Madrid, Spain

Real Madrid has overtaken Manchester United as the world's most valuable soccer franchise in world with a value of $3.3 billion, according to a report by Forbes Magazine.

The Glazer family-owned Manchester United slipped to No. 2 in the ranking with a value of $3.1 billion while FC Barcelona ($2.6 billion), Arsenal ($1.3 billion) and Bayern Munich ($1.3 billion) round out the top five.

Real Madrid's estimated value also made it the most valuable sports team in the world, edging the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, whose value was put by Forbes Magazine at $2.1 billion in September 2012.

In January, Forbes reported that the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers became the first teams in the NBA to be worth more than $1 billion.

In January, business advisory firm Deloitte said that Real Madrid was the first club in any sport to surpass $650 million in revenues in a single year (2011-12 season).

Also, the Wall Street Journal reported this week that Emirates Airlines is set to extend its jersey sponsorship with the club at a price of $39 million a year.

Meanwhile, Forbes reported that highest-earning soccer players, including on-field salary and off-the-field endorsers, are David Beckham ($50.6 million), Cristiano Ronaldo ($43.5 million) and Barca's Lionel Messi ($40.3 million).

 

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