Liverpool Overtake Rivals in Deloitte Money League

Liverpool have claimed top spot among English clubs in the 2024 Deloitte Football Money League, generating €836 million (£702m) in revenue. It marks the first time the Reds have out-earned every other Premier League side, including financial powerhouses Manchester United and Manchester City.

While Real Madrid sit atop the global list with €1.2 billion (£1.01bn) in revenue despite not winning La Liga or the Champions League, Liverpool’s domestic triumph last season helped them rise to fifth overall globally, ahead of both Manchester clubs.

Manchester City dropped from second to sixth with €829m (£697m), while Manchester United fell to eighth, their lowest-ever finish in the 29-year history of the Money League, with €793m (£666m) after finishing 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European competitions this season.

Barcelona returned to the global top three with €975m (£819m), despite playing away from the Nou Camp due to renovations, while Bayern Munich (3rd) and PSG (4th) remained ahead of Liverpool.

In total, six English clubs made the global top 10:

• Liverpool (5th)

• Man City (6th)

• Arsenal (7th)

• Man Utd (8th)

• Tottenham (9th)

• Chelsea (10th)

Elsewhere in the top 20 were Aston Villa (14th), Newcastle United (17th), and West Ham United (20th).

What’s Driving the Growth?

The top 20 clubs generated a record €12.4bn (£10.4bn) in revenue, up 11% from the previous year.

• Commercial revenue grew to €5.3bn (£4.5bn) thanks to better use of stadiums on non-matchdays, rising sponsorships, and retail success.

• Matchday income rose by 16% to €2.4bn (£2bn), the fastest-growing revenue stream.

• Broadcast income also saw a 10% increase, boosted by expanded tournaments like the Club World Cup in the U.S.

Revenue vs. Reality:

Deloitte’s Tim Bridge warned that balancing financial growth and player welfare is critical, with fixture congestion rising sharply due to new competitions. Players union Fifpro has already taken legal action against FIFA over schedule demands.

“A balance must be struck between revenue optimisation and protecting both the value of the on-field product and player welfare,” said Bridge.

Despite the financial boost, some big names like Manchester United face further declines due to early cup exits and no European football, adding pressure on their long-term revenue stability.