Football is the most popular sport in the world, spreading 3.5 billion fans over the world, football players are in almost every country of the world. Competition among clubs is fierce, both on and off the field. Football clubs often buy skilled players to strengthen their teams or to attract sponsors. Some teams spend wisely, making strategic investments that result in trophies and success on the pitch. On the other hand, some struggle to win silverware despite shelling out hefty sums of money.
In this article we will delve into the world of football finance and rank the football clubs by their spending over last 5 five years.
1. Chelsea FC - €1.69 bn
Chelsea is one of the most popular football clubs in the world. Over the last 5-6 years, Chelsea managed to win the Europa League in 2018-2019, the Champions League in 2020-2021, the Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2021-2022. Chelsea has spent over €1 billion in the last 2 years. Out of the €1.69 billion, Chelsea spent €611.49 million in the year 2022-2023 alone but finished 12th in the Premier League.
Popular Transfers:
- Enzo Fernández – €116.00m (2023-24)
- Moisés Caicedo – €121.00m (2022-23)
- Romelu Lukaku – €113.00m (2021-22)
- Wesley Fofana – €80.40m (2022-23)
- Kai Havertz – €80.00m (2020-21)
- Kepa Arrizabalaga – €80.00m (2018-19)
2. Paris Saint Germain - €1.01bn
Image Credit Marca
Paris-based Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is famous for spending a huge amount of money on star players. With €1.01 billion in spending over the last 5 years, PSG has won 4 Ligue 1 titles, 4 Trophée des Champions, and 2 Coupe de France titles. In the 2018-19 season, PSG made a record-breaking signing of the French star Kylian Mbappé for a whopping €180 million. Despite the arrival of star players like Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar, PSG still has not managed to win the Champions League.
Popular Transfers:
- Kylian Mbappé – €180.00m (2018-19)
- Randal Kolo Muani – €95.00m (2023-24)
- Achraf Hakimi – €68.00m (2021-22)
3. Manchester United - €995.28m
Image Credit Marca
The famous English football club Manchester United has spent nearly €1 billion euros (€995.28 million) over the last 5-6 years. Despite spending such a hefty amount, the club has only won three trophies. With nearly 1 billion in spending, the Red team has secured two Europa League titles and one EFL Cup.
There were high expectations from the Red side when the club signed Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2020-21 season (€17 millions). Despite having Ronaldo on the team, they struggled to secure a top-4 position in the league.
Popular Transfers:
- Antony – €95.00m (2022-23)
- Harry Maguire – €87.00m (2019-20)
- Jadon Sancho – €85.00m (2021-22)
- Rasmus Højlund – €75.20m (2023-24)
- Casemiro – €70.65m (2022-23)
4. Juventus FC - €978.54m
Image Credit worldfootball
Italian giant Juventus FC has spent €978.54 million over the last 5-6 years, averaging around €150 million per year. In the 2018-19 season, Juventus made headlines by signing the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo for a whopping €117 million. With Ronaldo on board, Juventus secured the Serie A title and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2018-19.
Over the past 5 years, Juventus has clinched 2 Serie A titles, 2 Supercoppa Italiana titles, and 1 Coppa Italia. However, Juventus has not won any trophies since 2021.
Popular Transfers:
- Cristiano Ronaldo – €117.00m (2018-19)
- Matthijs de Ligt – €85.50m (2019-20)
- Dusan Vlahovic – €81.60m (2021-22)
- Arthur Melo – €80.60m (2020-21)
5. Manchester City - €956.81m
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Manchester City has undergone significant transformation since the arrival of Pep Guardiola. The club has emerged as a powerhouse in club football. With nearly €1 billion in spending, the club has secured 1 Champions League title in 2022-23, 4 Premier League titles, 3 EFL Cups, 2 FA Cups, and 2 Community Shields.
Pep Guardiola’s side, perhaps his greatest, will now be forever remembered as treble winners.
Popular Transfers:
- Jack Grealish – €117.00m (2021-22)
- Josko Gvardiol – €117.00m (2023-24)
- Rúben Dias – €117.00m (2020-21)
- Rodri – €117.00m (2019-20)
6. Arsenal FC - €921.19m
Image Credit worldfootball
London-based Arsenal is also one of the favourite English football clubs in the world. With €921.19 million in spending, Arsenal has won 1 FA Cup, 1 Community Shield, and 1 Europa League title. In the 2022-23 season, everyone was expecting Arsenal to win the Premier League, but they finished 2nd in the table.
Popular Transfer:
- Declan Rice – €116.60m (2023-24)
- Kai Havertz – €75.00m (2023-24)
- Nicolas Pépé – €80.00m (2019-20)
7. Tottenham Hostpur - €783.40m
Players of Tottenham Hotspur line up for team photos (Image: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
English football club Tottenham Hotspur spent €783.40 million over the last 5-6 years. Despite this significant spending, the club has not won any trophies during this period. Tottenham had a chance to win the Champions League in 2018-19, but they were defeated by Liverpool in the final.
Popular Transfers:
- Tanguy Ndombélé – €62.00m (2019-20)
- Brennan Johnson – €55.00m (2023-24)
8. FC Barcelona - €782.44m
Image Credit worldfootball
Spanish giant Barcelona spent €782.44 million over the last 5-6 years. With this expenditure, Barcelona won 2 LaLiga titles, 2 Supercopa titles, and 1 Copa del Rey. There were high expectations for Messi’s Barcelona to win the UEFA Champions League, but the club was unable to fulfill them.
Popular Transfers:
- Antoine Griezmann – €120.00m (2019-20)
- Frenkie de Jong – €86.00m (2019-20)
9. Real Madrid - €760.75m
Fourteen-time UEFA Champions League winner Real Madrid spent €760.75 million over the last 5-6 years. With this level of spending, the club has secured 1 UEFA Champions League title, 2 LaLiga titles, 2 Supercopa titles, 2 Club World Cups, and 1 Copa del Rey.
Popular Transfers:
- Eden Hazard – €115.00m (2019-20)
- Jude Bellingham – €103.00m (2023-24)
- Aurélien Tchouaméni – €80.00m (2022-23)
10. West Ham United - €673.96m
Image Credit worldfootball
English football club West Ham United has spent €673.96 million over the last 5-6 years. With this level of spending, the club managed to secure 1 Conference League title.
Popular Transfers:
- Sébastien Haller – €50.00m (2019-20)