Soccer remains the world’s most popular sport, and its top clubs are generating enormous valuations and revenues across multiple continents.
According to CNBC’s 2026 soccer valuations, the top 10 ranked teams are all based in Europe, reflecting the continent’s continued financial dominance in the sport.
Real Madrid leads the entire list at a valuation of $7.5 billion, with Barcelona sitting second at $6.4 billion in the La Liga-dominated top two positions.
Manchester United ranks third overall at $6.3 billion, falling one spot from last year while still leading all Premier League clubs on the list.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea also feature in the top 10, giving the Premier League six representatives among the world’s most valuable clubs.
Arsenal recorded the biggest one-year value jump in the entire top 10, growing by 20%, while London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea each dropped by 4%.
Bayern Munich at $5.35 billion and Paris Saint-Germain at $5.3 billion complete the top 10, representing Germany and France respectively.
Major League Soccer makes its first appearance in the top 15, with Inter Miami entering at No. 14 after recording a remarkable 60% growth to reach a valuation of $1.6 billion.
CNBC senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian credited Inter Miami’s surge to a new stadium and record-breaking revenue potential driven by 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 explained how Messi’s unique contractual arrangements, including stock options, reflect broader MLS financial structures that help clubs grow in value.
“He’s been given some stock options with the team as part of his contract,” Ozanian said, adding that the league covering player costs is “one of the reasons why this year we have seven MLS teams on the list.”
Ozanian noted that this growth comes “despite the fact that their revenue is nowhere near the level of European football teams,” highlighting just how significant MLS momentum has become.
NYCFC follows Inter Miami at No. 15 with a valuation of $1.55 billion, making the two clubs the highest-ranked American teams on the entire list.
LAFC comes in at No. 18 valued at $1.3 billion, with the LA Galaxy close behind at No. 19 with a valuation of $1.2 billion.
Atlanta United, Austin FC and Columbus Crew round out the MLS contingent, ranked at No. 23 ($1 billion), No. 24 ($910 million) and No. 26 ($900 million) respectively.
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