A new financial analysis of European football has highlighted which clubs are earning the most from matchday income, revealing surprising leaders in growth and overall revenue despite stiff competition from traditional giants.
According to a recent Football Benchmark report tracking matchday revenue for the 2024-25 season, Real Madrid still tops the list in Europe, but one Premier League club has emerged as a standout performer in terms of growth compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Real Madrid generated an estimated €232.6 million (£201.5m) in matchday revenue last season, the highest of any club on the continent.
However, it is Aston Villa that stands out in terms of growth rather than scale, having recorded the strongest proportional increase in matchday earnings among the top 20 clubs.
Villa’s matchday revenue grew from around €14.5m (£12.5m) in 2018-19 to €80m (£69.3m) in 2024-25, a remarkable 453 percent increase, as they transitioned from Championship football to consistent Premier League European qualification.
Two Premier League clubs in top five for matchday revenue
Behind Real Madrid, clubs with strong matchday revenue figures include Manchester United (€190.7m) and Arsenal (€183.0m), with Paris Saint-Germain (€176.6m) and FC Barcelona (€150.2m) also in the top five.
The figures show how matchday earnings remain a vital source of income even as broadcast and commercial revenue streams expand across global football.
Eight Premier League sides feature among Europe’s matchday revenue leaders, illustrating the financial strength of English top-flight clubs when it comes to ticket sales, hospitality and in-stadium spending.
Growth leaders beyond the biggest clubs
Other clubs that have shown significant matchday growth include Galatasaray, whose revenue climbed from about €26.6m (£23m) to €81.7m (£70.7m) (+207 percent), and Newcastle United, which saw its matchday revenue rise from €28.2m (£24.9m) to €68m (£58.8m) (+141 percent).
These surges reflect not only improved gate receipts but also broader usage of stadium facilities and improved fan engagement strategies.
Matchday income continues to be a rapidly growing revenue stream across Europe, largely driven by enhanced stadium experiences, premium seating and the strategic use of facilities beyond standard football fixtures.
Clubs that have invested in stadium infrastructure and fan experience are reaping rewards, even if they are not among football’s traditional financial powerhouses.
FGG Says
Matchday revenue remains one of football’s most undervalued success stories, especially in an age dominated by broadcast and commercial headlines.
However, bigger is not always better if culture, atmosphere and fan engagement are ignored, but expanding matchday income strategically can help clubs compete financially while keeping supporters at the heart of the game. As the game evolves, those who treat matchdays as a cornerstone of long-term planning will reap the dividends on and off the pitch.