Soccer remains the world’s most popular sport, and its top clubs continue to post staggering valuations according to CNBC’s 2026 rankings.
Real Madrid leads all teams globally with a valuation of $7.5 billion, while Barcelona follows closely behind in second place at $6.4 billion.
The Premier League dominates the top 10, placing six clubs among the world’s most valuable soccer franchises in 2026.
Manchester United ranks third overall at $6.3 billion, falling one position from last year while still leading all other English clubs on the list.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea also feature in the top 10, completing a strong showing for English football.
Arsenal recorded the biggest value jump in the entire top 10, posting a 20% one-year change, while Tottenham and Chelsea each declined by 4%.
Bayern Munich at $5.35 billion and Paris Saint-Germain at $5.3 billion round out the top 10 alongside their European rivals.
Major League Soccer makes its first appearance inside the top 15, with Inter Miami entering at number 14 with a valuation of $1.6 billion.
CNBC senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian attributed Inter Miami’s 60% growth over the past year largely to the presence of Lionel Messi.
“They have a new stadium, they’re going to have by far the most revenue in the history of Major League Soccer,” Ozanian said.
Ozanian also noted that Messi’s contract includes stock options with the team, reflecting a unique arrangement tied to his status as a marquee star.
“Speaking of Lionel Messi, he’s given a certain exemption for a star like that and sort of the way he gets paid,” Ozanian said.
“He’s been given some stock options with the team as part of his contract,” Ozanian added, explaining how league cost-sharing on player salaries supports overall club valuations.
Ozanian credited that financial structure as a key reason why MLS produced seven entries on this year’s list despite revenue levels far below European clubs.
NYCFC sits at number 15 with a $1.55 billion valuation, while LAFC and LA Galaxy follow at numbers 18 and 19, valued at $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion respectively.
Atlanta United checks in at number 23 with a $1 billion valuation, with Austin FC at number 24 at $910 million and Columbus Crew at number 26 at $900 million.
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