By David Gold
April 23 – Manchester United are the world’s most valuable football club, according to Forbes’ latest magazine.
They published their list of the top 20 most valuable clubs in world football, with Real Madrid in second place and Arsenal in third.
Sports Business writer for Forbes Peter Schwartz said of Manchester United: “The club has really established itself as one of the top brands in world sport.
“New kit deals and great marketing has seen them maintain their status despite all the problems of the global recession.”
The most significant change in the value of the clubs on the list was an average operating income increase of $40 million (£24 million), some 25 per cent.
David Beckham leads the way in the player’s list of highest earners, making $40 million (£24 million) a year.
Christiano Ronaldo, who last week scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, makes $38 million (£23 million).
Barcelona’s Argentine superstar and the reigning Ballon D’Or Lionel Messi is in third place, with $32 million (£19 million).
World’s most valuable clubs
1. Manchester United $1,864 million (£1,129 million)
2. Real Madrid $1,451 million (£879 million)
3. Arsenal $1,192 million (£722 million)
4. Bayern Munich $1,048 million (£635 million)
5. Barcelona $975 million (£591 million)
World’s highest paid footballers
1. David Beckham (LA Galaxy) $40 million (£24 million)
2. Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) $38 million (£23 million)
3. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) $32 million (£19 million)
4. Ricardo Kaka (Real Madrid) $25 million (£15 million)
5. Ronaldinho (Flamengo) $24 million (£14 million)
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