LONDON – Arsenal’s flawless run in the UEFA Champions League has proven to be as lucrative as it is historic. According to reports from Marca, the Gunners have emerged as the highest earners in the competition so far, banking a staggering €59.74 million in prize money.
By finishing the newly expanded league phase with eight wins in eight matches, Mikel Arteta’s side secured the maximum performance bonuses available, outperforming European giants like Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
The Prize Money Breakdown
The revenue rankings take into account several pillars of UEFA’s distribution model:
- Starting Fees: A fixed participation fee for all 36 clubs.
- Performance Bonuses: Fixed amounts for every victory and draw.
- League Standings: A “ranking bonus” based on the final position in the league phase (where Arsenal finished 1st).
- Knockout Qualification: Direct entry into the Round of 16.
Premier League Dominance
The financial table underscores the current supremacy of English football. Five of the Top 8 highest-earning clubs are from the Premier League, reflecting their success in qualifying directly for the knockout stages.
| Rank | Club | Earnings (Euros) | Earnings (BRL) |
| 1 | Arsenal | €59.74M | R$ 372.2M |
| 2 | Bayern Munich | €57.33M | R$ 357.1M |
| 3 | Liverpool | €54.92M | R$ 342.2M |
| 4 | Tottenham | €53.91M | R$ 335.9M |
| 5 | Barcelona | €52.89M | R$ 329.6M |
Rounding out the Top 8 are Chelsea (6th), Sporting CP (7th), and Manchester City (8th).
A Record-Breaking Season
UEFA has committed to distributing a total of €2.47 billion this season. To put Arsenal’s current earnings into perspective, last year’s champions PSG took home a total of €83 million after defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final. With the knockout rounds still ahead, Arsenal is on track to shatter that revenue record if they reach the final in Budapest.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
