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Who profited most from Club World Cup $1bn prize pot?
Published: Sun, 13 Jul 2025 22:24:12 GMT
As the dust settles on another thrilling edition of the Club World Cup, the question on everyone’s lips is: who really hit the jackpot with that eye-watering $1bn prize pot? With clubs from every corner of the globe vying for a slice of the pie, the competition was fiercer than a catfight over the last slice of pizza at a party.
Let’s start with the obvious contenders. Real Madrid, with their star-studded lineup, were expected to walk away with a hefty chunk of change. And they did, but not without a few hiccups along the way. Their defense was leakier than a sieve, and their goalkeeper seemed to have a personal vendetta against clean sheets. Still, they managed to pocket a cool $200 million, which should keep the lights on at the Bernabéu for another week or two.
Then there’s Manchester City, who, despite their best efforts, couldn’t quite clinch the top spot. But hey, $150 million isn’t too shabby for a team that seems to have more money than sense. Pep Guardiola can now afford to buy another dozen midfielders, just in case he runs out.
But the real surprise package of the tournament was Al Ahly. The Egyptian giants played with the kind of passion and flair that would make even the most stoic of fans shed a tear. Their Cinderella story saw them bag a whopping $100 million, proving that sometimes, the underdog really does have its day. Who knew that a team from Cairo could outshine the European elites? It’s like finding out your grandma can outdance Beyoncé.
Of course, not everyone was a winner. Some clubs left with little more than a participation trophy and a pat on the back. But hey, there’s always next year, right?
In the end, while the big boys took home the lion’s share, it’s the smaller clubs that truly profited. The exposure, the experience, and the chance to rub shoulders with the best in the business are worth more than any prize money. So here’s to the underdogs, the dreamers, and the believers. May they continue to defy the odds and remind us all why we love this beautiful game.