The 20 Most Valuable Clubs at the Start of the 2025/26 Season – Ranked

As the 2025/26 season kicks off, Europe’s top clubs once again showcase the staggering financial power concentrated in elite football. From iconic giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City to surprise packages such as Brighton, these teams highlight how strategic spending and player development shape modern soccer’s landscape. This ranking, based on current squad values, underlines the fierce competition not only on the pitch but also in building world-class rosters.

This overview starts with number 20 and works up to the most valuable club in world football right now.

20. Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund secures the 20th spot on the list with a squad value of approximately £415 million. Despite losing a few star players in recent transfer windows, the German club continues to be a major talent factory, investing heavily in youth development. Their financial approach keeps them competitive in Europe, even if they trail behind the very top spenders.

19. Napoli

Napoli ranks just ahead, boasting a squad worth around £428 million. The Italian side has consistently competed near the top of Serie A, blending homegrown talent with smart international acquisitions. Their ability to maintain value despite the departure of key figures highlights their strong recruitment strategy.

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18. RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig’s modern project sees them placed 18th with a squad valued at roughly £429 million. Known for their high-pressing style and sharp scouting network, Leipzig continually produces and develops exciting players who often move on to Europe's biggest clubs. Their strategy keeps them among the Bundesliga’s elite.

17. Sporting CP

Sporting Lisbon stands at 17th, with a squad value of about £447 million. Renowned for their remarkable academy system that produced stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, Sporting balances developing local prospects with select international signings, ensuring sustained competitiveness.

16. Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s impressive resurgence is reflected in their £489 million squad valuation. Backed by ambitious ownership and savvy transfer moves, Villa has turned into a serious Premier League force. Their investment in quality and depth has positioned them firmly within England’s European-chasing pack.

15. Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid comes in 15th, with a team worth roughly £491 million. Diego Simeone’s side remains one of the toughest in Europe, blending defensive solidity with clinical counter-attacks. While their squad value has slightly dipped, they continue to punch above their weight in La Liga and beyond.

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14. Juventus

Juventus holds the 14th spot with a squad valuation near £518 million. Despite recent turbulence on and off the pitch, the Italian giants still maintain a core of high-value players. They’re actively rebuilding, hoping to restore their dominance in Serie A and reassert themselves in Europe.

13. Newcastle United

Newcastle sits 13th, with a squad worth about £550 million, showcasing the results of heavy investment following their ownership change. They’ve transformed from relegation strugglers into a side capable of challenging for Champions League spots, combining big-money signings with smart additions.

12. Brighton

Brighton is perhaps the biggest surprise in the top 20, placed 12th with a squad valued at £590 million. Their exceptional recruitment model and player development pipeline have turned them into an attractive destination, proving you don't need a traditional giant’s budget to build value.

11. Inter Milan

Inter ranks 11th, with their squad worth approximately £632 million. Consistently competing for the Scudetto, the Nerazzurri have balanced experienced internationals with emerging Italian talent. Their mix of veterans and youthful prospects keeps them competitive domestically and in European competitions.

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10. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham starts the top ten with a squad value of around £688 million. Spurs have undergone a reshaping process, investing in young, dynamic players. While still chasing their first major silverware in years, their financial muscle ensures they stay among the Premier League's most valuable sides.

9. Manchester United

Manchester United holds 9th place with a squad valued close to £699 million. Even amid inconsistent on-pitch results, United's brand power and willingness to spend big keep them among Europe’s elite. The club continues to blend expensive transfers with academy graduates aiming to return to the top.

8. Bayern Munich

Bayern stands strong at 8th, their squad worth roughly £762 million. The perennial Bundesliga champions focus on efficiency — smart buys and developing German talents. While their squad value trails the top English and Spanish sides, they remain a powerhouse with serious Champions League ambitions.

7. FC Barcelona

Barcelona comes in at 7th, boasting a squad valued at approximately £932 million. Despite financial restructuring in recent years, they’ve assembled a roster packed with high-potential youngsters alongside experienced stars. Their rebuild under new leadership signals a push back toward European dominance.

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6. Liverpool

Liverpool shares a close valuation with Arsenal and PSG at around £956 million. The Reds continue their strategy of blending homegrown stars with targeted marquee signings. Jurgen Klopp’s tactical revolution still underpins a squad built to challenge for every major trophy.

5. Arsenal

Arsenal’s sharp rise sees them tied in value, with a squad also around £956 million. Their heavy investment in young talent is paying dividends, with a vibrant, attack-minded squad competing at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners’ financial and sporting project appears to be aligning perfectly.

4. Paris Saint-Germain

PSG’s roster is worth roughly £956 million, reflecting their global star power. Even with some major departures, they maintain one of the most valuable squads through marquee signings and local prospects. Their ambitions remain firmly set on finally lifting the Champions League trophy.

3. Chelsea

Chelsea ranks third, their enormous squad valued at about £1.03 billion. Known for extensive spending under new ownership, the Blues have assembled depth in every position. Their challenge now lies in translating squad value into consistent performances and silverware.

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2. Manchester City

Manchester City claims second place with a squad worth nearly £1.14 billion. Backed by elite recruitment and development, Pep Guardiola’s side blends world-class stars with future-ready prospects. They remain the benchmark for consistency and success in both England and Europe.

1. Real Madrid

Topping the list is Real Madrid, boasting a squad valued around £1.15 billion. The Spanish giants have masterfully combined superstar signings like Mbappé and Bellingham with emerging talents. Their strategy ensures they stay not only the most valuable club financially, but also perennial favorites for domestic and European glory.