Kit merchandise is a good source of revenue for Real.
According to the soccer data and analytics platform Football Benchmark, as noted by Diario AS, Real has the highest jersey value in European club soccer (Spanish). Real earns a combined EUR190 million ($205 million) from kit supplier Adidas, which pays EUR120 million ($129 million), and its main sponsor Emirates, which stumps up EUR70 million ($75 million) annually.
Second in the standings is El Clasico rival Barcelona, whose shirt revenue comes from Nike and audio streaming service Spotify. Trailing the Catalans are French side Paris Saint-Germain in third, and then Premier League teams Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, ahead of Bundesliga behemoth Bayern Munich in eighth.
While not included in the figures mentioned, Real's jersey engagements go beyond Adidas and Emirates. In early February, Los Blancos confirmed a partnership with IT company HP-now emblazoned on its sleeves-and reportedly valued at EUR70 million ($75 million) yearly. Dealing with Real seems like an attractive proposition for the right type of brand.
If Real wins and Girona doesn't this weekend, Los Blancos will officially snatch the Spanish title ... [+] back from rival Barcelona.
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Indeed, a club's image is pivotal for driving revenues in this area. As a sporting entity, Real has one of the highest brand values in the world, fuelled, in part, by a glut of trophies and international galacticos like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Toni Kroos. So, its superior metrics are not that surprising.
Regarding consumers and pricing, there's another side. Supporters have no choice but to pay top-dollar for jerseys in a landscape where match tickets and television subscriptions are often extortionate. Take supporters of Premier League club Liverpool, many of whom are baulking at the price of the new red shirt for adults, a 6.7% increase in cost. Those wanting Real or Barca shirts with all the trimmings-even before the coming releases-are looking at spending nearly EUR200 ($215).
As the domestic seasons wrap up across Europe and more designs hit the shelves, it's poised to continue this way.