Champions League prize money: How much has each team made in the 2024/25 season?

The Champions League is entering the final round of games in the league phase.

Each team has so far played seven of the allotted eight games and so now is when people start to talk about the pros and cons of the new format.

The financial benefits of the league phase were always sold as a key part of UEFA’s decision to restructure things, in addition to the desire to create more high-profile and pulse pounding big games.

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Coming off a gameweek where PSG came from 0-2 down against Man City to win 4-2 and Barcelona beat Benfica 5-4 with a 95th minute winner having trailed 3-1 and 4-2… it’s safe to say excitement has definitely been provided.

But what about the financial benefits? While UEFA have yet to release official figures, X user @fmeetsdata has compiled an unofficial table based on UEFA’s previously released information about prize money this season and the results aren’t too surprising but two clubs have most assuredly taken more advantage than others.

A huge point in favour of this phase is that the two clubs who have benefitted the most are the two clubs that are top of the league phase: Liverpool and Barcelona.

Liverpool closing in on €100 million payout

Liverpool are top of the league phase having won every single match they’ve played so far, and as a result have earned more than anyone in the Champions League this season.

The Reds got the base €18.62 million from UEFA, same as everyone. They received a high market pool of €31.79 million based on their five year co-efficient (their success over the last five seasons) with €10.38 million for their ten year co-efficient.

Liverpool have earned €14.70 million so far for their points total (UEFA pays out €2.1 million per win) and, should they stay in first will receive a bonus of €12.21 million plus €11 million for finishing in the top 8.

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That all adds up to €98.7 million. Arne Slot’s Reds can cross the €100 million threshhold by beating PSV on the road in their last group game, with the €2.1 million victory fee pushing them beyond.

Barcelona approaching €90 million in earnings

Barcelona have money problems, and their recent form in La Liga has been spotty at best and seen them fall from five points clear at the top to seven points off top spot.

But they’ve been incredible in the Champions League after losing on matchday one to Monaco (after a very early Eric Garcia red card). Barcelona won their next six games including destroying Bayern Munich 4-1.

Barcelona’s earnings are very healthy in Europe. Like Liverpool they have an €18.62 million starting fee and €11 million bonus for finishing in the top 8.

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However Barcelona’s 10 year co-efficient is slightly higher than Liverpool’s at €11.76 million as it includes their second Treble which happened a decade ago in 2014/15.

Barcelona’s five year co-efficient is very poor, however, at just €22.44 million. This is due to going out in the group stages for two consecutive years after Leo Messi’s departure.

Barcelona have earned €12.6 million from their six wins and one defeat, while their second place is giving them approximately €11.05 million.

With approximately €87.5 million in prize money and a top four place secured, Hansi Flick may be tempted to rest some of his starters for what could be a gruelling last match against hotshots Atalanta.

However club president Joan Laporta will surely be urging Flick to go for the win with a full-strength side. Not only would it bring in the €2.1 million victory bonus, but the fourth-placed side (presently Inter Milan) is only getting €8.3 million for their position which is significantly less than Barcelona’s €11.05 million for being second.

Essentially, a win that guarantees second place is worth about an extra €5 million to Barcelona, which given the state their finances are in, is a fee they can’t really turn down.

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