Forbes Ranks Manchester United as #1 Team

According to Forbes magazine, Manchester United is the most valuable team in world soccer for a second straight season and will most likely hold that position next year as well. The Premier League club is worth $1.8 billion, a $347 million increase from last year’s valuation. Taking into account revenue growth, profitability and debt levels, Real Madrid remained second at $1.285 billion and Arsenal third at $1.2 billion. United was among four English clubs in the top 10, with Liverpool the big mover on the list, going up from 11th last year to fourth. Bayern Munich was fifth, followed by AC Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea, Juventus and Schalke.

David Beckham returned to the top of the richest soccer players list after his well publisized move to the Los Angeles Galaxy pushed Ronaldinho down to second place. Beckham is worth $49 million, followed by Ronaldinho at $33 million.