The World’s Most Valuable Soccer Teams

 

David Beckham

In our latest look at the fortunes of professional soccer Manchester United is once again on top, the most valuable franchise in football, and in all of professional sports, at $1.86 billion. Number two? Real Madrid with a value of $1.4 billion. Arsenal, at $1.19 billion is number three.
Overall, the average value of the 20 clubs on our list increased to $640 million, up 1.3% over last year. More impressive: Average operating income rose 25% to $40 million.
It was an equally good year for the top players on the pitch, even if they’re not doing much playing anymore. Once again David Beckham leads the way, earning $40 million. Beckham is in the twilight of his career, but he continues to be a marketing force, adding Pepsi and Electronic Arts to his enviable endorsement stable in the last year.
Christiano Ronaldo, of Real Madrid is right behind him with $38 million in earnings, and Lionel Messi is third with $32 million.