David Beckham
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Manchester United legend David Beckham has revealed his predictions for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
The new Champions League season kicked off on Tuesday night, with Arsenal, semi-finalists last term beginning their campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Spain. Holders Paris Saint-Germain begin their title defence on Wednesday, the same night Liverpool and Chelsea also launch their European campaigns.
Champions League fixtures will also take place on Thursday, featuring opening matches for Barcelona and Manchester City.
While Premier League clubs have been widely tipped for strong runs in Europe, Beckham looked beyond English teams when asked for his pick. Speaking on CBS Sports, the former England captain said: “I think PSG will go close again this year, but I’m going to go with Real Madrid.”
READ MORE: Arsenal set new Champions League record after 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao
Beckham also weighed in on the Golden Boot race, backing Madrid’s marquee signing Kylian Mbappé to finish as top scorer.
It’s that time again 🔮@Carra23, @MicahRichards and David Beckham share their 2025/26 #UCL predictions 👀 pic.twitter.com/dUYjN3psgq
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 15, 2025
“I love Lamine [Yamal]. I think the hype about him is real and he’s a hell of a talent. But I’m going to go with Kylian. Last season he had a great year, and I really believe this season will be his season in La Liga and the Champions League.”
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Looking beyond the favourites, Beckham singled out Newcastle United as a team capable of springing surprises. Eddie Howe’s side earned their Champions League place after finishing fifth in the Premier League and also lifted the Carabao Cup by beating Liverpool in the final.
“My surprise would have to be Newcastle because people are already writing them off,” Beckham added. “They’re a good team with good players. They’re very together as a club and with their fans. I think they could surprise a few people.”
Arsenal, who knocked out Real Madrid in last season’s quarter-finals before losing to eventual winners PSG in the semi-finals, are once again considered contenders. But according to Beckham, all eyes should be on Real Madrid and Mbappé as the Spanish giants chase another Champions League crown.
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