Champions League 2025-26 Predictions: Who Will Win?

Champions League 2025-26 predictions: Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid, and more battle for glory. Favorites, surprise teams, and key players to watch.

The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 season has officially begun with 36 clubs competing under the new expanded format. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to retain their crown, while six English clubs – Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle – are all in the mix. The final will be staged at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest next May.

With powerhouse squads, bold new signings, and tactical innovation across Europe, this campaign promises drama from the opening matchday until the final whistle in May. So, who are the real contenders, which teams could shock the big names, and which players should fans watch closely?

The Top Contenders

Liverpool
Liverpool enter this season as the bookmakers’ and Opta’s favorites, with a 20.4% chance of winning. They have added Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike to an already dynamic squad. Anfield remains one of the toughest venues in world football, and their depth across all positions makes them serious contenders.

Paris Saint-Germain
PSG finally achieved European glory last season, and they aim to repeat that success. With Kylian Mbappé gone, the focus is on young stars like Warren Zaïre-Emery and Désiré Doué, who are supported by experienced leaders. Their fluid attacking style makes them one of the hardest teams to stop.

Real Madrid
No Champions League prediction is complete without Real Madrid. Under Xabi Alonso, their tactical flexibility has improved, while young stars like Arda Güler and Dean Huijsen bring energy and flair. Madrid’s history and mentality in this competition remain unmatched.

Barcelona
Led by Robert Lewandowski’s experience and Lamine Yamal’s youthful brilliance, Barcelona look ready to return to Europe’s elite. Their semi-final run last season proved their progress, and this campaign might take them one step further.

Arsenal
The Gunners are growing stronger under Mikel Arteta. Viktor Gyökeres, their new striker, adds much-needed firepower, and the squad’s defensive stability could make them dark horses. Arsenal fans believe this could be their breakthrough year.

Surprise Packages to Watch

Napoli
Antonio Conte’s appointment and the signing of Kevin De Bruyne give Napoli a fresh identity. Having already lifted the Serie A title last year, they now aim for a deeper European run. Many experts see them as the most dangerous outsiders.

Athletic Bilbao
Returning to the Champions League after a decade, Bilbao’s solid defense and counter-attacking style could frustrate stronger opponents. Players like Nico Williams bring pace and creativity that might unlock tough games.

Bodo/Glimt
The Norwegian debutants are fearless and unpredictable. Playing in freezing conditions at home gives them a unique edge. While not expected to go all the way, they could produce some headline-grabbing upsets.

Galatasaray
With Victor Osimhen, Leroy Sané, and İlkay Gündoğan, Galatasaray have quietly built a squad full of quality. The Turkish giants might not win it, but they can certainly disrupt the tournament.

English Clubs: Who Goes Furthest?

Among the Premier League’s six representatives, Liverpool and Arsenal look the most prepared for deep runs. Manchester City remain a threat with Guardiola’s experience, but Chelsea could also spring a surprise if their young talents mature quickly. Tottenham and Newcastle, though ambitious, may lack the depth to compete on multiple fronts.

Players to Watch This Season

• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): At just 18, he’s already one of Europe’s most exciting wingers and could light up the tournament.
• Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao): A breakout star at Euro 2024, his pace and dribbling could trouble top defenses.
• Eberechi Eze (Arsenal): Creative and composed, Eze has the tools to thrive in the more open spaces of European football.
• Nick Woltemade (Newcastle): Signed for £69m, the German forward will be under pressure to deliver on the big stage.
• Désiré Doué (PSG): Young, versatile, and unpredictable, he could become PSG’s secret weapon in tight games.

Final Prediction

This year’s Champions League feels wide open, but Liverpool stand out as the most balanced squad in Europe. Their summer signings, lack of Club World Cup fatigue, and strong tactical system give them a clear edge. PSG and Real Madrid will remain their toughest challengers, while Napoli look the most likely outsiders to break through.

For fans hoping for a fairytale story, Bodo/Glimt might just deliver unforgettable moments. But when it comes to lifting the trophy in Budapest, Liverpool seem ready to add another Champions League crown to their history.