Europe’s premier club competition is back as the Champions League season starts this week.
The finest sides in European football will do battle again in 2025/26, aiming to replace Paris Saint-Germain as champions of the continent.
Ahead of matchday one, we’ve put down our predictions for the upcoming season. As ever, predictions are a fool’s game and sure to make us look silly in the coming months.
Champions League winner
Paris Saint-Germain have the foundation to create a dynasty in Europe, with a vibrant young side earning a record-breaking final win over Inter Milan last season. Going back-to-back has proven near impossible in the Champions League era, however, offering encouragement to the would-be contenders.
Liverpool are our pick to take the trophy. The Reds came within penalty kicks of beating PSG last season and have reinforced their squad with the additions of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, among others.
Top scorer
A boring answer, but it’s hard to look past Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has started the season with a bang, with Pep Guardiola going as far as to label the Manchester City striker as ‘better than ever’.
Given he’s scored 49 goals in 48 previous appearances in this competition and has already cracked the all-time top 10 goalscorers, it’s a frightening thought.
150 City appearances. 129 goals. 21 assists. One @ErlingHaaland. pic.twitter.com/mpo8WfiMTc
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 15, 2025
One to watch
Estevao Willian has the chance to be a breakout star in this season’s Champions League. The teenager has made an electric start to the season at Chelsea, after making his long-awaited move to Stamford Bridge. Full of flair and a desire to take on defenders, he will be given the chance to test himself against Europe’s best.
For those outside of Europe’s major leagues, keep an eye on Christos Mouzakitis. The Olympiacos midfielder is turning plenty of heads in Greece and could be the latest starlet to earn the Greek champions a lucrative windfall.
League phase top eight
The top eight in the league phase progress automatically to the last 16 of the competition, with places nine to 24 entering the play-off round.
Predicted top eight: Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur.
Dark Horse
Perhaps not for the trophy, but Galatasaray could prove problematic for any side visiting Istanbul.
Victor Osimhen has joined the Turkish champions on a permanent deal, while the additions of Leroy Sane and Wilfried Singo have added quality in key areas.
POV: you’re being outplayed by an absolute beast. pic.twitter.com/KCFpq4Epte
— Galatasaray EN (@Galatasaray) August 15, 2025
Biggest disappointment
After reaching Champions League finals in 2023 and 2025, Inter Milan have started the new season in poor form.
The Nerazzurri have won just one of their opening three Serie A games, as Inter combat the loss of head coach Simeone Inzaghi in the summer. A repeat of their run to recent finals looks difficult.
Read – Champions League: Five youngsters to look out for this season
See more – The five favourites to win the 2025/26 Champions League
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