GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Soccer Industry Statistics

Soccer industry statistics provide valuable insights into the global popularity, financial impact, player performances, and fan engagement of the sport.

Highlights: Soccer Industry Statistics

  • The global market of football is estimated to be worth $600 billion.
  • The English Premier League generated around €5.94 billion in revenue in the 2019/2020 season.
  • The transfer value of all Big Five league players fell 18% to €30.3bn as of October 2020.
  • Global football audiences exceeded 3.5 billion in 2018.
  • In 2020, around 644 million people in China watched football on television.
  • The total Football Association (FA) income amounted to approximately 460 million British pounds in 2020.
  • The total annual player salary expense in USA's Major League Soccer in 2019 was about $291 million.
  • Soccer players globally ran an average of 11.2 kilometers per match in 2018.
  • In 2018, the football equipment market in the United States was valued at about $700 million.
  • The highest soccer player wage on a global scale in 2021 is from Lionel Messi, earning €71 million euros in gross salary.
  • Roughly 60% of Premier League fans are under the age of 35.
  • The average attendance in Serie A matches in Italy in 2020 was approximately 25,000.
  • The total number of people who watched the World cup in 2018 was estimated to be 3.572 billion.
  • The expected growth of the soccer equipment market between 2021 and 2025 is 1.69 billion USD.
  • Juventus had the highest player wages in Serie A, with an average of €8.3 million annually in 2021.
  • Number of soccer teams in the U.S. increased from 81,605 in 2006 to 84,588 in 2019.
  • The investment in European transfer market for professional soccer players decreased to €5.63 billion in 2020.
  • The total revenue of UEFA amounted to €3.85 billion in the 2018/19 season.
  • The market value of the German national football team was approximately €936 million in 2020.
  • The direct effect of soccer on Spain's GDP was valued at over €15.7 billion in 2019.

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The Latest Soccer Industry Statistics Explained

The global market of football is estimated to be worth $600 billion.

The statistic stating that the global market of football is estimated to be worth $600 billion represents the vast economic impact that the sport of football has on a worldwide scale. This value encompasses various revenue streams associated with football, such as broadcasting rights, sponsorships, merchandise sales, ticket sales, and player transfers. The figure underscores the immense popularity and commercialization of the sport, highlighting how football serves as a major industry that generates substantial financial opportunities for clubs, players, governing bodies, and related businesses globally. This statistic emphasizes the significant role that football plays in the global economy and its enduring appeal to fans around the world.

The English Premier League generated around €5.94 billion in revenue in the 2019/2020 season.

The statistic that the English Premier League generated approximately €5.94 billion in revenue during the 2019/2020 season provides a key insight into the financial magnitude and success of one of the most popular and lucrative football leagues in the world. This figure encompasses revenue streams such as broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, merchandising, and matchday income. The substantial revenue generated reflects the league’s widespread global appeal, attracting large audiences and investments from fans, broadcasters, and sponsors alike. The financial strength of the Premier League enables clubs to invest in top players, state-of-the-art facilities, and robust infrastructure, facilitating high-quality competition and entertainment for fans worldwide.

The transfer value of all Big Five league players fell 18% to €30.3bn as of October 2020.

The statistic indicates that the total transfer value of all players participating in the Big Five European football leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1) experienced a significant decline of 18% to €30.3 billion by October 2020. This suggests that the market value of players within these leagues collectively decreased, potentially due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the football industry. The decline could be attributed to various factors such as decreased revenues, uncertainty about future financial stability, and the overall economic impact on the transfer market. This statistic provides valuable insight into the financial landscape of European football and reflects the challenges faced by clubs and players during this time period.

Global football audiences exceeded 3.5 billion in 2018.

The statistic stating that global football audiences exceeded 3.5 billion in 2018 indicates the immense popularity and widespread viewership of football around the world during that year. This figure represents the total number of individuals who watched football matches either in person, on television, or through digital platforms. The high viewership numbers reflect the global appeal and significance of football as a sport that transcends boundaries and unites people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The statistic highlights football’s status as one of the most popular and widely followed sports globally, with billions of people tuning in to watch matches and support their favorite teams and players.

In 2020, around 644 million people in China watched football on television.

The statistic stating that around 644 million people in China watched football on television in 2020 represents a significant portion of the country’s population engaging with the sport through this medium. This high viewership figure not only showcases the popularity of football in China but also highlights the importance of television as a platform for sports consumption in the country. The sheer magnitude of the viewership number demonstrates the widespread interest in football among the Chinese population and underscores the potential for the sport to continue growing in popularity and influence in the region. Analysing viewership trends and demographics within this large audience can offer valuable insights for stakeholders in the sports industry, such as advertisers, broadcasters, and sports organizations, seeking to engage with this enthusiastic football audience in China.

