The best contenders to win the 2026 Champions League trophy
The UEFA Champions League is fiercely competitive every year, but the 2025/26 season might be the toughest one to predict. The most talented clubs are looking for a shot at European glory with a Champions League victory.
Before diving into the clubs that could compete, look first into the criteria behind a successful club in Europe.
What makes a club a top contender for the UCL?
Winning the Champions League is one of the most demanding challenges in football. Only clubs with a specific blend of qualities can consistently compete for the trophy. Here are some points to look into:
- Squad depth - When a club has a deep squad filled with talented players, they are favoured to win more matches. Even if important players suffer major injuries, the squad depth could help them since there won’t be a big drop-off from one player to the backup option.
- Elite managerial leadership - A good manager makes the difference, as any tactically astute coach can outwit the best in high-pressure knockout matches. Talented players are always present, but a manager’s tactics could separate one club from the others.
- European experience - Playing well in past Champions League campaigns matters, as they will be better equipped to handle the unique demands of playing during Champions League nights. If they have a good history in Europe, they should be able to play well in the UCL’s 2025/26 season.
- Tactical flexibility - When the club can play any style possible, that could make them one of the favourites, as they can compete against any opponent and their unique styles. Being pragmatic can lead to a successful run for any manager.
The top contenders
Here are the best clubs that could win the 2025/26 Champions League:
Liverpool
The defending champions from the 2024/25 Premier League season, Liverpool, already have one of the best squads in Europe. With the addition of players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz on club-record fees, they have the top-level talent that can separate them from the rest of the field.
They have mostly a successful squad, but they still have three members of the squad that won the 2019 Champions League with Mohamed Salah, Alisson, and captain Virgil Van Dijk. The Reds have some of the most talented squads in the world, and it will be difficult to beat them, especially with their firepower in the attack.
Defensively, they might have some issues, but they could always outgun their opponents. Salah, Isak, and Hugo Ekitike are a fantastic trio, and they should be able to score multiple goals across the competition.
Arsenal
After a superb summer window in 2025, Arsenal have reloaded and are ready to become winners in both their domestic and continental competitions. The same core is still present with star players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel, and William Saliba.
However, the rest of the squad has been refined, as they are looking to establish themselves as the best defensive side in Europe. Manager Mikel Arteta is a pragmatic coach, so he prefers a defensive style. Despite that focus, he still made improvements to the attack with the additions of Viktor Gyökeres, Ebere Eze, and Noni Madueke.
In terms of squad depth, Arsenal are near or at the very top of Europe. Arteta has all the tools at his disposal now; all he has to do is lead his team to the promised land. They need to score goals, as their defence can propel them to shut out opponents. However, they must improve their attack to have a chance at winning their first UCL trophy.
Real Madrid
The club with the record-setting 15 UCL trophies, Real Madrid, is once again one of the favourites. With players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., the club will always be a top contender. They have the firepower to beat any team, as they have also worked on their defence and midfield in the summer of 2025.
They are not as inevitable as the mid-2010s Real Madrid squads, but this club could still win their 16th title. Los Blancos are one of the toughest sides in Europe, and they will continue to play their hearts out until the final whistle is blown.
Real Madrid are on a redemption journey after being trumped by Arsenal in the 2024/25 season, so they will look to stay and compete. It will be challenging, but anything is possible with Real Madrid, especially with Xabi Alonso at the helm.
Paris Saint-Germain
The current title holders, Paris Saint-Germain, have all the talent to compete with the rest of Europe. Players like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are immense threats to any club. The attack is rock-solid, and their defence has been hit a bit with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s exit.
However, PSG still have the quality and experience to become winners again. They will mostly focus on the UCL to keep their legacies as the titleholders and do it a second time. Luis Enrique has done a great job during his managerial stint in Paris, and he will look to keep adding to his accolades.
Barcelona
In terms of attack, Barcelona have one of the most powerful in Europe. With players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski, Barça are tough to go against. Add Marcus Rashford to that, and you have a fantastic attack that could beat any team in the world.
With Lewandowski and manager Hansi Flick’s experience, they could lead this team to the promised land. They already won in 2020 with Bayern Munich, so they will look to do that again, this time for Barcelona, who have not won since 2015.
