# Who is richer – Real Madrid or Paris Saint\-Germain?

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/who-is-richer-real-madrid-or-paris-saint-germain/
- Published: 2023-10-22
- Author: Nelson Ayers
- Categories: [Business & Worth](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/worth/)

---

This is a question that more and more football fans are asking themselves. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as two of the richest and most powerful clubs in Europe over the last decade. But when it comes to overall wealth, revenue and valuation – which club ultimately comes out on top?

As a football finance expert, I‘ve dug deep into the numbers, finances and ownership models of both clubs. Based on in-depth research and analysis, my verdict is clear:

**Real Madrid remains the richest football club in 2024, with greater revenue and overall brand value than Paris Saint-Germain.**

Let‘s take a detailed look at why:

## Revenue Comparison

Firstly, Real Madrid clearly tops PSG when we look at how much money the clubs make each year.

For the 2021-2022 season, Real Madrid generated a massive **€713.8 million** in total revenue, according to Deloitte‘s Football Money League report. This saw them ranked #1 in revenue globally.

PSG came in 5th place with revenue of **€654.2 million** – around €60 million behind their Spanish rivals.

| Club | Revenue 2021-22 |
| --- | --- |
| Real Madrid | €713.8 million |
| PSG | €654.2 million |

In fact, Real Madrid has now been the club with the highest annual revenue for five consecutive years. They bring in huge sums from sources like domestic and European competition, broadcasting, commercial partnerships and merchandising.

Their consistent on-field success also ensures global interest and full stadiums – 84,000 fans pack into the Bernabéu for every home match.

## Valuations and Brand Value

Looking beyond only revenue, Real Madrid also surpasses PSG in terms of overall club valuation and brand value.

According to Forbes‘ 2022 estimates, Real Madrid is worth **$5.1 billion** as a club. PSG‘s valuation comes in lower at **$3.2 billion**.

And Real Madrid‘s brand alone is valued by Forbes at **$1.276 billion** – comfortably bigger than PSG‘s brand value of **$1.092 billion**.

Real Madrid has the advantage of decades of history, success and global superstars that have made them into the most popular club in world football. PSG is a relatively new player in comparison, only coming under Qatari ownership in 2011.

But those premium valuations allow Real Madrid greater financial power to invest in players, facilities and partnerships. They are in a stronger economic position than the French club.

## Ownership Differences

The ownership models of the two clubs also impact their wealth and approach.

Real Madrid is member-owned under their ‘socios‘ model – over 90,000 paying members elect the club president. This gives them a real connection to the fans.

In contrast, PSG is owned by the state-backed **Qatar Sports Investments** since 2011. QSI is a subsidiary of Qatar‘s sovereign wealth fund with assets exceeding **$300 billion**.

QSI has injected huge funding into PSG, captured by record-breaking transfers like Neymar and Mbappé costing over €400 million combined.

But Real Madrid‘s member-owned structure has proven just as profitable over a longer period. Member fees, matchday income and commercial deals enabled spending on stars like Ronaldo, Zidane and Beckham before PSG came onto the scene.

## Transfer Spending Differences

The ownership models have led to differing transfer strategies between the clubs:

- Real Madrid focus on marquee signings like Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard and Brazilian youngsters Rodrygo and Vinicius Jnr.
- PSG has splashed massive money on ready-made superstars like Neymar, Messi and Mbappé to quickly establish themselves as a top club.

For example, PSG spent €222 million on Neymar in 2017 – more than double the €100 million that Real Madrid paid for Gareth Bale in 2013 as the most expensive player ever at the time.

But Real‘s recent strategy has seen less blockbuster signings and more investment into youth like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Valverde and Camavinga.

This likely gives them greater long-term sustainability. PSG‘s wealth affords them the luxury of 2022 signings like Messi (free transfer) and Mbappé (rejected Real‘s offer) to build a dream team instantly.

## On-Field Success and Global Fanbase

When it comes to historical success, Real Madrid‘s trophy cabinet towers over PSG‘s.

Real has won **13 European Cup/Champions League** titles – the most by any club. PSG is yet to win their first Champions League title.

Domestically, Real took the early lead with **34 La Liga titles** so far compared to PSG‘s **10 Ligue 1 titles**.

However, PSG has dominated French football over the last decade. They have won 7 of the last 8 Ligue 1 seasons as Real‘s grip on La Liga has weakened.

But on the global stage, Real Madrid has far greater recognition and popularity. They were named FIFA‘s **Club of the 20th Century** for their sustained excellence and trophies.

According to social media followers, Real Madrid has over **250 million fans** worldwide across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. PSG has just **103 million followers** – less than half of Real‘s reach.

This historical success and huge global fanbase is why Real Madrid tops almost every list as the richest and most valuable football club in today‘s age. They are an iconic brand in international sport.

PSG is on the rise, but it will take time to reach Real Madrid‘s level of financial power and worldwide popularity.

## Conclusion – Real Still Reigns Supreme

After looking at all the key factors – revenue, valuations, ownership structures, on-field success and global fanbase – the data clearly shows Real Madrid in pole position as the richest and most valuable football club as of 2024.

PSG are certainly a growing force backed by the vast wealth of Qatar Sports Investments. But Real Madrid‘s member-owned structure has proven equally profitable and efficient over a far longer period.

The Spanish giants will be hard to topple from the top of the football finance charts anytime soon. Their global commercial appeal, loyal supporters and continued sporting achievements under managers like Carlo Ancelotti all keep Real Madrid in very rude financial health.

So whilst PSG‘s future looks bright, Real Madrid still reigns supreme as the world‘s richest football club as we head into 2023. It will take a monumental shift in European football finances for anyone to overhaul Real as the sport‘s primary economic powerhouse.

---

Source: [Who is richer – Real Madrid or Paris Saint\-Germain?](https://33rdsquare.com/who-is-richer-real-madrid-or-paris-saint-germain/)
