Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp has resulted in their value rising to £1.143 billion, according to the latest edition of the Brand Finance Football Annual.The Reds, who are the reigning champions of England, Europe and the world, are up to fourth in the worldwide rankings and have closed the gap to Manchester United.The Red Devils were replaced as the world’s most valuable football brand by Real Madrid in 2019, and they’ve suffered another fall this year.Their value currently stands at £1.190bn, which is just £47m ahead of Liverpool.Four more English sides join them in the top 10, with Tottenham Hotspur climbing to ninth after a £23.5m rise in value.
All clubs have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic, although Brand Finance admit the longer-term damage to the sport’s economic structure has yet to be revealed.“As well as players experiencing wage cuts, the full impact on sponsors, the transfer market, and broadcasting rights will only emerge in the aftermath of the global lockdown,” their report reads.But for now, clubs can boast remarkable valuations. And for the second straight year, Real Madrid take No.1 spot.Top 10 most valuable football brands10. ArsenalValue: £651m
Percentage rise or fall: 18.8 per cent -
Value rise/fall from 2019: £150m fall
9. Tottenham HotspurValue: £710m
Percentage rise or fall: 3.3 per cent +
Value rise/fall from 2019: £23.5m rise
8. ChelseaValue: £859m
Percentage rise or fall: 1.9 per cent -
Value rise/fall from 2019: £17m fall
7. Paris Saint-GermainValue: £876m
Percentage rise or fall: 5.8 per cent +
Value rise/fall from 2019: £48m rise
6. Bayern MunichValue: £957m
Percentage rise or fall: 19.6 per cent -
Value rise/fall from 2019: £233m fall
5. Manchester CityValue: £1.018bn
Percentage rise or fall: 10.4 per cent -
Value rise/fall from 2019: £118m fall
4. LiverpoolValue: £1.143bn
Percentage rise or fall: 6 per cent +
Value rise/fall from 2019: £64.3m rise
3. Manchester UnitedValue: £1.190bn
Percentage rise or fall: 10.7 per cent -
Value rise/fall from 2019: £143m fall
2. BarcelonaValue: £1.280bn
Percentage rise or fall: 1.4 per cent +
Value rise/fall from 2019: £18.1m rise
1. Real MadridValue: £1.286bn
Percentage rise or fall: 13.8 per cent -
Value rise/fall from 2019: £205m fall
So Real Madrid retain top spot, despite a staggering £205m fall in value.
Brand Finance claim the reason for the drop is Los Blancos’ disappointing 2018/19 season, in which the club finished third in La Liga and crashed out of the Champions League at the round of 16.
“The situation was exacerbated by COVID-19, along with a lack of stability around the management of the team,” the report reads.
But a league title win will sit well with the Real Madrid board.
Liverpool were sixth in the 2019 report and don’t be surprised if they’re ever closer to the top when the 2021 list comes out next year.
They’re only heading upwards under Klopp.