21/04/2011 10:12
Forbes releases list of richest football clubs, players
Manchester United has been valued as the richest club in the world, according to Forbes 2011 Soccer Valuation, a new survey.
For the seventh consecutive year Manchester United is No1 on the Forbes list ranking the most valuable football teams, with a value of $1.86bn (£1.13bn).
Real Madrid is again No2 with a value of $1.45bn, followed by Arsenal at $1.19bn, Bayern Munich at $1.1bn and Barcelona, who drop one spot to No5, with a value of $975m.
Forbes said it values teams based on what they have been sold for in the past relative to sales and profits, broadcast agreements and debt from new or pending stadium deals.
The highest-paid football player is Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham. He earned $40m in 2010. Beckham is followed by Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo ($38m) and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi ($32m).