Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In 2025, the combined value of the brands of the 50 leading football clubs worldwide increased compared to the previous year, according to a new report by Brand Finance. Experts note that brand value and strength have become key factors in a club’s success, both on and off the field.

“A strong and valuable brand generates revenue through sponsorships, merchandising, and global fan engagement, while also attracting top players and investment, helping clubs withstand fluctuations related to on-field results,” the Brand Finance report states.

Real Madrid retained its position as the most valuable football brand in the world. Its brand value grew by 14% to €1.9 billion, despite the absence of major trophies in the 2024/25 season.

Second place went to Barcelona (€1.7 billion, +11%), which enjoyed a triumphant season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Super Cup.

Manchester City fell to third place (–11% to €1.4 billion) after a less successful season by their standards. The top five are rounded out by Liverpool (€1.4 billion, +2%) and Paris Saint-Germain (€1.4 billion, +13%), which became the 2025 UEFA Champions League winners.

The top ten also include Bayern Munich (€1.3 billion, +1%), Manchester United (€1.2 billion, –11%), Arsenal (€1.2 billion, +21%), Chelsea (€961 million, +15%), and Tottenham Hotspur (€798 million, –8%).

The English Premier League remains the most commercially successful: its ten clubs collectively are worth €8.2 billion — 37% of the total value of the top 50 brands. The value is distributed relatively evenly across several teams, distinguishing it from other leading leagues.

In La Liga, 70% of the total value is concentrated in Real Madrid and Barcelona (€5.2 billion), in the Bundesliga Bayern Munich is the clear leader, and in France’s Ligue 1, PSG (€1.4 billion) is more than seven times more valuable than its nearest competitor, Olympique de Marseille (€197 million).

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal is the strongest brand in the Middle East (BSI 80.8/100, AAA- rating), followed by Al-Ittihad (76.8), Al-Nassr (75.6), and Al-Ahli (72.7). For all top clubs, domestic brand perception exceeds international perception; for example, Al-Hilal scores 92.1/100 domestically versus 57.9/100 abroad.

In the UAE, Al-Ain leads (69.9), followed by Al-Wasl (61.7) and Shabab Al-Ahli (60.9).

Brand Finance emphasizes that the growing concentration of brand value in the hands of a few clubs widens the gap between the global football elite and others. In modern football, a brand is no longer merely a reflection of sporting achievements but a necessary condition for attaining them.