Not only did Bayern Munich sweep aside all-comers on the pitch last season but they also took Manchester United’s title as the world’s most valuable brand.
The Germans were ranked top of the latest BrandFinance Football 50 list after a nine per cent rise in value from 2012, moving from second to first, after winning the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
Beaten, yet fashionable, European Cup finalists Borussia Dortmund also rose one place to 10th, with the Bundesliga’s soaring reputation clear – Schalke are 11th with Hamburg in 15th.
English clubs dominate the list, with several appearing in the top 10; as well as United in second, Chelsea are fifth, Arsenal sixth, Liverpool seventh and Man City eighth.