Less than four months after Paris Saint-Germain secured their first Champions League title by defeating Inter, the 2025-26 edition is upon us. With a revamped format featuring 36 teams, the competition promises more thrilling encounters and unexpected outcomes. FYM News provides an in-depth ranking of all participating teams, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on this year’s tournament.
This week marks the beginning of the league phase, with key matches including Arsenal vs. Athletic Bilbao, Bayern Munich vs. Chelsea, Liverpool vs. Atletico Madrid, and Newcastle United hosting Barcelona. Our comprehensive ranking offers a subjective yet debatable perspective on each team’s chances, considering factors such as squad composition, managerial stability, and recent performance. Dive in to discover where your favorite team stands and what to expect in the upcoming Champions League season. Stay tuned to FYM News for continuous coverage, match analysis, and expert opinions throughout the tournament.
36. Kairat
Kairat, hailing from Almaty, is the easternmost team ever to participate in the Champions League. Geographically closer to Tokyo than England, their remote location might offer a slight advantage. Despite being ranked 441st globally by Opta Power Rankings, just below Swiss Super League leaders Thun and Luton Town, Kairat will aim to create upsets, especially when hosting Real Madrid. This match will be a significant event for the team, who will try to leverage their home advantage.
35. Qarabag
Qarabag, with only one previous Champions League group stage appearance, benefits from the new format, increasing their chances of reaching the knockouts. Managed by Gurban Gurbanov since 2008, the competition’s longest-serving manager, they face tough opponents like Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli, Benfica, Athletic Club, and Ajax. Their visit to Anfield in January will be particularly challenging.
34. Pafos
Pafos FC, a Champions League debutant formed just before the 2014 World Cup through a merger, is owned by Russian billionaire Sergey Lomakin. They qualified by defeating Crvena Zvezda with a late goal from Jaja. The team includes notable players like David Luiz, who signed this summer. Their home game against Bayern Munich on September 30 is highly anticipated.
David Luiz is now with Pafos
33. Bodo/Glimt
Bodo/Glimt, the northernmost team in Champions League history, is known for their participation in European competitions, notably defeating Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the Conference League in 2021. Managed by Kjetil Knutsen, they are a tricky draw for many teams. Tottenham Hotspur, who faced them in the Europa League semi-finals, will travel there in September, while Manchester City’s January visit is expected to be more challenging.
32. Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s notable summer transfer includes Youssoufa Moukoko, formerly a Borussia Dortmund prospect. This move represents a potential career reset for the striker. While not expected to advance far, Copenhagen reached the knockout rounds in 2023-24, making them a possible dark horse.
31. Olympiacos
Olympiacos, the 2024 Conference League winners and reigning Greek champions, are experiencing managerial stability under Jose Luis Mendilibar. Their squad features familiar names like Gelson Martins, Roman Yaremchuk, and Remy Cabella.
30. Slavia Prague
Slavia Prague, automatically qualified after winning the Czech title, makes their first Champions League appearance since 2019-20. Teams like Inter, Arsenal, Tottenham, and Barcelona will likely be pleased to face them.
29. Club Brugge
Club Brugge reached the Champions League round of 16 last season but has since lost key players like Ardon Jashari, Maxim De Cuyper, and Chemsdine Talbi. Their presence at this stage is already a success, given the significant changes.
28. Galatasaray
Galatasaray, the only Turkish team to win a European trophy, aims to qualify and has strengthened their squad with Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane, making them a competitive team.
Can Victor Osimhen make a difference for Galatasaray?
27. Union Saint-Gilloise
Union Saint-Gilloise, despite finishing third in the regular Belgian season, emerged as champions due to the play-off structure, marking their first title since 1935. Their Champions League debut adds to their remarkable success story.
26. Benfica
Benfica consistently regenerates their squad, losing key players annually but still reaching European competition knockouts. With Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line, they aim to continue this trend.
25. Sporting CP
Sporting’s performance last season was affected by Ruben Amorim’s departure. Despite winning the Portuguese title, they face questions about replacing Viktor Gyokeres’s goals.
Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande (left) has remained at the club
24. Monaco
Monaco’s signings, including Paul Pogba, Ansu Fati, and Eric Dier, are high-risk, high-reward. They also have promising winger Maghnes Akliouche.
23. Villarreal
Villarreal’s attacking strength is in question following the departures of Thierno Barry and Yeremy Pino. Their ability to repeat last season’s fifth-place finish in La Liga is uncertain.
22. Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund has seen a decline in their status. The integration of Jobe Bellingham and the potential of Serhou Guirassy are key factors this season.
21. Ajax
Ajax struggled at the end of last season, leading to the resignation of their coach. Their impact in Europe remains uncertain.
20. Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt’s new recruits are mostly low-key additions. It will be interesting to see how they cope with the changes this season.
19. Marseille
Marseille, led by Roberto De Zerbi, aims to build on their strong finish last season. Expect exciting matches, starting with their visit to the Bernabeu.
18. Atalanta
Atalanta, managed by Ivan Juric, has consistently surprised in European competitions. The question is whether they will maintain their success without Gian Piero Gasperini.
17. Newcastle United
Newcastle United, with Alexander Isak, is set to return to the Champions League. The team’s ability to fill the void left by Isak remains to be seen.
16. PSV
PSV, after winning the Dutch title, has seen significant changes in their squad. Ruben van Bommel is a player to watch.
15. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur, under Thomas Frank, aims to integrate specific tactical plans. Their small squad might be a hindrance.
14. Athletic Club
Athletic Club’s most significant signing might be the renewal of Nico Williams. The team aims to qualify, even with potential injuries.
13. Juventus
Juventus, not as strong as before, scraped into the Champions League. Their prospects under Igor Tudor are uncertain.
12. Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen has undergone significant changes, with key departures and a managerial change. Their ability to cope with the disruption is in question.
11. Inter
Inter, a recent Champions League finalist, faces an uncertain future with a new coach and younger faces in the squad.
Inter’s Yann Aurel Bisseck (left) and Denzel Dumfries contemplate Champions League final defeat
10. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid is expected to navigate the group stage impressively but often loses on penalties in the later stages.
9. Napoli
Napoli, with Antonio Conte and Kevin De Bruyne, looks set to match their quarter-final appearance from 2023.
8. Chelsea
Chelsea, back in the Champions League, is considered a dark horse after winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.
7. Arsenal
Arsenal aims to continue their progress in Europe. Their fate may depend on the form of Gyokeres.
6. Manchester City
Manchester City has a complicated history with the competition, with Pep Guardiola aiming to improve on their single win.
5. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich, strong in the Bundesliga, may lack the depth to win the Champions League despite their strong front three.
Michael Olise is now one of the world’s foremost talents
4. Liverpool
Liverpool is a strong contender from the Premier League, with an improved squad.
3. Real Madrid
Real Madrid, with 15 titles, is always a strong contender. Their new signings aim to address last season’s weaknesses.
2. Barcelona
Barcelona, after 10 years without a final, aims to capitalize on their strong goalscoring form and the brilliance of Lamine Yamal.
1. Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning champions, are the favorites to retain their title with a strong squad and key additions.
PSG celebrate their first Champions League win
Conclusion
As the 2025-26 Champions League season kicks off, the landscape is filled with both familiar powerhouses and exciting underdogs. Paris Saint-Germain enters as the team to beat, but the competition is rife with contenders ready to challenge their reign. From seasoned giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona to rising forces such as Arsenal and Liverpool, the quest for European glory promises a season of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
For FYM News, our ranking provides a snapshot of the teams as they stand on the cusp of this prestigious tournament. Keep in mind that football is a game of constant evolution, and these rankings are only a starting point. Factors such as player form, tactical adaptations, and sheer luck will undoubtedly play a significant role as the season unfolds. Be sure to follow FYM News for comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, and real-time updates throughout the Champions League campaign. The stage is set, and the journey to the final begins now.
Leave a Reply