This is a great moment to be a football fan in your recliner. The selection of matchups has never been greater. The UEFA Champions League, a competition for the top teams in Europe, broadcast eighteen games simultaneously on January 29.
Being a member of a football team is much more exciting now. In the 2023–24 season, the top 20 earners generated a record €11 billion ($12 billion) in total income, according to professional services firm Deloitte. Top-seeded Real Madrid, up more than a quarter from the previous season, were the first team to earn €1 billion in a year.Â
Previously there was a strong link between the team achievements on the field and its income. However, this relationship has been weakening. Despite years of unsatisfying results, Manchester United is still in the top five earners according to Deloitte. Clubs have learned to generate revenue outside of football. For example they change their stadium fields In order to accommodate sports like American football and boxing without damaging the field grass. Taylor Swift performed in various stadiums in Europe from Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu to Liverpool’s Anfield.
Players however apparently are standing behind compared to 10 years ago. The highest-paid player at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé, is said to make roughly €45 million a season, which is a huge amount of money. But if you consider that Cristiano Ronaldo supposedly earned the same amount at Real ten years ago, you realize the player’s income is not keeping pace with the clubs. However, it is a bit judgemental maybe the market is assessing that Cristiano Ronaldo was a better player worth a higher salary. Anyway, the players’ paychecks are still much heftier than a few decades ago. The legendary English player from the 1980s, Gary Lineker, recently revealed his first contract. He was paid £100, every week.
Source: Economist
