Real Madrid has once again cemented its status as the financial colossus of world football, topping the 2026 Deloitte Football Money League with a staggering revenue of €1.2 billion (KES 186 billion).

While the Spanish giants retain their global crown, a seismic shift has occurred in the English Premier League. Liverpool FC has surged past traditional financial powerhouses Manchester United and Manchester City to become the highest-earning British club for the first time in history, signaling a changing of the guard in football’s economic hierarchy.

The Anfield Economic Miracle

Liverpool’s rise to fifth place globally—and first in England—is powered by a "perfect storm" of commercial acumen and on-pitch success. The expansion of the Anfield Road Stand has significantly boosted matchday revenue, while their return to the UEFA Champions League and a lucrative new kit deal have poured millions into the club’s coffers.

“This is not just about winning games; it is about maximizing the brand,” explains football finance expert Kieran Maguire. “Liverpool has leveraged its global fanbase and the Anfield experience to overtake Manchester United, a club that has historically been the gold standard for commercialization.”

The top 5 Global Money League Standings (2024/2025 Season):

• 1. Real Madrid: €1.2 Billion (KES 186bn) - Fueled by the renovated Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
• 2. FC Barcelona: €975 Million (KES 151bn) - A remarkable recovery despite playing away from Camp Nou.
• 3. Bayern Munich: €861 Million (KES 133bn) - German efficiency and commercial stability.
• 4. Paris Saint-Germain: €837 Million (KES 129bn) - Boosted by their maiden Champions League title.
• 5. Liverpool FC: €836 Million (KES 129bn) - The new Kings of English football finance.

United’s Fall from Grace

The report makes for grim reading at Old Trafford. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-1)Manchester United has slipped to eighth place globally, their lowest-ever ranking in the 29-year history of the Money League. The lack of consistent Champions League football and a crumbling stadium infrastructure have seen the Red Devils fall behind rivals they once dwarfed financially. Manchester City also slipped, dropping from second to sixth.

The disparity highlights the importance of the new expanded Champions League format. Clubs participating in the elite competition saw significant revenue spikes due to the increased number of matches and richer broadcast rights distributions. For Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham, the message is clear: European qualification is now a financial imperative, not just a sporting one.

“The days of relying solely on history are over,” says Deloitte partner Theo Adaji. “Infrastructure projects like the Bernabéu and Anfield expansions are now the primary drivers of growth. If you aren’t building, you are shrinking.”

As the transfer window heats up, Liverpool’s financial muscle suggests they will be major players, while Manchester United may be forced to sell before they can buy—a sobering reality for a club that once claimed to have no budget limits.