UEFA's most recent annual financial report, which reveals kit sales revenue from the top ten biggest clubs in world football, just came out with FC Barcelona topping the list.

FC Barcelona, according to the data shared by the highest authority in European football, rakes in 179 million euros from shirt and merchandise sales.

Second on the list is Real Madrid, with 155 million euros. That means Barca earned 24 million euros more than Madrid! 

Top 10 highest revenue from shirt sales

It's surprising that no additional teams from La Liga secured a spot on the list. But that's forgivable compared to Manchester City, reigning champions of Europe, and the Premier League, not making the cut.

What does it mean for Barca?

FC Barcelona is arguably the best team in the world. I mean, if we're to go by followership, organic fan support, list of legendary players in history, impact on modern football, trophies, club value, and so on. 

But somehow, the club's latest economic situation has been perilous and unappealing. Former chief executive Ferran Reverter describes the Catalan giant's as "technically bankrupt.".

So the recent report of kit sales is definitely great news for Barça in the financial department!

However, it's worthy to know that all this bogus amount won't go to the purse of the Catalan entity since the shirt manufacturer, in this case Nike, possesses a big quantity of right on this money when having all the costs of production and distribution of the products.

But the most important thing is that the recent surge in shirt sales will contribute to Barça's struggle to reclaim its status as an elite team in every aspect and return happiness to Culers.

Barca could double the figure

FC Barcelona and Nike have enjoyed a close-knit relationship, propelling both to the pinnacle of their respective domains.

For most Culers, the bond between the club and the sportswear giant has become inseparable, making it difficult to envision the Blaugrana jersey without the iconic stamp. 

However, the recent rift between the club's president, Joan Laporta, and Nike suggests that this enduring partnership may be on the brink of dissolution, with a major competitor looking to move in. 

Laporta, speaking with Mundo Deportivo, insists he’s only interested in whatever is best for the club, especially in this dire economic turmoil.

“Sometimes the easy thing is not the best. And now what we want is the best for Barça,” said Laporta. The market is telling us that Barça is worth more than what we have in the contract with Nike,” he added.

“There have been 27 years with Nike; we have had periodic meetings; we are having meetings; they have made an effort that I have greatly appreciated, but that is not enough.

“Now that we are in the process of economic recovery, what we cannot do is go down. Barça must have the best contract on the market, but the best is the best contract on the market, as I did in my first stage.

“The contract we currently have is not the best on the market, and Barça is the club that sells the most shirts in the world. You must have the best contract on the market, and if not, fortunately we have other options.”

Barcelona's contract with Nike is tied to 2028. A deal that sees Barcelona make around €105 million annually, with variables that could reach €160 million. But it seems increasingly likely the club could break the deal early and take up a better offer from any other company.