Brand Finance: Messi's departure would lower FC Barcelona's valuation by 11% (-€137m)

Following the departure of Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona (LaLiga Santander) would see its valuation drop by €137m to €1.129bn, according to a study by the Spanish subsidiary of the strategy and brand valuation consultancy firm Brand Finance, published on 08/08/2021. The Argentine six-time Ballon d'Or winner announced on 09/08/2021 that he would not be extending his contract with Barça after more than 20 years with the club (2000-2021).

"The potential loss of €137m corresponds to €77m in commercial revenue, €17m in matchday revenue and on-pitch performance and €43m in shirt sales and merchandising that the club would lose," explained the firm.

This would see Barca's valuation fall by 11% from the €1.266bn figure (second place) set by Brand Finance in its annual ranking of the most valuable club brands (Brand Finance Football 50 2021, published 17/05/2021). This ranking has been dominated by Real Madrid CF since 2019 (club valued at €1.276bn in 2021).

"With a lower brand value of €1.129bn following Messi's departure, Barcelona could also slide down to third place in the Brand Finance…