Business | Real money

Football clubs are making more money than ever. Players not so much

For both teams and their top stars, it helps to have a brand

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid dribbles the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Valladolid v Real Madrid.
Photograph: Getty Images

It is an excellent time to be an armchair football fan. Never have there been more matches to choose from. On January 29th the UEFA Champions League, a tournament for Europe’s best clubs, aired 18 matches all at once.

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This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Real money”

From the February 1st 2025 edition

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