Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous footballers of all time, and two of the clubs he played for, Real Madrid and Manchester United, have now been named among the richest and most valuable football clubs in the world. According to the latest rankings these five clubs top the list for their massive revenue, brand value, and fan base. Let’s take a look at the top five valuable football clubs in the world in 2025:
1. Real Madrid – $6.75 Billion
- Country: Spain
- Revenue (2023-24): Over $1.13 billion (first club ever to cross the €1B mark)
- Owner: Club members (Socios)
- Cristiano Ronaldo played here: 2009 to 2018
Real Madrid holds the top spot as the most valuable football club in the world. The club’s success on the field, including multiple UEFA Champions League titles, and off the field with strong sponsorships and global fan support, keeps it at the top. Ronaldo’s nine-year spell helped Real grow commercially and globally.
2. Manchester United – $6.6 Billion
- Country: England
- Revenue (2023-24): Around $834 million
- Owner: INEOS (Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s group) and co-owned by Glazer family
- Cristiano Ronaldo played here: 2003-2009 and 2021-2022
Manchester United comes in second. Known for its rich history and worldwide popularity, the club has a huge fan base in Asia, Africa, and the US. Ronaldo played a key role in building United’s global appeal, especially during his first spell. Even today, Ronaldo’s return in 2021 boosted their shirt sales and social media numbers.
3. FC Barcelona – $5.65 Billion
- Country: Spain
- Revenue (2023-24): Around $821 million
- Owner: Club members (Socios)
- Ronaldo played here: Never
Even though Ronaldo never played for Barcelona, the club remains one of the biggest names in football. With global stars like Lionel Messi in its history and one of the strongest fan bases in the world, Barcelona continues to perform well financially. Their El Clásico rivalry with Real Madrid brings huge media attention and income.
4. Liverpool – $5.4 Billion
- Country: England
- Revenue (2023-24): $773 Million
- Owner: Fenway Sports Group
- Ronaldo played here: Never
Liverpool ranks fourth in terms of club value. The club has grown massively in recent years thanks to success in the Premier League and Champions League. Under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool has increased its commercial revenue and expanded Anfield stadium. Their strong fan following across the world continues to boost their financial position.
5. Manchester City – $5.3 Billion
- Country: England
- Revenue (2023-24): Around $901 million
- Owner: City Football Group (Sheikh Mansour)
- Ronaldo played here: Never
Manchester City has seen a swift rise in value in recent years. Thanks to consistent wins in the Premier League and their first Champions League title, City is now a global football powerhouse. Huge investments, smart marketing, and a strong squad have brought them into the top five.
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former clubs, Real Madrid and Manchester United, still sit at the top of the football world in terms of value and revenue. His time at these clubs helped increase their global popularity and financial success. Meanwhile, clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester City, continue to grow and compete closely, showing that football today is not just a game, it’s a billion-dollar global business.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
