Football’s economic balance is now directly shaping competition on the pitch. Squad values have become central to success stories, and Europe’s football landscape is increasingly defined by financial power.
In the UEFA Europa League, Aston Villa stood out with a squad valuation of around €547 million, making them the second most valuable team in the competition and ultimately lifting the trophy—highlighting the growing dominance of financial strength in modern football.
In the UEFA Champions League, giants such as Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal rank among the four most valuable squads, underlining how closely financial power and elite competition are now intertwined.
Meanwhile, UEFA Conference League finalist Crystal Palace stands as the clear most valuable squad in its competition, further reinforcing the trend.
This new era of football echoes Johan Cruyff’s philosophy of the game, yet contrasts sharply with it: where “total football” once defined creativity and structure, today’s game increasingly features what feels like “money-filled bags” entering the pitch alongside the players.