Real Madrid has solidified its status as the most valuable soccer club in the world, showcasing its financial prowess during its recent annual shareholder meeting. The team presented an ambitious budget projecting revenue for the 2025-26 season at €1.25 billion (approximately $1.44 billion), aiming to surpass last season’s record of €1.18 billion ($1.36 billion). This upward trajectory indicates not only the club’s economic strength but also its ability to capitalize on various revenue streams.
Club president Florentino Pérez outlined plans to maximize this value through the potential sale of up to 10% of the club’s stake. “Why should we take this step?” Pérez questioned in his address to shareholders. “It is the clearest way to demonstrate the club’s value. The willingness of investors to pay a substantial amount for a minor stake is a significant endorsement of Real Madrid’s worth.”
Pérez has indicated an extraordinary meeting will be called soon to elaborate on establishing a subsidiary that will allow for a minority stake sale, limited to no more than 10% ownership. Currently, Real Madrid operates under a unique structure where its ownership spans across 100,000 socios, mirroring the nonprofit models prevalent in other top Spanish clubs such as Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, and Osasuna.
According to a recent valuation by Sportico, Real Madrid is worth $6.53 billion, putting it ahead of Manchester United by $440 million. However, Pérez believes the club’s true worth is closer to €10 billion ($11.5 billion). Notably, Apollo Sports Capital recently acquired a majority stake in Atlético Madrid for €2.2 billion ($2.55 billion), marking it as the second-highest sales figure in soccer history, following Chelsea’s $3.16 billion sale to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital in 2022.
Real Madrid is also in partnership with private equity giant Sixth Street, previously engaging in a deal for a portion of stadium revenue related to the Bernabéu renovation project, which has seen €360 million invested to fund construction over a span of 20 years. This kind of strategic financial planning illustrates the club’s commitment to ensuring its long-term viability and attractiveness.
As the club gears up for the 2025-26 season, projected financial gains are attributed largely to the completion of the monumental $1.6 billion stadium renovation. The expectation is for stadium revenue to soar by 23% to reach $463 million. Additionally, revenue generated from various club operations, including the museum/tour and RM Experience segments, is forecasted to rise by 31%, alongside a 13% uplift in VIP seating revenue. Notably, the Bernabéu recently hosted the NFL’s inaugural game in Spain, further diversifying its revenue sources.
On the other hand, broadcast revenues are estimated to remain stagnant at $189 million, while income from international and friendly matches is projected to drop by 34% to $163 million, largely due to the Club World Cup’s revenue accounting and the cancellation of the preseason tour for 2025-26. Nevertheless, marketing remains Real Madrid’s most lucrative revenue avenue, with expectations of a 7% increase, bringing it to a forecasted $621 million.
The financial outlook also accounts for the women’s soccer team, which is projected to generate $14.2 million, with a considerable 83% derived from sponsorships and marketing. This insight reflects the growing recognition and investment in women’s sports, particularly within established organizations like Real Madrid.
Overall, Real Madrid anticipates that for the 2025-26 season, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) will stand at $317 million. In terms of net profit, a more modest figure of $11.6 million is expected after accounting for significant non-cash expenses relating to depreciation and amortization.
Remarkably, Real Madrid hit a milestone by achieving $1 billion in revenue for the first time in the 2023-24 season, joining an exclusive group including the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Barcelona. Additionally, Bayern Munich has also reported reaching the $1 billion benchmark ahead of transfer income this month, signifying a competitive landscape among elite global sports entities.
