn, while Barcelona are the second at £5.57bn. Both Madrid and Barcelona competed in the Champions League this season, but United did not compete in Europe after finishing 15th in the Premier League in 2024/25.

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Although Madrid and Barcelona sit at the top of the list, La Liga has only one additional club represented among the 30 most valuable teams. In comparison, the Premier League has six teams in the top 10 and 11 in the top 30.

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, and they remain fourth on the list with a valuation of £4.61bn, while Paris Saint-Germain have moved up to fifth with a valuation of £4.31bn.

Bayern Munich are sixth (£4.24bn), while Manchester City are seventh (£4.09bn), dropping down from fifth in last year's report. Arsenal (£4.01bn) are eighth, Chelsea (£3.12bn) are ninth, and Tottenham (£2.23bn) sit 10th.

Last season, United missed out on Europe for only the second time since English clubs returned to UEFA competition after a five-year ban in 1990. The Reds had a chance to qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, but they lost 1-0 to Tottenham in the final.

Ruben Amorim was sacked in January amid rising tensions with the board. Michael Carrick was appointed on an interim basis and secured Champions League qualification for next season with three games to spare.

United could bank up to £100m for returning to Europe's elite competition due to prize money, broadcast revenue, ticket sales and merchandising, while they will receive an extra £10m from their kit supplier, Adidas.

Ineos chiefs understand that regularly qualifying for the Champions League is key to the club's financial future.

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