Bayern Munich’s frugal nature may oft get under the skin of fans. But one advantage to their budget-conscious approach means that the German record champions have not reported a financial loss for 30 consecutive years and even crossed the one billion Euro revenue threshold in the 2023/24 season — a first in the club’s, then, 124 year history.
While Bayern’s approach to finances is certainly effective, it is just one of a multitude of differing financial strategies deployed by football clubs across
Europe. So, then where exactly do Bayern and their tight-purse approach rank in revenue among Europe’s elite?
According to data collected by Transfermarkt (via @iMiaSanMia) in UEFA’s latest report, The European Club Finance and Investment Landscape, Bayern were among the top earners on the continent in 2025.
Real Madrid and, in specific, Barcelona’s high-stakes debt incurring approach land them on the top of the Europe’s highest earners. Bayern Munich rounds out the top three, followed closely by Premier League giants, Manchester City and Liverpool. Borussia Dortmund, in 12th, are the next highest earners from the Bundesliga, pocketing about half Real Madrid’s revenue for 2025. Bayer Leverkusen find themselves at the bottom of the ranking in 18th.
UEFA’s report didn’t just include Europe’s highest earners, but also included club’s with the highest salary costs—Players, coaches and club employees included.
Manchester City now shoot up to number one spot, followed by Barcelona — surprise surprise — and Paris Saint Germain. Bayern drop down to seventh, while Dortmund find themselves in 14th. Surprisingly, RB Leipzig, who didn’t feature among the highest earners list, join the fray, narrowly edging out Bayer Leverkusen in 17th.
While Bayern don’t top, or bottom, either list, what is encouraging is the percentage growth in revenue in comparison to the percentage growth in salaries. Bayern’s revenue grew by 12% while their salaries only grew by three percent, yielding a net growth of nine percent. A steady increase—without the aid of any “levers”.
Jan-Christian Dreesen will be happy considering the increase in revenue, Max Eberl will be pleased by keeping salary growth to a minimum, and Vincent Kompany can be satisfied with the teams performance on the pitch. Bayern Munich may be in the healthiest place it’s been in years.
