Insights - Football Benchmark

Rising Crowds, Rising Opportunities: Harnessing Attendance Growth

Matchday attendances across Europe’s top leagues have surged beyond pre-pandemic levels — driven by renewed demand for live experiences and strategic stadium investment. As traditional revenue streams mature, clubs have a timely opportunity to reimagine matchday as a key pillar of long-term growth — shifting from one-off visits to sustained fan engagement. This article explores the structural drivers behind this growth.

The Free Agent Paradox: Player Valuation, Risk, and Opportunity

As the 2024/25 season winds down, a growing number of key players across Europe are approaching free agency — creating both strategic dilemmas and hidden opportunities for clubs. In this article, we explore the “Free Agent Paradox”: how clubs can navigate contract expiries using predicted market valuations, balancing financial risk with long-term squad planning. With over 280 potential free agents in the Big Five leagues, the stakes are high as teams weigh renewals, transitions, and untapped value.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Transfer to Saudi Arabia: Assessing the Broader Impact

In this article, we analyse the broader impact of Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia — a transfer that extends well beyond the pitch. Marquee moves in recent years — such as Neymar’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi’s post-Barcelona journey, or Ronaldo’s move to Juventus — have all been assessed through multi-dimensional lens. Yet, Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr in December 2022 stands apart: not merely a sporting acquisition, but a catalyst for a broader transformation in Saudi Arabian football and national positioning.

Talent development in Saudi Arabia: Laying the foundations for a new football era

This article explores the current state of Saudi football and the gap that remains to be bridged ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with a focus on youth development. Emphasizing the importance of access to playing opportunities — a critical factor in successful player transition and progression — we examine how Saudi Arabia compares against selected peers within the AFC confederation.

Investing in Portuguese football: a prime spot for Multi-Club Ownership?

MCOs are primarily concentrated in the wealthiest leagues, particularly in Europe’s Big Five markets. Outside of these top leagues, the USA, Belgium and Portugal have the highest number of clubs involved in MCOs. This article focuses on the Portuguese market, one of the most attractive environments for investors, due to its strong player development ecosystem, appealing financial entry points and a business-friendly regulatory framework.

Maximizing stadium potential: Strategies to optimize matchday revenue

For decades, matchday revenue has been a cornerstone of football club finances, alongside broadcasting and commercial income. However, new fan engagement trends and technological advancements are challenging traditional ticketing models. Clubs must now adapt to a rapidly changing landscape where fan expectations, digital innovation, and commercial pressures require a more dynamic, data-driven approach to stadium monetization. In this article, we explore some of the strategies football clubs are implementing to maximize their matchday revenues.

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