The total Football Association (FA) income amounted to approximately 460 million British pounds in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the Football Association (FA) generated a total income of around 460 million British pounds in the year 2020. This figure represents the overall revenue earned by the FA in that particular year, encompassing sources such as broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and other income streams. The FA’s income is crucial for funding various activities and programs related to football development, including grassroots initiatives, player development, organizing competitions, and supporting the national teams. Analyzing the FA’s income provides insights into the financial health and sustainability of the organization, as well as its potential for investing back into the sport and driving growth in the football industry.

The total annual player salary expense in USA’s Major League Soccer in 2019 was about $291 million.

The statistic states that the total annual player salary expense in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) for the year 2019 amounted to approximately $291 million. This figure represents the combined salaries paid to all players across the MLS teams during that year. The total player salary expense is a significant financial component for the league, reflecting the investment made by MLS clubs in attracting and retaining talented players. This statistic provides insight into the financial scale of professional soccer in the US, shedding light on the economic aspects of the sport and the level of investment required to compete in the MLS.

Soccer players globally ran an average of 11.2 kilometers per match in 2018.

The statistic “Soccer players globally ran an average of 11.2 kilometers per match in 2018” reflects the overall physical exertion and endurance required of professional soccer players during a typical match. This statistic suggests that the sport of soccer demands significant levels of physical activity and stamina from players worldwide, as they cover an average distance of 11.2 kilometers per match. Such a distance indicates the rigorous physical demands placed on soccer players, highlighting the importance of fitness and endurance in the sport. Overall, this statistic underscores the high physical performance requirements and athleticism needed to compete at the professional level in soccer.

In 2018, the football equipment market in the United States was valued at about $700 million.

The statistic states that in 2018, the market for football equipment in the United States was estimated to be worth around $700 million. This figure encompasses the total revenue generated from the sale of various football-related products such as jerseys, helmets, pads, cleats, and other gear. The value represents the economic significance of the football equipment industry within the United States during that year, highlighting the demand for such products among athletes, teams, and consumers. Such statistics are not only indicative of the financial scale of the industry but also reflect the popularity and participation in football-related activities across the country.

The highest soccer player wage on a global scale in 2021 is from Lionel Messi, earning €71 million euros in gross salary.

The statistic highlights that Lionel Messi held the highest soccer player wage globally in 2021, earning a substantial gross salary of €71 million euros. This data underscores Messi’s exceptional skill and market value in the world of soccer, as well as the significant financial investments made by clubs to secure top talent. Such high player salaries also reflect the competitive nature of the sport’s industry, where elite players like Messi command exceptional compensation packages due to their exceptional talent, marketability, and contribution to on-field success.

Roughly 60% of Premier League fans are under the age of 35.

The statistic ‘roughly 60% of Premier League fans are under the age of 35’ means that around three-fifths of the total fan base of the Premier League, a popular soccer league in England, consists of individuals who are younger than 35 years old. This suggests a significant skew towards a younger demographic in the league’s fan base, indicating that the majority of supporters belong to the millennial and Gen Z age groups. Understanding the age distribution of fans is crucial for marketing strategies, content creation, and overall engagement efforts targeted at this key segment of the audience.

The average attendance in Serie A matches in Italy in 2020 was approximately 25,000.

The statistic stating that the average attendance in Serie A matches in Italy in 2020 was approximately 25,000 provides valuable insight into the level of spectator engagement in Italian football during that year. This figure signifies the typical number of fans attending games throughout the season, reflecting the popularity and following of Serie A matches. The average attendance of 25,000 suggests that these matches likely attract a sizeable audience, contributing to the overall atmosphere and excitement of the league. Such statistics are crucial for understanding the impact and reach of football in Italy, as well as for assessing the economic and social implications of sports events on both a local and national scale.

The total number of people who watched the World cup in 2018 was estimated to be 3.572 billion.

The statistic “The total number of people who watched the World Cup in 2018 was estimated to be 3.572 billion” indicates the vast global viewership of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This figure represents the total number of individuals who tuned in to watch the tournament across various platforms such as television broadcasts, online streaming services, and live screenings. The significant viewer count highlights the widespread popularity and appeal of the World Cup, showcasing its ability to capture the attention and interest of billions of people around the world. Such a large viewership not only underlines the cultural significance and unifying nature of sports events like the World Cup but also signifies the immense economic and social impact of the tournament on a global scale.

The expected growth of the soccer equipment market between 2021 and 2025 is 1.69 billion USD.

