El Clásico: The Billions Behind the Barcelona-Real Madrid Rivalry

From record-setting transfers to all-time trophies and beyond, take a closer look at the historic tale of the tape for one of sports’ most iconic showdowns.

Oct. 28, 2023 marks the 255th all-time meeting between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, better known as El Clásico. Widely regarded as one of the biggest rivalries in all of global sports, both clubs are among the most valuable and most supported in the world and boast brands that transcend national and cultural boundaries.

However, the era of the incredible Lionel Messi–Cristiano Ronaldo duels that fueled this storied La Liga standoff for a decade is now in the rearview mirror. Two years ago, Boardroom even wondered whether El Clásico still mattered.

Fortunately, a new era for Spain’s fiercest rivalry is dawning with star power to spare.

A quartet of big-name summer signings — two by each team — adds new fuel to the fire.

For the Galácticos, 20-year-old British superstar Jude Bellingham has quickly become the team’s most consequential acquisition in years following a €103 million transfer over the summer from Borussia Dortmund. Veteran goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, meanwhile, came over on loan from Chelsea after starter Thibaut Courtois tore his ACL in August.

On the Barcelona side, all-world right-back João Cancelo arrived on loan from Manchester City after an incredible trophy-winning run. Winger João Félix has found new life for the Catalan club thanks to a loan from Atlético Madrid, where he never found his groove after a massive €127 million transfer from Benfica in 2019.

Let’s take a closer look at the numbers behind El Clásico.

El Clásico 2023: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid at a Glance

FC BARCELONA	Club	REAL MADRID CF
1899	Founded	1902
Spotify Camp Nou (99,354)	Stadium (Capacity)	Santiago Bernabéu (81,044)
Supporters association	Owner	Supporters association
Xavi	Manager	Carlo Ancelotti
Sergi Roberto	Captain	Nacho
27	La Liga titles	35
5	Champions League titles	14
100	All-time H2H wins	102
74	All-time H2H wins in La Liga	77

Financial Footprint

Transfer figures and estimated market values are via Transermarkt unless otherwise noted.

FC BARCELONA		REAL MADRID CF
$5.51 billion (3)	FORBES VALUATION (Global rank)	$6.07 billion (1)
$4.95 billion (3)	SPORTICO VALUATION (Global rank)	$5.23 billion (2)
Philippe Coutinho (€135 million)	RECORD TRANSFER BUY	Eden Hazard (€115 million)
Neymar (€222 million)	RECORD TRANSFER SALE	Cristiano Ronaldo (€117 million)
€862 million	EST. ROSTER MARKET VALUE	€1.03 billion
Pedri (€100 million)	EST. NO. 1 PLAYER MARKET VALUE	Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham (€150 million)