PSG Earns €144M from 2024-25 Champions League Victory
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has made headlines by securing a remarkable €144.4 million ($168 million) in prize money from the UEFA Champions League for the 2024-25 season. This substantial sum marks an impressive achievement for the French club, making them the highest earner in this year’s competition.
Champions League Prize Money Breakdown
UEFA unveiled its financial report on Tuesday, detailing an overall prize fund of €2.47 billion ($2.9 billion). This amount was distributed among 36 teams participating in the newly structured league format, which featured an expanded single-standings system. Notably, PSG’s earnings represent a significant increase from last season, during which the total prize pool was €2.08 billion ($2.42 billion).
Top Earners in the UEFA Champions League
- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): €144.4 million ($168 million)
- Inter Milan (finalists): €136.6 million ($159 million)
- Aston Villa (quarterfinalists): €83.7 million ($97.5 million)
- Real Madrid (quarterfinalists): Less than €102 million ($119 million)
- Manchester City: €76 million ($88.5 million)
- Slovan Bratislava: Less than €22 million ($25.6 million)
Seven clubs received at least €100 million ($116.5 million) in prize money during this season, a notable increase from the five teams that garnered such figures during the previous year. Aston Villa, returning to European competition after a 41-year absence, was the only quarterfinalist to earn less than €100 million.
Impact of UEFA League Changes
The format change has evidently benefited several clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United receiving €41 million ($47.8 million) and €36 million ($41.9 million) respectively. The latter will not receive any prize money this season after failing to qualify for any European competitions.
Real Madrid experienced a significant decrease, earning €37 million ($43 million) less this year compared to their previous title win in 2024. This drop highlights the competitive landscape of European football, where even successful clubs face financial challenges following setbacks.
Compensation Packages at UEFA
In the same financial report, UEFA’s financial practices came under scrutiny. President Aleksander Ceferin maintained a fixed salary of 3,250,000 Swiss francs, equivalent to $4 million, without any bonuses. In contrast, General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis received both salary and bonus increases, totaling 2.05 million Swiss francs ($2.56 million).
As the Champions League continues to evolve, clubs like PSG showcase the lucrative potential of success within the UEFA framework. The financial implications of the recent changes are reshaping the landscape of European club football, creating new opportunities for revenue among elite teams.