The statistic stating that the expected growth of the soccer equipment market between 2021 and 2025 is 1.69 billion USD indicates the projection of how much the market is anticipated to increase in value over the specified time period. This growth estimate suggests that the demand for soccer equipment is predicted to rise significantly, resulting in higher sales and revenue for businesses operating within the market. Factors such as increasing participation in soccer, rising popularity of the sport globally, and advancements in sports technology may contribute to this projected growth. It highlights the potential opportunities for stakeholders in the soccer equipment industry to capitalize on the expected market expansion by adapting their strategies to meet the anticipated increase in demand.

Juventus had the highest player wages in Serie A, with an average of €8.3 million annually in 2021.

The statistic “Juventus had the highest player wages in Serie A, with an average of €8.3 million annually in 2021” indicates that Juventus, a professional football club in the Italian Serie A league, paid its players the highest average annual wages compared to other clubs in the league during the specified year. This means that, on average, each player at Juventus earned €8.3 million per year, showcasing the club’s financial resources and commitment to investing in high-quality talent. Player wages are a key component of a club’s expenses and can provide insights into their financial health, competitiveness, and ability to attract top players in the industry.

Number of soccer teams in the U.S. increased from 81,605 in 2006 to 84,588 in 2019.

The statistic states that the number of soccer teams in the United States has increased from 81,605 in 2006 to 84,588 in 2019. This indicates a growth of 2,983 soccer teams over the 13-year period. This trend suggests a growing interest and participation in soccer at various levels within the country, reflecting the sport’s popularity and potentially indicating a wider acceptance and development of soccer infrastructure across different regions. The increase in the number of soccer teams could also be attributed to factors such as increased investment in youth development programs, improved access to facilities, and a higher profile of the sport through professional leagues and international competitions.

The investment in European transfer market for professional soccer players decreased to €5.63 billion in 2020.

The statistic presented indicates that the total amount of money invested in the European transfer market for professional soccer players experienced a decrease in 2020 compared to previous years, reaching €5.63 billion. This decrease likely reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world of sports, leading to disruptions and uncertainties in the transfer market. Teams may have been more cautious in their spending due to financial constraints caused by the pandemic, resulting in a lower overall investment in player transfers in Europe during 2020. This statistic provides insight into the economic effects of the pandemic on the soccer industry and demonstrates the shift in financial priorities and strategies among clubs during challenging times.

The total revenue of UEFA amounted to €3.85 billion in the 2018/19 season.

The statistic indicates that the total revenue generated by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) during the 2018/19 season amounted to €3.85 billion. This includes income from various sources such as broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and merchandising. Revenue plays a crucial role in the operations and development of UEFA, funding various initiatives, tournaments, and programs aimed at promoting football across Europe. The substantial revenue figure highlights the organization’s strong financial position and the popularity of football as a sport, showcasing its ability to attract significant financial investments and partnerships.

The market value of the German national football team was approximately €936 million in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the German national football team had an estimated market value of €936 million in the year 2020. This figure represents the total hypothetical amount of money that the team’s players would be worth if they were to be bought and sold in the football transfer market at that time. Market value is influenced by various factors such as the players’ skills, performances, age, and potential, as well as market demand and economic conditions. A high market value suggests that the team’s players are highly regarded and in-demand, reflecting the team’s overall strength and potential for success in competitions.

The direct effect of soccer on Spain’s GDP was valued at over €15.7 billion in 2019.

The statistic ‘The direct effect of soccer on Spain’s GDP was valued at over €15.7 billion in 2019’ indicates the significant impact that the soccer industry has on the Spanish economy. This figure likely includes the revenues generated from ticket sales, merchandise, TV broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and other related activities within the soccer sector. The substantial contribution of soccer to Spain’s GDP highlights the importance of the sport as a key economic driver in the country, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and stimulating consumption. Furthermore, it emphasizes the cultural and social significance of soccer in Spain, beyond its role as a recreational activity, as it has become a major economic force driving growth and development in the country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, delving into soccer industry statistics provides valuable insights into the popularity, impact, and trends within the sport. By analyzing data on viewership, revenue, player performance, and fan engagement, stakeholders can make informed decisions to drive growth and success in the dynamic world of soccer. Utilizing statistics effectively can enhance strategy development, marketing efforts, and resource allocation for clubs, leagues, sponsors, and fans alike. The power of numbers in the soccer industry cannot be underestimated, and embracing statistical analysis is crucial for maximizing opportunities and navigating challenges in this global phenomenon.

References

0. – https://www.www.scienceforsport.com

1. – https://www.footballbenchmark.com

2. – https://www.www.uefa.com

3. – https://www.www.technavio.com

4. – https://www.www.fifa.com

5. – https://www.www.statista.com

6. – https://www.www.pinsentmasons.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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