Man City top list of richest clubs in Soccerex Football Finance 100

The Nerazzurri have endured a rotten run of form on the pitch in recent years, but off it the books remain in good health. As with the vast majority of the 29 clubs that precede them, Inter are helped immeasurably by a rich benefactor; in their case China's Suning Holdings Group.

2017 has seen a welcome upturn in Los Che's fortunes, as they finished the year above Real Madrid and well in the chase for La Liga. The club have had their share of adversity, but with the support of Peter Lim remain one of the richest football teams in the world.

Along with NFL side New England Patriots, the Revolution are owned by local magnate Robert Kraft. Free of debt and with great potential for investment, they join several MLS rivals in this ranking.

A highly valued squad and potential for heavy investment see Everton sneak into the top 30. 

The southern Italians' renaissance in recent years, fuelled by the massive transfer fees picked up through the sales of stars like Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain, has been reflected in the transformation of its accounts. While they still trail rivals Juventus by some distance, a valuable playing squad and negligible debt obligations mean they are in fine health off the field.

The Big Apple's most recent franchise lags behind its more established neighbours, but to climb so high in just two years is still a remarkable achievement. Like Manchester City the side is owned by Abu Dhabi-based ADUG, meaning investment opportunities account for much of its financial power.

The Sounders regularly come out on top in surveys of the MLS' most profitable franchises - boosted by a fanatical support base that helped average attendances climb to a whopping 43,000 in 2017.

Similarly to Leipzig, New York's financial prowess has been much strengthened by the involvement of the soft drinks corporation. The impressive Red Bull Arena also contributes to an overall bright outlook for the MLS side.

Despite the upheaval caused by instability in Ukraine - which has forced the club out of Donetsk - Shakhtar remain one of the nation's strongest sides. 

Owned by local pharmaceutical giants Bayer, the club has benefitted from ample financial backing and has also kept debt levels to a minimum.

The Foxes' inspirational run to the Premier League title in 2015-16 and subsequent Champions League adventure gave a great boost to the club's finances. Investment from the Thailand-based King Power group also helps Leicester take a more than respectable 20th place.

The side from the principality have built intelligently over the last few years, coming back from the brink of extinction to become perennial Champions League challengers and even winning Ligue 1 last season. Their infrastructure is practically zero, but the support of the Russian Rybolovleva family.

Investment from minority stockholder IDG Ventures helps Lyon place highly in Soccerex's rankings. The club also performs strongly in the fixed assets category, thanks to new 60,000 capacity stadium Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

While they have struggled to match rivals Bayern on the field recently, Dortmund are still one of the wealthiest sides in Europe. Balanced books have been the bedrock of the club's success, reflected in minimal debt levels at Signal Iduna Park.

Another Premier League team owned by a US-based enterprise, in Liverpool's case John W. Henry's Fenway Sports Group. That investment, a strong squad and plenty of off-field assets help the Reds into a top-20 placing.

Sustained success on the field in recent years has transformed Atletico from La Liga also-rans to one of Europe's most powerful clubs. An imposing new stadium and backing from minority shareholders Wanda also contribute to the Colchoneros' glowing financial health.

Galaxy are the highest-ranked US team in the list, bolstered by the millions of entertainment titans AEG and almost inexistent debt levels.

Like Real Madrid, the Catalans' status as a supporter-owned non-profit trust counts against them in Soccerex's calculations. But the lack of direct investment is more than compensated by the club's assets, both on and off the field.

Another club which can count on a multi-millionaire backer, in Leipzig's case the Red Bull soft drinks conglomerate. With that support the German side have reached the Champions League and are already worth more than local rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.

Owned by a subsidiary of the Gazprom gas giant, the Russians have spent heavily in 2017 and are considered one of football's wealthiest institutions.

Despite the lack of a wealthy investor, the Bavarians' financial muscle is legendary. Unbroken success locally mean Bayern easily outstrip their closest rivals both on and off the field.

Doubtlessly one of the richest clubs around, the Blues are hamstringed in Soccerex's rankings by the unique manner in which they are financed by owner Roman Abramovich. The Russian funnels money into the side by way of timeless loans, which nevertheless technically count as debt - of all the top 30 Chelsea are by far the team furthest 'into the red', at least on paper.

One of only two teams from Italy to make the top 30 of Soccerex's list. The financial might of the Agnelli family means plenty of investment can be expected, while stars like Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic ensure their squad is among Europe's most valuable.

The highest debt levels of any side in this top 30 drag United down overall. But as the signings of stars like Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku in recent seasons have demonstrated, few clubs can match the Red Devils in terms of pure spending.

As a club owned by its members, Real Madrid score zero in the potential investment stakes, an anomaly that drags down the score of what would otherwise be the most valuable football institution on the planet. No other side can match the Merengue in terms of player value. 

The north Londoners join neighbours Arsenal in making the top five. The promise of a new stadium and a heavily valued playing squad push Spurs into a surprisingly high placing, while there is plenty of cash in the bank.

The Chinese club are owned by two of the world's wealthiest enterprises, Evergrande and Ali Baba, a fact which accounts for the vast majority of their wealth. No club, not even PSG, can match Guangzhou in terms of potential investment from those in charge.

Arguably the richest club on the planet in cash terms, as demonstrated by the signings of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe over the summer. But the low value of Parc des Princes and relatively high debt levels keep PSG off the summit for Soccerex.

The Gunners' position may come as a surprise to some. But careful management of the club's assets mean there is plenty of cash in the bank and minimal debt, while still boasting one of the best squads in the game.

The Premier League leaders take the top spot in Soccerex's list. The immense wealth of City's owners and value of their first-team squad boost their overall assets, while there is minimal debt on the books thanks to massive investment from the club's Emirati owners.