Real Madrid tops Forbes 2016 rich list

Forbes has released the 13th annual list of the world’s most valuable soccer teams.

Topping the list is Real Madrid, valued at $3.6 billion, while Barcelona comes in at second place.

The two Spanish rivals consistently dominate on the field, enabling them to make a lot of money from finishing near the top of their domestic leagues as well as the continental Champions League.

“Spain, it gets a lot of TV money, that’s what helps it sign players like Ronaldo and Messi. If you look at the new players going to Manchester City, very important because Manchester City this year is going to qualify for next year’s Champions League, therefore they know they’re going to have the money so they can sign a top player to keep him and that should perpetuate their good performance. So it almost gets to be a vicious cycle,” said Michael Ozanian, Executive Editor of Forbes Media.

The world's most valuable soccer teams, visualized: https://t.co/KhFPFoTvNb pic.twitter.com/GRBeJsvgo5

— Forbes (@Forbes) May 12, 2016

Manchester United ranks No.3 on the list, with a value of $3.3 billion.

Real Madrid which is taking on Atletico Madrid in this year’s Champions League final, retains its position for the fourth consecutive year. It has generated more revenue than any soccer team for 11 straight seasons.

The world’s most valuable football teams (Forbes)

• 1. Real Madrid – US$3.645 bn (£2.52billion)
• 2. Barcelona – $3.549bn (£2.46bn)
• 3. Manchester United – $3.317bn (£2.3bn)
• 4. Bayern Munich – $2.678bn (£1.85bn)
• 5. Arsenal – $2.017bn (£1.4bn)
• 6. Manchester City – $1.921bn (£1.33bn)
• 7. Chelsea – $1.661bn (£1.15bn)
• 8. Liverpool – $1.548bn (£1.07bn)
• 9. Juventus – $1.299bn (£900million)
• 10. Tottenham – $1.017bn (£704m)