Bayern Munich named 2014's most powerful brand by Brand Finance

Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) retained the top rank for brand value at €659m in 2014, according to a ranking by the American company Brand Finance, which specialises in the value of brands. The ranking was published in its annual "Football 50" on 26/05/2014. The club's value was down 1.3% compared to 2013 (€668m), Brand Finance said.

Bayern Munich, also first in 2013, handily outstripped Real Madrid (La Liga), which were at €565m and Manchester United (Premier League), at €543m, according to Brand Finance. The estimated value of the Spanish club, which won Champions League on 24/05/2014, was up by €83m compared to 2013. This allowed Real to beat out Manchester United, 7^th in Premier League in 2013, whose value had decreased by €107m.

Paris SG (Ligue 1), got up to 10^th in the ranking of most powerful brands, with an estimated value of €238m, an increase of 261% compared to 2013. The other four French clubs in Brand Finance's top 50 were: Lyon, 25^th (down 4 spots, at €81m), Marseille, 32^nd (down 14 spots, at €67m), Lille, 36^th (first appearance in the top 50, with a valuation of €62m…