While results and trophies often dominate headlines, the business side of football tells its own story, and Barca is speaking loudly.
Commercial power, global appeal and a connection to fans are increasingly vital, and the Catalan giants are proving they still lead the way.
UEFA’s latest financial study has confirmed it.
According to Mundo Deportivo’s coverage of the European Club Finance and Investment Landscape 2025, Barcelona topped the charts for growth in shirt sales and merchandising among Europe’s elite clubs.
The report highlighted that 21 of Europe’s top 25 clubs increased revenue from kit manufacturers and merchandise in 2025 compared to the previous year, with 19 posting all-time record figures.
Barca, however, outshone everyone else.
According to UEFA’s data, Barcelona recorded the biggest absolute increase in revenue over the last financial year.
The surge was largely driven by the first full year of the club’s renewed partnership with Nike.
While most clubs saw an average rise of around 6% in technical supplier income, Barca’s jump was the most dramatic in the entire ranking.
Even more striking is Barcelona’s position in overall merchandising revenue.
The club leads Europe with €277 million generated from shirt sales and merchandise, comfortably ahead of rivals Real Madrid (€231 million) and Bayern Munich (€189 million).
Other European heavyweights, Manchester United (€172 million), Arsenal (€151 million), Liverpool (€148 million), Tottenham (€102 million), Galatasaray (€99 million), Chelsea (€95 million), PSG (€88 million) and Manchester City (€88 million), all lag behind.
These figures show a powerful reality: Barcelona’s commercial strength has not faded after Messi’s departure.
In fact, it has grown, and much of that momentum is linked to the rise of Lamine Yamal.
The La Masia graduate, now wearing the iconic number 10 shirt, has quickly become a global attraction, and fans are clearly connecting with a team built around academy talent rather than expensive headline signings.
While clubs like Real Madrid continue to boast superstar names such as Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona’s model, grounded in youth development, identity and a sense of continuity, continues to resonate strongly, not just on the field, but in the global market.
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