30 most valuable football teams: Where Aston Villa rank compared to Man United, Liverpool, Real Madrid & others

Forbes has released its latest list of the most valuable football clubs in the world, which are now worth a reported average of $2.3 billion (£1.8bn) or 5.1 percent more than 12 months ago. Spanish giants Real Madrid maintain their place at the top of the list for the third year running and eighth time in the last 11 years.

The Forbes list contains the 30 most valuable clubs on the planet, and among them are 12 Premier League outfits, including Aston Villa, who have had another strong season in England’s top flight. Unai Emery guided his side to a fourth-place finish, beating out Tottenham Hotspur for the final spot in the Champions League next season. The Villans will compete in the tournament for the first time since 1983.

Revenue figures in the list reflect proceeds from broadcasting and commercial deals as well as match day events. Team values are measured by equity plus net debut, including the economics of the club stadiums but not the value of the real estate itself. Operating income is also factored in, which consists of earnings before interest, taxes, player trading and others.

The information is sourced from club annual reports, investors, reports from credit rating agencies and sports bankers. Forbes also has its data checked on the annual Deloitte Football Money League report and Swiss Ramble. Take a look below at the Forbes top 30 most valuable football clubs, and where Aston Villa rank.

Real Madrid ($6.6 billion)

Real Madrid is owned by more than 90,000 club members as is enjoying its third year at the top of this eye-watering list. Los Blancos recently agreed personal terms with global superstar Kylian Mbappé, ending the ongoing speculation of where his future lies after PSG.

Manchester United ($6.55 billion)

Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently bought a 27.7 percent share in Manchester United as it looking to spearhead the club into a new era this summer. The Red Devils endured a difficult 2023/24 season and finished eighth in the Premier League but they remain one of the most attractive English destinations for transfers.

Barcelona ($5.6 billion)

Like Real Madrid, Barcelona is 100 percent owned by fans and the two La Liga giants are part of just four clubs in Spain who operate in this way, the others are Athletic Bilbao and CA Osasuna. Similar to their rivals, Barca are a club with a huge pull on the transfer market and have enjoyed signing some of the world’s best players over the years.

Liverpool ($5.37 billion)

Liverpool are headed for a period of transition following the departure of Jurgen Klopp. New manager Arne Slot is preparing for his first transfer window at Anfield and the Reds have been linked with a number of exciting potential signings ahead of the summer.

Manchester City ($5.1 billion)

After another history-making season, Manchester City continue to grab the headlines. Headed up by one of the best managers in the world in Pep Guardiola, they also boast a world-class that just celebrated its fourth consecutive Premier League title — an unrivalled achievement.

Bayern Munich ($5 billion)

Paris Saint-Germain ($4.4 billion)

Tottenham Hotspur ($3.2 billion)

Chelsea ($3.13 billion)

Arsenal ($2.6 billion)

Juventus ($2.05 billion)

Borussia Dortmund ($1.98 billion)

Atlético Madrid ($1.6 billion)

AC Milan ($1.2 billion)

Los Angeles FC ($1.2 billion)

West Ham United ($1.1 billion)

Inter Miami ($1.03 billion)

Inter Milan ($1 billion)

LA Galaxy ($950 million)

Atlanta United FC ($900 million)

New York City FC ($850 million)

Aston Villa ($800 million)

Newcastle United ($795 million)

Fulham ($790 million)

Seattle Sounders ($785 million)

Crystal Palace ($780 million)

DC United ($775 million)

Austin FC ($750 million)

Brighton & Hove Albion ($730 million)

Toronto FC ($725 million)