Brand Finance, an international brand valuation and strategy company, periodically releases a power ranking of the most valued football clubs in the world.
Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have been regular fixtures on this list ever since they started releasing the reports back in 2010.
In the most recent edition of Brand Finance’s Power Rankings, Real Madrid have pipped Manchester City to become the world’s most valuable football club, reports SPORT.
The reigning Spanish champions are currently valued at a whopping €1.685 billion, which is marginally higher than second-placed Manchester City’s valuation of €1.611 billion.
Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona occupy third place with a valuation of €1.542 billion despite the club’s ongoing economic struggles.
Real Madrid have witnessed a sharp valuation increase of €227 million, which is mostly attributed to the club’s success last season.
Los Blancos secured their 15th Champions League and the league title. The renovation of Santiago Bernabeu should also add value to the club’s overall worth.
Moreover, Real Madrid’s acquisition of star player Kylian Mbappe should easily add at least another €150-200 million to the club’s valuation, though it is unclear whether or not the Frenchman’s acquisition has already been priced in.
One thing is for sure – Real Madrid’s valuation could continue to surge in the coming years as the club look to further enhance the economic capacity of Santiago Bernabeu.
The rapid growth of young players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni should also go a long way in helping Los Blancos further enhance their valuation going forward.