Manchester United ranked third most valuable club at £5.35bn despite European absence

Manchester United have been valued at £5.35 billion by Forbes in the business magazine’s latest annual ranking of the world’s most valuable football clubs, placing them third globally — though they have been overtaken by Barcelona since last year’s report. Real Madrid top the list at £7.06 billion, with Barcelona second at £5.57 billion.

United’s valuation represents an increase from £4.9 billion 12 months ago, a notable rise given the club finished 15th in the Premier League in 2024/25 and did not compete in European football. They had a route into the Champions League via the Europa League, but lost 1-0 to Tottenham in the final.

Liverpool, who won the Premier League title last season, are ranked fourth at £4.61 billion. Paris Saint-Germain have climbed to fifth at £4.31 billion, followed by Bayern Munich in sixth (£4.24bn) and Manchester City in seventh (£4.09bn), the latter dropping two places from last year. Arsenal are eighth at £4.01 billion, Chelsea ninth at £3.12 billion, and Tottenham tenth at £2.23 billion.

The Premier League’s dominance in the rankings is stark. Despite La Liga placing two clubs in the top five, the English top flight has six teams in the top ten and eleven in the top 30, compared to just one additional La Liga side beyond Madrid and Barcelona.

United’s absence from Europe last season was only the second time the club had missed UEFA competition since English clubs returned following a five-year ban in 1990. Ruben Amorim was sacked in January amid tensions with the board, with Michael Carrick appointed on an interim basis. Carrick secured Champions League qualification for the 2025/26 season with three games to spare.

The return to European football carries significant financial weight for the club. United stand to earn up to £100 million through prize money, broadcast revenue, ticket sales, and merchandising, with kit supplier Adidas also set to contribute an additional £10 million. Ineos, who oversee the club’s football operations, regard consistent Champions League qualification as central to United’s long-term financial strategy.