PSG earned $171 million from the Champions League
Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool among Europe’s biggest earners after record distributions from soccer’s top club competition.
UEFA has released its official financial breakdown from last season’s European competitions, and PSG topped the list with €144 million in prize money, roughly $171 million. After lifting the trophy as clear champions of Europe, the Paris club also emerged as the competition’s biggest financial winner.
For clubs across Europe, the Champions League is far more than prestige. It is the economic engine that sustains budgets, fuels transfer spending and, in some cases, determines long-term survival.
Champions League money fuels European soccer
Last season, UEFA distributed €400 million, about $475 million, to clubs that fell short before reaching the league phase. Another €308 million, approximately $366 million, went to teams that did not even make it through the preliminary qualifying rounds.
The biggest winners: PSG leads the pack
Among teams that reached the Champions League proper, PSG led the way with €144 million ($171 million). Inter Milan, the runner-up, earned €136 million, roughly $161.5 million.
Sporting success translated directly into financial reward.
UCL’s biggest earners: Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern, Real Madrid...
Arsenal and Barcelona each brought in €116 million, about $137.75 million apiece. Bayern Munich earned €105 million ($125.4 million), while Borussia Dortmund collected €102 million ($121.1 million).
Real Madrid’s run to the quarterfinals translated into €101 million, or about $120 million, flowing into the Spanish giant’s coffers.
Liverpool received €98 million ($116.4 million). Bayer Leverkusen took home €87 million ($103.3 million), and Atlético Madrid rounded out the top 10 with €84 million ($99.75 million) in prize money.
Girona, one of the tournament’s surprise participants, earned €29 million, roughly $34.4 million, a significant boost for a club of its size.
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