Who is the biggest football club in the world? It is a question that has been debated amongst many fans on the stands with clubs getting ripped for having no history, success or a smaller fanbase.
Now the prestigious France Football Magazine, creators of the Ballon d’Or award, have tried to bring some statistics and data to this subjective debate. They analysed a whole host of categories to come up with a definite top 30, including television audience, reach in social networks, the attendance to the stadium, the income, the expenses, the market value of their team and, of course, the historical importance of the club.
That final point is a subjective matter but the magazine analysed 85 of the biggest clubs from around the world to come up with their top 30. Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid came out on top. Los Blancos have won the most European cups and been at the pinnacle of world football for decades now.
Following them is Barcelona who take second spot whilst Manchester United are the highest ranked English side, taking their place on the podium in third. Most football fans would agree with that top three but it is further down the list where things get interesting.
In fourth spot are the dominant force in German football, Bayern Munich. Liverpool, who are challenging for major honours this season slot into fifth place, to go with their five European Cup successes.
In sixth spot lie Juventus but the real debate will occur just below the Old Lady. Paris Saint-Germain, a team that was only founded in 1970 and has risen to fame recently remarkably scoop seventh place just ahead of Chelsea, a team often ripped for having no history.
The Blues also gained a bigger worldwide following Roman Abramovich's arrival in 2003 but another team that has only recently tasted success is Manchester City, who somehow make it into ninth position.
Arsenal make it five English sides in the top ten but surely they have more history, more trophies and are a bigger club than both Chelsea and Man City. You can see the full list down below.
Top 10
1) Real Madrid
2) Barcelona
3) Manchester United
4) Bayern Munich
5) Liverpool
6) Juventus
7) PSG
8) Chelsea
9) Man City
10) Arsenal
