LONDON: Manchester City, ahead of Saturday’s Champions League Final against Internazionale in Istanbul, has been named as the world’s most valuable football brand.

City’s brand value has risen 15pc to £1.29bn and surpassed Real Madrid whose value has slipped three per cent to £1.26bn according to leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance.

City’s enormous revenue is largely attributable to its continued on-pitch success, this season securing the Premier League and FA Cup trophies and beating Real Madrid 4-0 on the way to set up a second Champions League Final in three years.

The club’s successes in major tournaments have generated enormous broadcasting revenues, including a massive prize pot from its Champions League progression – the continued European success boosting international exposure and prestige, and commanding greater sponsorship and commercial appeal.

A planned £300m upgrade of the Etihad Stadium is the next step in bolstering the club’s commercial success.

Hugo Hensley, head of sports services at Brand Finance, said: “Manchester City FC has achieved an extraordinary feat by surpassing Real Madrid to become the champion of football club brands.

“For five years, the City team has exerted its dominance in English football, securing four Premier League titles in the past five seasons.

“However, the club’s performance in this year’s ranking highlights that Manchester City FC are performing off the pitch in terms of building a strong brand and attracting fans and sponsors, and setting the stage for what could be an iconic Champions League final against Inter Milan in June.”

#######