Top 5 Richest Soccer Clubs in the World: Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid, But Who's No. 1?

By Catherine Maximo, CP Contributor Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Soccer has been a household term for as long as anyone can remember and since it has brought entertainment to every level, there's no wonder that it is a source of riches to the teams successful enough to be the major names of the said sport.

Total Sportek has released their list of the Richest Football Teams in the world for 2016 last January and we are counting down on the top 5.

5. Manchester City - $1.37 billion

With last year's revenue of $562m and value of $1.37 billion, UK's Manchester City. They went up from being 7^{th last year.}

4. FC Bayern Munich - $2.34 billion

Munich's team had a revenue of $661m last year, consistent for 2 years as fourth of the wealthiest team in the world. During the German league, the team's members had the highest wage bill. According to a report, €55 million was spent to have four players transferred in the summer of 2015, all to bring more strong forces to the team.

3. Manchester United - $3.10 billion

Coming in at number 3 is Manchester United with the revenue of $703 Million last year and value of $3.10 billion. According to a Total Sportek Report, the club is second to the highest wage bill in the premier league amounting to £203M yearly.

2. FC Barcelona - $3.17 billion

Second to the highest earning soccer team is Catalonia, Spain's proud FC Barcelona. They are considered one of the most known teams in modern history and rightfully so, for they have the football superstars Suarez, Messi and Neymar. They had $657m for last year's revenue.

1. Real Madrid - $3.26 billion

Ever since they've surpassed Manchester as the richest team in the soccer world, Real Madrid have held the title for quite a number of years now. The good combo of being the most successful team in the world and the great marketing display of the club makes them the most valuable of all with $746m as revenue for last year.

Wealth comes in on Clubs in terms of Matchday Revenue, Broadcasting Revenue and Commercial Revenue, as explain by BusinessOfSoccer.com. Matchday Revenue refers to the gate passes that are sold for watching the games live. Broadcasting Revenue come in for both domestic and international coverage of the games and events. Lastly, Sponsorships and Merchandize comprises the Commercial revenue of each team, which is understandable to bring in hard cash for the well known soccer superstars.