SPORTS

Real Madrid And Barcelona Replace Man United As The Highest Earning Clubs In Europe

Published

6 years ago

January 24, 2019

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Real Madrid and Barcelona were the highest earning clubs in European football last season, knocking Manchester United off top spot, according to the latest Deloitte ‘Football Money League’ published on Thursday.

Deloitte based their survey of the top 20 earning clubs in Europe on the annual financial statements of the company or group running each club, or other direct sources, covering the 2017/18 season.

Real returned to top spot for the first time since 2014/15 with revenues of €750.9 million. Their revenue increased by more than €75 million year-on-year as they secured their third successive Champions League title.

Deloitte said the rise was “primarily due to commercial growth of 54.8million euros including an uplift in sponsorship, merchandising and exploitation of increasingly lucrative pre-season fixtures.”

Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte said: “Real Madrid’s outstanding financial performance in 2017/18 is built on their long history of success on the pitch, most recently three consecutive Champions League titles.

“This has enabled the club to continue to drive commercial revenue as the appetite to partner with Europe’s most successful clubs remains stronger than ever,” he added.

Barcelona had earnings of €690.4 million, a rise from €648.3 million in the previous year.

Manchester United, who topped last year’s table, saw their revenue calculation fall slightly to €666 million from 676.3 million but they are one of a record six Premier League teams in top 10.

Football finance expert Rob Wilson, of Sheffield Hallam University, said United’s drop to third in the rankings was expected.

“This was predictable mainly due to the timing of commercial and sponsorship renewals. The big ticket items; shirt manufacturing and shirt sponsorship being renewed and improving the overall position of a number of clubs.

” MUFC don’t go back to the negotiating table for a while yet. Expect them to stay off the top spot for a good few years yet, particularly with a possible reduction in matchday revenue if they miss out on qualification to the Champions League.”

United’s position was also affected by exchange rates as their actual revenue measured in pounds sterling rose slightly from 581.2 million to 590 million.

The club is rated the number one football brand by KPMG and the most valuable club by Forbes.

There are no Italian clubs in the top 10 with Juventus slipping to 11th place, while Bayern Munich are the sole German club.

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Ademola Lookman Named African Footballer Of The Year, Barbra Banda Picks Up Women’s Award

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2024

Reporter

Ademola Lookman named African Footballer of the Year | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, 27, was awarded the prestigious African Footballer of the Year title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This happened at their awards ceremony on Monday.

Lookman’s exceptional performances throughout the year earned him this honour. Particularly, his remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final is where his Italian club, Atalanta, triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin this past May.

Additionally, Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier in the year. He helped the team reach the final in the Ivory Coast.

During the tournament, Ademola Lookman scored three goals.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said.

“Four years ago my career fell down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

Lookman won the African Footballer of the Year award, surpassing strong contenders such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

When the stars align, they spell 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧. 🌟

Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year! 🏆#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/xtHxJozThj

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

A panel of national team coaches and captains determined the award, though the voting tallies have not been released yet.

This achievement makes Lookman the seventh Nigerian player to win the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen.

He joins a distinguished list of past Nigerian winners, including Nwankwo Kanu (who won twice), Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, and Rashidi Yekini.

In other award categories, Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named African Women’s Player of the Year.

Shining bright as always! 🌟

𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 is the Women’s Player of the Year after a season of stellar performances!#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/OIhXql2dgf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

Despite being excluded from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals due to gender eligibility issues, Banda was cleared by FIFA to compete in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and went on to play in this year’s Paris Olympics.

Men’s awards:

Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (NGR)

Club Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA)

Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (SEN)

Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (CIV)

National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Club of the Year: Al Ahly (EGY)

Best X1: Andre Onana (CMR); Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD); Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessie (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI); Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both NGR)

Women’s awards:

Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (ZAM)

Club Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (FAR Rabat/MAR)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)

Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (MAR)

Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/COD)

National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Club of the Year: TP Mazembe

Best XI: Andile Dlamini (RSA); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini; Linda Motlhalo (all RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR); Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW)

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SPORTS

Harry Maguire Says Manchester United’s Win Over City Is The Start Of A ‘Positive Journey’

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Harry Maguire speaks on win over Man City by Man United | fab.ng

Harry Maguire, 31, expressed optimism following the dramatic victory over Man City by Man United. He called it a “statement” win that will boost the team’s confidence.

