Anomaly at Old Trafford: The World’s Most Valuable Football Club Is Stuck in a Loop — and Often the Butt of the Joke

(...) While struggling on the pitch, Manchester United dominates financially.The English football giant is currently the most valuable football brand in the world, with a valuation of $6.2 billion, according to the latest ranking by specialized portal Sportico.

Manchester United undoubtedly holds a place of honor among football’s most successful clubs. With a record 20 English league titles and three Champions League triumphs, their legacy is undeniable. But in recent seasons, that legacy feels more like a memory. Fans at Old Trafford are living through difficult times. The “Red Devils” — the club’s iconic nickname — have been anything but devilishly dominant. On the field, they are inconsistent and underwhelming, currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

However, when it comes to financial strength and stability, the story is much brighter. United tops the World's Most Valuable Sports Teams ranking by Sportico, with a valuation of $6.2 billion. No other football club ranks higher — not even Real Madrid, which sits slightly behind at $6.03 billion. Unlike United, however, Real continues to deliver success on the pitch as well.

So what’s the secret behind Manchester United’s enduring financial appeal?

According to sports analyst Jozef Tokoš, it lies in the club’s historically high valuation baseline. “Even if their value were to drop, they’d still be falling from the very top levels — but that hasn’t even happened,” he told Economic Daily. “All of the club’s revenue streams are fully active. United has a massive global fanbase, a regularly sold-out stadium, strong marketing income, and substantial earnings from TV rights. The only thing missing is sporting success.”