Man City get 694m boost ahead of Champions League return

Manchester City are looking to complete a hat-trick after holding onto their title as the most-watched team in the world.

Statistics compiled by media research company Nielsen show that City matches were watched by a total of 694 million people last season in all competitions, taking in them winning three trophies as well as losing the FA Cup final to United and suffering Champions League heartbreak in the quarter-finals against Real Madrid.

City's table-topping figures - repeating the audience they attracted when they won the Treble in the 2022/23 campaign - were helped by their participation in five tournaments; they were the second most-watched team in the Premier League behind Liverpool but more watched overall. However, they also saw growing audiences across many different parts of the world that contributed to them beating off competition from European giants to retain their title.

ALSO READ : Benfica close to sealing transfer deal for Man City defender

ALSO READ: Why Man City have messaged season ticket holders who missed Ipswich

City will aim for more success this season in a campaign that will feature an extended Champions League. They will learn of their opponents in the new group stage on Thursday, with eight games rather than six and one giant league table containing all 36 teams in an effort to introduce more excitement into the early rounds; the fixtures will be announced on Saturday.

There is also the Club World Cup at the end of the season taking place over four weeks in the United States, with the Blues currently reigning champions after their win over Fluminense at the end of 2023. That has been expanded to a 32-game tournament, with more details expected soon.