Record Revenue: Real Madrid Overtakes Manchester City in the 2022-23 Season
In a financial triumph, Real Madrid has secured the top spot in revenue earnings for the 2022-23 season, surpassing Manchester City. The renowned Deloitte Football Money League, a UK-based analytical institution, reports Real Madrid’s ascent to the pinnacle for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Notably, the club’s earnings have surged from €118.8 million in the previous season to a record-breaking €831 million in the current season, solidifying its status as Europe’s most successful club.
Despite falling short in La Liga and facing elimination in the Champions League semifinals against Manchester City last season, Real Madrid has strategically leveraged commercial sales, even amid challenges posed by fan attendance restrictions and the lingering impact of the pandemic.
Manchester City, the reigning treble champions last season, finds itself trailing behind Real Madrid in revenue for the first time. Despite earning a substantial €826.6 million, the club faces the economic aftermath of reduced presence at matches and sponsorship downturns.
The financial landscape of football is evolving, with commercial sales now playing a pivotal role in club revenues. Among the top 20 clubs, 17 have witnessed consistent growth in earnings from commercial operations. Barcelona, earning €800 million, secures the fourth position in the Money League, surpassing its arch-rival Real Madrid in licensing and merchandising income.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the conventional revenue streams, especially matchday earnings, with clubs increasingly reliant on commercial initiatives to bolster financial resilience. Liverpool, despite finishing fifth in the Premier League, achieved notable commercial success, earning €694.2 million, outperforming clubs higher up in the points table.
Manchester United, securing the fourth position in the Premier League, has taken a step closer to reclaiming financial dominance by earning €694.4 million. The intricacies of financial strategy and business acumen are now integral to football clubs’ economic health, demonstrating the industry’s resilience amidst challenging times.