Soccer Brands Top Global Sports Wealth List

In winning Euro 2012, Spain's national team redeemed Barcelona's defeat at the hands of England's Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final. But the English have come out on top again in Forbes' ranking of the wealthiest sports franchises with Manchester United's value pegged at $2.23 billion. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also make Forbes' top 10, coming in at #2 and #8, respectively.

Manchester United may be the most valuable sports franchise, but Deloitte's Football Money League ranks the club only third, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, in terms of revenue amongst global soccer clubs.

Manchester United's global reach is responsible for its dominant brand value. In recent years, Manchester United has played many of its summer tune up games in Asia while its counterparts have been happy staying home or coming to the United States.

The World Football Challenge started on July 18 with Champions League winners Chelsea facing MLS side Seattle Sounders. Real Madrid, Liverpool, and AC Milan are among other international teams making the trip to participate this year. Forgoing the token trip to the U.S., also known as the land soccer forgot about, Manchester United and Barcelona will face each other on August 8 in Sweden. Manchester United will be spending its summer 2012 preseason tour in Europe, Africa and Asia while Barcelona will stay in Europe for the summer.