By Matija Šerić
A new season of the most elite European club football competition, the UEFA Champions League, has just begun. The current 2025/26 season is the 71st edition overall and the 34th under its current name. Despite its limitations (the new format introduced last season brought quite a few flaws), the Champions League remains the strongest football competition when it comes to clubs. The only league that can compete with it is the English Premiership.
Football fans across the globe, especially supporters of particular clubs, have been swept up by the fever of the opening round. Fans of both big and small clubs alike hope that this is the year their team will make the leap and lift the trophy. Looking at the situation rationally, the first favorites for excellent results and for claiming the trophy at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on May 30, 2026, can already be identified.
PSG
Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain are, without a doubt, among the frontrunners. Winning back-to-back Champions League titles is one of the hardest feats in football (and in sport in general), but history shows it is possible. PSG has a solid chance this season thanks to a squad that blends youth and experience. The team’s value stands at €1.07 billion.
Although veteran players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Asensio, Luis Soler, and Presnel Kimpembe have left, promising additions have arrived: goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, centre-back Ilya Zabarnyi, and young talents Noham Kamara (CB) and Ibrahim Mbaye (RW). The roster is filled with stars, and if key players like Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and others stay healthy, PSG will undoubtedly remain in the title race. Their squad is athletic and attack-minded. The challenges? Every opponent will be eager to prove themselves against them, and they face a tough league phase with Barcelona, Bayern, Tottenham, and Newcastle. Still, Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen is a huge plus.
Liverpool
Next in line are Liverpool – for many, the main favorites. The reigning English champions lost Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid, but they have strengthened considerably with the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitiké. Liverpool’s squad is worth €1.12 billion, even more than PSG’s. Their perfect start to the season boosts their chances further. The team is balanced across all positions, giving manager Arne Slot options even in the event of injuries. By name, Liverpool has never had a stronger squad in its history. The club’s excellent transfer dealings have allowed for superstar signings. Anything less than a quarterfinal would be seen as a major failure, raising questions about the worth of their record signings Isak and Wirtz.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s last Champions League title came back in 2015. A full decade has passed since. Despite turbulent years, could this be the season of redemption? Last year they came close, only losing to Inter in the semifinals by 7–6 on aggregate. This year, the team is even more settled. The mostly young squad has remained intact, with additions such as goalkeeper prospect Joan García and veteran Marcus Rashford. Barcelona looks solid across the pitch, though injuries – particularly to 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski, who has no real replacement – could derail them. Defensive weaknesses are another concern, as their attack is overloaded with options. It was, in fact, their defense that cost them a place in last year’s final. Coach Hansi Flick faces the challenge of maintaining excellence and avoiding complacency, the greatest danger for any champion-in-waiting.
Real Madrid
The “Kings of Europe” are specialists in the Champions League. Even in poor domestic seasons, they’ve found ways to go deep in Europe. Of course, that’s what’s expected of Real, but overcoming giants like Liverpool, Juventus, Inter, or Dortmund year after year is never easy. Their squad value stands at €1.4 billion. Kylian Mbappé is still chasing his first Champions League trophy, despite scoring 57 goals in 88 matches. New manager Xabi Alonso is expected to inject fresh energy and build a more solid defense as the base for Real’s attacking play. Defensive frailties have been their Achilles’ heel in recent years. Young centre-back Dean Huijsen is tipped to become a breakout star who could lift the whole backline.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s side was stopped by PSG in last year’s semifinals, leaving a bitter taste as many believed Arsenal could have offered more resistance. This season, the North Londoners have bolstered their squad with young stars such as centre-backs Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera, defensive midfielder Martín Zubimendi, attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, winger Noni Madueke, and striker Viktor Gyökeres. These signings should be enough to push further in all competitions. Arteta’s main task will be to integrate the new arrivals into an already functional system – so far, he seems on the right track.
Manchester City
City have only slightly lower chances than Arsenal. Last season was their weakest under Pep Guardiola, and many believe his tenure at the Etihad is nearing its end. Several key players who defined the previous era have departed, including Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and Ederson. New signings Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki still need to prove themselves. The start of the season has been far from brilliant, and there is a clear sense of fatigue among both players and manager. Still, with a squad worth €1.23 billion, City has enough talent to challenge for the title. Guardiola himself is keen to win more silverware before his time is up.
Bayern
Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich are among the favorites, though not in the very top tier. Last season, they narrowly lost to Inter in the quarterfinals. This year, expectations are at least the same. Their roster remains largely unchanged, but they added superstar Luis Díaz while losing Mathys Tel and Kingsley Coman. Injuries are already an issue (Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito are sidelined), and the Bundesliga’s decline in competitiveness may also play a role. Bayern should comfortably reach the round of 16 or quarterfinals, after which it will depend heavily on matchups.
Dark Horses
Beyond the top favorites, several other clubs fall into the second tier. From Italy, the trio of Inter, Juventus, and Napoli deserve mention. Inter have reached the final twice in recent years (2023 and 2025), showing consistent preparation for this competition. With new coach Cristian Chivu, this will be a new-look Inter facing tough tests. Serie A champions Napoli, strengthened by Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Højlund, may actually have a better chance than Inter of going deep. Juventus have been waiting years for a proper run in the Champions League, and this could finally be the year. New strikers Loïs Openda and Jonathan David should help revive their European ambitions.
All six English clubs have big potential, including Tottenham, Newcastle, and Chelsea.
Potential Surprises
This year’s explosive Galatasaray could deliver excellent results with top players like Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, İlkay Gündoğan, and Wilfried Singo. AS Monaco, with Vanderson, Paul Pogba, Denis Zakaria, Ansu Fati, and Maghnes Akliouche, also have what it takes to be a surprise package. Villarreal, Atalanta, and Bodø/Glimt should not be overlooked either. While surprises are rare in the later stages of the Champions League, many clubs boast enough talent to cause upsets – it’s simply a matter of timing and form.
All in all, this promises to be a thrilling season. Let’s hope it remains competitive – after all, that’s the most important factor for the growth of football.
