Borussia Dortmund 'earned more money by losing Champions League final’ vs Real Madrid after shock twist

Borussia Dortmund earned more money by losing the Champions League final, a report has suggested.

Despite having the better of much of Saturday’s encounter, Dortmund fell to a 2-0 loss in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, with goals coming courtesy of Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid went on to lift their record-extending 15th Champions League, while England star Bellingham claimed his first.

Dortmund’s defeat has seen them earn £12.9million (€14.7 million) as Champions League runners-up, while Real have netted £17.2million (€20 million) in prize money.

But the twist arrives in the form of Bellingham and his transfer from Dortmund to Real last summer.

The 20-year-old arrived at the Bernabeu for an initial fee of £88million, which could rise to £114million should specific criteria be met.

According to German outlet Rhur Nachrichten, one of the clauses involved in the deal was related to Bellingham winning the Champions League. Indeed, by Bellingham winning the competition on Saturday, Madrid are reportedly forced to pay an extra €5million (£4.3 million).

Moreover, the German side will receive an additional €2million (£1.7 million) payment if Bellingham is, as expected, named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season in the coming days.

In turn, Dortmund are set to earn around €22.5million for losing the final, as opposed to €20million for winning it.

"I was alright until I saw my mum and dad's faces there!" ❤️

An emotional Jude Bellingham tries to find the words to describe his feelings after winning the Champions League 🏆#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/byHVn8IzXl

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024

After the final whistle on Saturday, Bellingham said: “I've always dreamt of playing in these games. You go through life with people telling you that you can't do things.

“Days like this remind you. It gets hard sometimes and you wonder whether it's worth it but nights like this make you realise. I was alright until I saw my mum and dad.

“Nights like where they could have been at home by 7 o'clock but they're out until 12 on trips to take me to football. And my little brother who I'm trying to be a role model for. The best night of my life.”

When asked if that was a perfect season, Bellingham replied: “I think it’s got to be up there. I mean, we missed out on the Copa del Rey that’s the only disappointing thing I suppose but there are always many more years to try and get that one.

“But I can’t have dreamt it better than this, I’m so grateful honestly. The teammates, the staff, my family, the team behind the team, the physios, everyone, this is a massive group effort and I just can’t believe it.”