Jasmine Birtles
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How to Invest in Football Clubs in 2025
Ruby Layram
9th Jun 2025
Football isn’t just for match-day scarves and half-time pies, it can also be an investment opportunity. From Manchester United to Celtic, several clubs let fans own a slice of the action through public listings.
In this guide, we will share exactly how to invest in UK football clubs in 2025.
Also read: How to invest in UK stocks in 2025
Which Football Clubs Can You Buy Shares In?
Although there are plenty of options available, you can’t invest in every football club. Only clubs listed on stock exchanges are available to regular investors. Here are the top ones you can actually buy into:
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Manchester United (NYSE: MANU): Still the most valuable club globally, valued at $6.6 bn by Forbes. Its shares recently jumped by around 15% after a strong Europa League run boosted revenues by 17%, but challenges like stadium funding and a poor Premier League finish have weighed on the share price.
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Celtic FC (LSE AIM: CCPC): Scotland’s big beast listed since 1995. It enjoys fierce fan loyalty, and returning full attendance helped its revenues surge in recent years.
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Juventus (BIT: JUVE): Italy’s “Old Lady” continues its stock-market comeback following financial shake-ups and new sponsorship deals. If you’re interested in investing in European football, this could be a good one to consider.
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Borussia Dortmund (FRA: BVB): A favourite of investors, known for developing young talent (think Haaland and Bellingham), profitability, and Champions League exposure.
This list isn’t exhaustive! However, it provides a pretty good overview of some of the most popular clubs amongst investors.
What Makes The Value of a Football Club Go Up and Down?
Before you go ahead and invest in football clubs, it is important to understand what makes the value of football clubs go up and down.
Just like any stock, football club shares rise and fall, but the triggers are often more emotional, unpredictable, and dramatic than your average FTSE 100 company. Here’s what really moves the needle.
Winning matches (especially big ones): Progressing in the Champions League or winning a domestic cup can lead to an immediate share price boost. In May 2025, Man Utd shares surged 15% after a Europa League run boosted matchday revenue and investor sentiment.
New sponsorships or commercial deals: Clubs with global reach (like Juventus or Dortmund) regularly announce new multi-million-pound sponsorships, which can improve cash flow and investor outlook.
Stadium expansion or renovation plans: If a club unveils a plan to increase capacity or upgrade facilities, especially if it’s well-funded, this can suggest future income growth. Man Utd’s proposed £2bn stadium rebuild is a good example.
Star player signings (and sales): Signing a global superstar can lift shirt sales, attract media coverage, and boost valuation. Selling at a huge profit (like Dortmund with Haaland) also reassures investors of smart management.
New ownership or investment interest: Rumours of billionaire buyers or a buyout can spike share prices overnight. Even speculation can move the market!
What Can Make the Value Drop?
So, if the above is what makes the value of a football club go up, what can make it go down?
Poor performance or relegation fears: Results really matter. A team missing out on Champions League qualification or slipping toward relegation can see its stock slide, as Man Utd investors found after a bruising end to the 2024/25 season.
High debt levels or poor financial results: Clubs carry big costs, wages, transfers, upkeep. If they post a hefty loss or show rising debt, confidence falls. United’s reported £300m+ loss over three years is one such concern.
Fan backlash or off-pitch controversy: Protests against owners, political rows, or negative media headlines can dent a club’s reputation and its investment appeal.
Exit from European competitions: Early exits from UEFA tournaments can wipe millions off revenue forecasts, and off the share price.
Player injuries or manager sackings: These may seem small in other industries, but a sidelined superstar or manager swap mid-season can really shake investor confidence.
How to Buy Shares in a Football Club
So, how exactly can you invest in football clubs? Here’s an overview of the process.
Step 1: Pick a broker that offers the right markets.
To buy Manchester United, you’ll need access to the NYSE. For European clubs, ensure your broker covers the Milan, Frankfurt, London AIM, or Euronext exchanges.
Explore our top UK investment platforms to get started.
Step 2: Open an account (or ISA/SIPP for UK investors)
Platforms like Hargreaves Lansdown, IG, or Freetrade are solid bets. eToro even offers US stock access with no commission.
For tax-free returns, make sure to invest in a stocks and shares ISA.
Step 3: Research the club.
Look at the club’s finances, debt, stadium plans, and presence in European football. Tag along to fan forums, investor reports, and media coverage.
Step 4: Place your order smartly.
Decide on market vs limit price, understand FX impacts (if buying overseas), and factor in fees and stamp duty.
Step 5: Manage your emotions.
These stocks can be pretty volatile. If your club loses a final or gets relegated, you don’t want heartbreak both on and off the pitch. Invest only what you’re ready to lose.
Is It a Good Idea to Invest in Football Clubs?
Investing in football clubs is a great way to diversify your portfolio with a fun, high-growth-potential asset.
But, should you invest?
Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after steady, predictable returns, football clubs might not be your best bet. These stocks can be volatile, with values swinging based on match results, transfer rumours, or changes in management. They’re also less focused on profit and more on performance- on and off the pitch.
That said, for die-hard fans or adventurous investors who understand the risks, there can be opportunities, especially if you back a club on the rise or one with strong commercial potential.
It’s also worth noting that football stocks can be more about passion than profit for many investors. So, while it’s not a traditional investment, it could be a fun and speculative side bet in a well-diversified portfolio.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can invest in football clubs, and if you’re a fan, there’s something quite thrilling about it. But it comes with volatility, heavy debt loads, owner influence, and results-driven risk. As a fan-investor, keep things realistic: buy what makes watching the game more fun, not what you need to retire on.
After reading this guide, spend some time exploring which brokers offer football club shares and compare fees to find the best option to get started.
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Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
I want to invest in a 1st or 2nd divison football club
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