TheCable

FC Barcelona have edged arch-rival Real Madrid to emerge the most valuable football club in the world. 

 According to Forbes, the Catalan club is valued at $4.76 billion over Real Madrid who took the second spot with a valuation of $4.75 billion. 

The development comes despite several claims that Barcelona have been indebted by the exorbitant wage of Lionel Messi, the world highest paid footballer.

Bayern Munich came third with a worth of $4.215 billion slightly ahead of fourth-placed Manchester United at $4.2 billion. 

Liverpool secured the most spots in the English Premier League (EPL) with the club jumping three ranking points to finish in fifth.

In spite of a decline in revenue dealt by limited stadium attendance because of the coronavirus pandemic, the world’s 20 most valuable football clubs are worth an average of $2.28 billion apiece — an increase of 30% from the ratings in 2019.

“The pain is far from over, with a worsening decline in matchday revenue during the current season, as most of the teams in Europe’s top leagues still permit few fans to attend games,” wrote Mike Ozanian, Forbes’ assistant managing editor.

See full list:

1. Barcelona – $4.76 billion
2. Real Madrid – $4.75 billion
3. Bayern Munich – $4.215 billion
4. Manchester United – $4.2 billion
5. Liverpool – $4.1 billion
6. Manchester City – $4 billion
7. Chelsea FC – $3.2 billion
8. Arsenal – $2.8 billion
9. Paris Saint-Germain – $2.5 billion
10. Tottenham Hotspur – $2.3 billion
11. Juventus – $1.95 billion
12. Borussia Dortmund – $1.9 billion
13. Atlético de Madrid – $1 billion
14. Inter Milan – $743 million
15. Everton – $658 million
16. AC Milan – $559 million
17. Roma – $548 million
18. West Ham – $508 million
19. Leicester City FC – $455 million
20. Ajax FC – $413 million