Real Madrid tops Forbes club valuations at $9.5bn; Barcelona, Man United follow as seven MLS sides make top 30

Who: Real Madrid; What: top spot on Forbes' list of most valuable soccer clubs; When: Forbes' latest list published and reported on 29 May 2026; Why it matters: club valuations influence commercial power, sponsorships and spending capacity across football.

Why it matters

Forbes' valuations are used widely to compare clubs' commercial strength. Being ranked highest reinforces Real Madrid's global brand and signals greater off-field resources — from sponsorship and matchday income to stadium-driven revenue — which can affect transfer budgets and long-term planning. The listing also highlights the growing commercial footprint of Major League Soccer, with seven MLS clubs breaking into the top 30.

Top of the list: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United

Forbes placed Real Madrid at the top of its 30-club ranking with a valuation of $9.5 billion. That is the fifth consecutive year Forbes has listed Real Madrid as the world's most valuable club, a position the outlet links to sustained revenue growth and the impact of the Santiago Bernabéu renovations. Barcelona were second at $7.5 billion, with Manchester United third on $7.2 billion.

Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool among the top five

Rounding out the top five were Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. PSG were listed fifth with a $5.8 billion valuation, noted in the source alongside the club's Champions League ambitions and status.

MLS representation in the top 30

A notable takeaway from the Forbes list is the presence of seven MLS clubs among the top 30 most valuable teams worldwide. The Premier League had the largest representation with 11 clubs, but MLS's showing underlines its increasing commercial profile.

• Inter Miami ranked 17th with a $1.35 billion valuation.
• LAFC ranked 18th with a $1.32 billion valuation.
• LA Galaxy were 20th at $1.08 billion.
• New York City FC 21st at $1.02 billion.
• Atlanta United 22nd at $1.00 billion.
• Seattle Sounders 29th at $860 million.
• Austin FC 30th at $855 million.

Context: what Forbes valuations reflect

Forbes valuations typically combine revenues, operating income, stadium assets and broader commercial deals. The World Soccer Talk summary links Real Madrid's position to revenue growth driven in part by the Bernabéu renovations. The list also implicitly highlights how on-field success and global profile (trophy history, star players and commercial reach) feed into market value.

What happens next

The Forbes rankings set a benchmark for commercial comparisons ahead of the 2026–27 season. Clubs and investors will watch for sponsorship deals, stadium developments and commercial partnerships that could alter rankings next year. For MLS, continued investment and marquee signings that boost revenues could see its representation in such lists grow further.