The victory comes as United continues adapting to a new system under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The match at the Etihad saw Man City initially take the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s precise header, putting them on track for a crucial win. However, United’s resilience shone late in the game.

Captain Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 88th minute, converting a penalty earned by Amad Diallo. Moments later, Diallo delivered a stunning 90th-minute goal to secure the win for United.

The result marked Ruben Amorim’s biggest success since taking over from Erik ten Hag last month. Furthermore, it signals growing momentum as Man United adjusts to his strategies and tactics.

Maguire highlighted the impact of such a win in fostering belief and unity within the squad as they navigate the transition under their new manager.

“It’s been a difficult start to the season for us and not much for our fans to cheer about,” said defender Maguire.

“It was a great performance in the end to come here and have 50-50 of the ball, have the same amount of shots as them.

“It’s not been like that in recent years, so it’s an improvement but still a long way to go.”

AMAD DIALLO PUTS MAN UNITED AHEAD IN THE 90TH MINUTE! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Q3I684gEDz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest ruthlessly exposed Manchester United’s defensive frailties this month. This inflicted painful Premier League defeats that have left the once-storied club languishing in an uncharacteristic 13th place.

“Obviously, we had back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. So to come here and to put a statement down is really important for our confidence and the belief of where we’re going and where Ruben’s going to take us,” said Maguire.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a positive journey.”

Manchester United’s triumph exposed Manchester City’s ongoing performance crisis. This further extends their winless streak to eight defeats in their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Rubén Amorim, the newly appointed manager, has already witnessed two of those losses since taking charge. This includes a notable period that included his remarkable 4-1 Champions League victory with Sporting Lisbon before his move to Manchester.

His transition to Man City has coincided with the team’s continued struggles. Also, it highlights the challenging period the club is currently experiencing.

“I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work,” Maguire said of the new manager’s impact.

“But, yeah, I think his demands, he’s tactically very good. He’s proven that he’s a winner.”

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SPORTS

Barcelona’s Dominant Victory: Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win Over Mallorca

Published

2 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Reporter

Raphinha Shines In 5-1 Win for Barcelona Mallorca | fab.ng

A second-half brace by Raphinha played a pivotal role in the Blaugrana’s success as Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to four points.

They did this with a commanding 5-1 victory over Mallorca, breaking a three-match winless streak in the league.

After a surprising home defeat to Las Palmas, Barcelona needed a strong performance against an in-form Mallorca side. Determined from the outset, Hansi Flick’s team applied early pressure.

Their efforts paid off in the 12th minute when Ferran Torres capitalised on a defensive error, nudging the ball past Leo Roman to score his second goal of the season.

Buoyed by this early breakthrough, Barcelona continued to dominate. Torres nearly added a second, but Roman’s sharp reflexes kept the scoreline in check.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal missed a crucial opportunity, firing wide when well-positioned in the box.

Despite Barcelona’s dominance, Mallorca remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off just before halftime.

Pablo Maffeo unselfishly set up Vedat Muriqi, who tapped in from close range to level the score. This goal highlighted Mallorca’s resilience and set the stage for an intense second half.

Mallorca - Barcelona match stats

Raphinha Takes Charge in the Second Half

Barcelona resumed with renewed intensity after the break. Torres and Raphinha both came close to restoring the lead.

Their pressure finally yielded a penalty when Johan Mojica fouled Yamal in the area. Raphinha confidently converted the spot-kick, notching his 15th goal across all competitions.

The Brazilian forward continued to lead Barcelona’s attack. In the 60th minute, Yamal delivered a stunning trivela cross, which Raphinha expertly finished, extending Barcelona’s lead to 3-1.

This goal underlined their attacking prowess and tactical cohesion.

With momentum firmly on their side, Barcelona sealed the win with two late goals. Frenkie de Jong capitalised on a loose ball to score, demonstrating perfect positioning.

Minutes later, he assisted Pau Victor, who easily slotted home, making it 5-1. These late strikes not only secured the win but also extended Barcelona’s unbeaten streak against Mallorca to 17 matches (15 wins, 2 draws).

This dominant performance reaffirms Barcelona’s title credentials. Their blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership, highlighted by Raphinha’s brilliance, sends a clear message to their LaLiga rivals.

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