(foto: Twitter)
Shirt sales data for 2025 highlight the dominance of El Clásico and confirm that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain football’s most powerful commercial brands.
The latest shirt sales figures for 2025 underline just how lucrative football merchandising has become. According to an analysis by Sport Business Management, the top 10 clubs worldwide sold more than 20 million shirts combined, reinforcing the extreme concentration of commercial power at the very top of the game.
Two clear trends stand out. First, El Clásico clubs remain in a league of their own. Second, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo continue to be unmatched global brands, capable of transforming shirt sales wherever they play.
Another notable detail is the dominance of kit manufacturers. Seven of the top 10 clubs are equipped by Adidas, while only three wear Nike, confirming the long-standing duopoly that controls the global football merchandise market.
El Clásico at the top: Real Madrid and Barcelona
At the summit sit Real Madrid, who sold 3,133,000 shirts in 2025. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé played a decisive role, proving once again that a single superstar can dramatically boost commercial performance.
Close behind are Barcelona with 2,940,000 shirts sold. At the Catalan club, so-called Yamal-mania has driven demand, with the No.10 shirt of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal becoming one of the club’s best-selling items worldwide.
The elite above two million
Third place belongs to Paris Saint-Germain with 2,546,000 shirts, showing that PSG remain a powerful global brand even beyond individual star power. Bayern Munich follow with 2,377,000, reflecting their consistent sporting and commercial stability.
The biggest statistical surprise comes next. Inter Miami sold 2,166,000 shirts, finishing ahead of several European giants. The impact of Lionel Messi remains extraordinary—strong enough on its own to elevate an MLS club into the global elite.
Global brands beyond Europe
Further down the list, historic names continue to prove their reach. Boca Juniors sold 1,933,000 shirts, edging past Manchester United on 1,855,000, despite United’s ongoing sporting inconsistency.
Chelsea remain among the commercial elite with 1,677,000, while markets outside Europe play a crucial role. Flamengo sold 1,422,000 shirts, confirming their status as South America’s strongest commercial force.
Rounding out the top 10 are Al Nassr with 1,281,000 shirts sold, a figure that once again underlines the immense global pull of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Top 10 clubs by shirt sales in 2025
Real Madrid – 3,133,000
Barcelona – 2,940,000
Paris Saint-Germain – 2,546,000
Bayern Munich – 2,377,000
Inter Miami – 2,166,000
Boca Juniors – 1,933,000
Manchester United – 1,855,000
Chelsea – 1,677,000
Flamengo – 1,422,000
Al Nassr – 1,281,000