Forbes. Real Madrid is the most valuable sport team in the world
Sport
Real Madrid fans have a bit to celebrate these days. In March the Spanish soccer juggernaut narrowly beat Manchester United, knocking them out of the world’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League. And now they’ve beaten them in business as well.
After more than eight years delivering the highest revenues of any soccer club in the world, once again topping the $600 million mark last season, Real Madrid bested ManU to land atop FORBES’ list of most valuable soccer teams this year. With a value we estimate at $3.3 billion–versus $3.17 billion for ManU–Real is also now the most valuable sports franchise in the world.
The club has thrived under the leadership of Florentino Perez, the billionaire construction tycoon who turbocharged the team’s revenue growth during his ten years as president. He seldom speaks to the press and declined to talk to FORBES, but his strategy is well known: Pay a lot of money for top talent, win a lot and expand all lines of business.


















































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