The balance of power in European football has shifted once again after a record-breaking summer transfer window, with seven clubs now boasting squads valued at more than €1 billion.
The surge marks a dramatic rise from just three sides surpassing that threshold last year, underlining how spending and on-pitch success continue to reshape the financial hierarchy of the sport.
According to Sportingpedia’s latest analysis, Real Madrid remain the world’s most valuable squad at €1.4 billion, cementing their status as football’s leading financial powerhouse despite falling short of silverware. The Spanish giants spent €167.5 million on new signings this summer and recouped just €2 million in sales, underlining their aggressive pursuit of talent.
Premier League dominance
English clubs continue to dominate the valuations. Arsenal’s meteoric rise has seen their squad value jump €160 million to €1.33 billion, thanks to a second-place league finish and a Champions League semi-final run. The Gunners were among the summer’s biggest spenders, investing nearly €294 million.
Manchester City, while still worth €1.22 billion, saw their squad value dip €40 million after a disappointing Champions League campaign. Liverpool, however, surged to €1.12 billion after lifting the Premier League title and making significant squad investments worth nearly €482 million – a gamble that delivered immediate rewards.
Chelsea also crossed the billion mark for the first time, reaching €1.08 billion after winning the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup. Their high-volume transfer model continued, with more than €328 million spent and €332 million recouped.
Elsewhere in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed the biggest increase, adding €237 million in value after winning their first Champions League trophy with a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan. Their squad is now worth €1.12 billion.
Barcelona also stormed back into the financial elite, climbing €235 million to €1.11 billion following a domestic treble. Remarkably, the Catalans achieved this without heavy spending, and their resurgence has been symbolised by the rise of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, now the world’s most valuable player at €200 million.
Bayern Munich remain outside the billion-euro club, with their squad valued at €907.5 million, while Tottenham Hotspur rose to €891.1 million after a Europa League triumph – their first European trophy in decades.
By contrast, Manchester United endured a disastrous campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League and tumbling out of European competition. Their squad value has dropped by more than €109 million to €748.2 million, despite heavy spending of €250 million.
Italian giants and rising challengers
Italy’s Inter Milan climbed to €707.8 million after reaching the Champions League final, while Juventus, AC Milan and Napoli all saw valuations decline after underwhelming seasons. Napoli, despite lifting the Serie A title under Antonio Conte, slipped slightly to €496.35 million.
Among the Premier League’s rising challengers, Newcastle United grew to €659 million after securing Champions League football, while Nottingham Forest made a surprise leap to €589 million following a strong domestic campaign.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Atletico Madrid rose to €627.8 million, while Brighton & Hove Albion, despite a dip in league form, remain among Europe’s top 20 most valuable squads at €484.1 million.
The 2025 valuations underline how concentrated financial power has become in football. Just seven clubs – Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, PSG, Barcelona and Chelsea – now make up the billion-euro elite, with each continuing to push the market to new heights.
For others, including Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus, the report highlights how on-pitch struggles can quickly erode value, even amid heavy investment.
Read more:
The most valuable football squads in 2025: seven clubs now worth over €1bn as Real Madrid stay top
