Albion have completed an “astounding” rise into the international Deloitte Football Money League.

The Seagulls occupy 29th place in the global 30-team rich list published at midnight by the London-based sports business group.

Real Madrid top the elite standings, which are based purely on revenue – not overall profit or loss – and do not include transfer fees.

Income calculated at 157.4 million Euros puts Albion just ahead of Benfica while Lazio, Celtic, Ajax and Galatasaray are among those who do not make the top 30.

The findings also underline what the Seagulls are up against in the Premier League, whose clubs dominate the table.

Real Madrid brought in a record-breaking £750 million last season and are followed in the Money League by arch rivals Barcelona.

But the two Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham are all in the top ten.

It is the first time six Premier League clubs have made the top ten.

Everton, Newcastle, West Ham, Leicester, Southampton and Crystal Palace also brought in more than Albion last season, says the report.

Albion’s breakthrough into the top 30 is highlighted by Deloitte.

In the accompanying report, Deloitte partner Dan Jones said: “Brighton and Hove Albion join Besiktas in breaking into the top 30 for the first time in 2017/18 in 29th position on £139.4 million following their promotion to the top tier of English football for the first time since 1983.

“This represents astounding growth for a club that generated just £1.1 million back in 1987/87 as the 83rd highest revenue generating club in the UK, whilst teetering on the brink of relegation from the English Football League.”