Big Five (association football)

The Big Five refers to the association football markets of England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. As of 2025, they are the five European leaders in size and popularity of the main domestic football leagues – the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 respectively in men's football, and the Women's Super League, Frauen-Bundesliga, Liga F, Serie A, and Première Ligue respectively in women's football.

In Europe, the 32 most prominent football clubs have been ranked by their Enterprise Value (EV) since 2016 through the Football Benchmark data and analytics platform, a service of Ace Advisory, which specializes in data-driven sports and leisure business consultancy. In the 2023 rankings, clubs from the Big Five leagues reached a record presence, with 29 representatives accounting for 97% of the total aggregate EV, underscoring their continued financial dominance. The Premier League, often considered the most competitive and financially lucrative league, generates billions in revenue annually and boasts a worldwide audience. Similarly, Germany's Bundesliga is celebrated for its high attendance rates and fan engagement. La Liga in Spain is the home to global giants like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, the most valuable and successful club worldwide, including domestic, European and international club competitions. Italy's Serie A, known for its tactical sophistication, has a rich history of European and world champions. France's Ligue 1, while often seen as the underdog comparing to the other Big Five leagues, regarding enterprise value and winning European and international titles, continues to produce world-class talent and is home to Paris Saint-Germain, a club with significant international influence.

In women's football, these leagues have been pivotal in increasing the sport's visibility and professional standards. The Women's Super League in England and Frauen-Bundesliga in Germany are among the top destinations for elite female footballers, contributing significantly to the growth of the sport. Spain's Liga F, Italy's Serie A, and France's Division 1 Feminine have made substantial strides in professionalizing women's football and drawing in larger audiences and sponsorships.