League Association (DFL) released very promising annual reports of earnings in German professional football. All clubs in 1. Bundesliga recorded a remarkable total revenue of more than € 2 billion last year. The league has doubled its total revenue in last decade and earned big respect in European competitions. Smart work with young players brought sustainable growth and healthy development.
1. FC Bayern Munich
We placed Bayern on top of our list for many reasons. Bayern have big branding world wide and is known as German most successful football club. Bayern is mostly run by their own “blood”, 78% of club is owned by fans. So you can expect thoughtful moves and smart decisions.
In their cabinets are 21 Bundesliga title trophies and currently they are leading the league at half of the season. Even though they won 4 Champions League trophies, they have unfortunately lost two finals in last three seasons (inclunding last year on Allianz Arena against Chelsea). Jupp Heynckes is finishing his third successful period as Bayern’s manager. Overall they have great mix of young talents and experienced players like Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Mario Gomez, Thomas Müller, etc. Bayern showed that they can cash out when its needed. Good examples are newcomer Javi Martinez worth of €40 M and most wanted coach this winter Pep Guardiola guaranteed for next season.
2. Borussia Dortmund
Another German sports club located in Dortmund owned by largest shareholder Bernd Geske. One of the most successful German clubs with 8 Bundesliga titles and 1 Champions League title. Borussia Dortmund enjoys the largest football stadium in Germany and the highest average attendance at 80,478 per match (2011) of any football club in Europe. Every true football fan would like to feel that atmosphere on Westfalenstadion.
Manager Jürgen Klopp managed to perform an effective system of playing that can compete with the best teams in Europe and it’s pleasure to watch. Under his leadership they were able to win the championship again and now the second consecutive year they are defending the title. Thier most valuable players on market are Mario Götze worth of €42 M, Robert Lewandowski for €28 M and Marco Reus for €30 M. It looks like the team is visible progressing from year to year and this might bring back glory to Dortmund.
Their biggest obstacle in achieving the ultimate goals like winning the Champions League is leaving young talent in other European giants. Sometimes its hard to compete with Qatari money.
3. FC Schalke 04
Schalke is one of the most popular football clubs in Germany, even though they have not achieved anything major lately. They were a little bit unlucky to not achive Bundesliga title with four second spots in last decade. Owners of the club are sport club members and passionate fans. The football team is the biggest part of a sports club with more than 100,000 members. Schalke won 7 Bundesliga titles, all of them in 30s and 40s.
Since 2011, their coach is Huub Stevens who led them to first major achivement UEFA Cup victory against Inter in 1997 and will remain until 30 June 2013. Battle for top spot is lost as Bayern is leading Bundesliga for more than 15 points above Schalke on 6th place, but to progress in Champions League against Galatasaray seems possible.
Schalke was able to sign two-year contract extension with one of the biggest stars and main striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar hunted by Arsenal and Liverpool this winter. This proves their ability to keep top class players and remain competitive.