Football is not just the world’s most popular sport it’s also one of the most lucrative. With billions generated from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise, the financial rewards of the beautiful game have reached staggering levels. Clubs and national teams across the globe now compete not just for glory but for huge cash prizes.
Here’s a look at the top 10 richest football competitions in the world and how much their winners take home.
10. UEFA Euro – $33 million
The UEFA European Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in international football. While it doesn’t match the World Cup in global reach, the Euros are a financial juggernaut. The prize money has steadily risen over the years, and a team that wins every match including the final can pocket up to $33 million. The final alone rewards the winner with $9.39 million.

9. Europa League – $40 million
Europe’s second-tier club competition may not have the glamour of the Champions League, but it is still extremely rewarding financially. The Europa League offers winners up to $40 million, depending on their path to the final. Revenue from TV deals, sponsorship, and performance bonuses significantly boost the total earnings.

8. FIFA World Cup – $42 million
The World Cup is arguably the biggest sporting event on the planet. As the competition has grown, so has the prize money. The 2022 edition saw the winners, Argentina, take home $42 million. Prize money includes participation fees, match bonuses, and progressive rewards through each knockout stage.

7. Ligue 1 – $60 million (estimated)
France’s top football division is a regular feature in Europe’s elite football landscape. Although its TV rights revenue dipped after the Mediapro fallout, it still offers significant prize money. The winning team earns an estimated $60 million through a combination of domestic broadcast deals, performance bonuses, and marketing incentives.
6. Serie A – $75 million
Italy’s premier football competition remains one of the highest-paying domestic leagues. Serie A winners collect approximately $75 million, with a large chunk of the money coming from lucrative TV rights deals valued at €2.5 billion over three seasons. Distribution is based on final standings and European competition placements.

5. Bundesliga – $82 million
Germany’s Bundesliga continues to be a financial powerhouse in club football. The league’s broadcast rights fetched around €4.4 billion from 2021 to 2025, and this wealth is shared among the 18 clubs. The champions earn up to $82 million, making it one of the most rewarding leagues globally.
4. FIFA Club World Cup – $125 million
The revamped FIFA Club World Cup, which expanded to 32 teams in 2025, has quickly become one of the most profitable tournaments. The 2025 winners received an eye-watering $125 million, with substantial participation fees and bonuses for wins and draws. The tournament’s global exposure and backing from major sponsors ensure it remains highly lucrative.

3. UEFA Champions League – $127 million
Europe’s top club competition is a financial goldmine. Winning the Champions League can earn a club up to $127 million, depending on factors such as market pool share, coefficient ranking, participation bonus, and performance-based payments. The competition’s appeal and massive TV rights continue to make it a must-play for European giant
2. La Liga – $158 million
Spain’s top flight boasts some of the world’s biggest clubs and pays its winners generously. Champions receive around $158 million, largely derived from centralized TV rights redistributed based on performance and club popularity. Real Madrid and Barcelona are often the biggest earners due to their global fanbase.
1. English Premier League – $221 million
Topping the list is the English Premier League. It is not just the most watched league globally, but also the most rewarding. The winner pockets a massive $221 million through a mix of TV revenue (both domestic and international), merit-based payments, and commercial bonuses. With over $10 billion generated in the 2022-2025 cycle, the Premier League stands unmatched in financial might.
