Football's Champions League kicked off: Notable players to follow
The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League season is upon us, and excitement is building as some of the world's top football clubs prepare to battle it out for Europe's most prestigious trophy. Here's a round-up of the key developments and team news ahead of the tournament's kick-off on September 16.
New Signings and Departures
Arsenal have bolstered their squad with the arrivals of Victor Dokiwari, Martin Zubimendi, and Eberechi Eze. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have been impacted by the departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma and injuries to Ussama Dembele and Desire Doue, with the participation of Hvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lee Kang-in, and Lucas Beraudo in upcoming matches being uncertain.
Defending Champions and Contenders
PSG tasted success in the Champions League in 2025, but they face stiff competition this year. Real Madrid, under new tactics, are considered a main contender for the title, with a large fan club in Minsk eagerly anticipating their performance. Manchester City, who won the tournament in 2023, are in something of a crisis, having started the new season unconvincingly.
Favourites and Dark Horses
Bookmakers currently favour Liverpool, PSG, Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Manchester City for the new season. However, there are dark horses in the competition. Atlético Madrid consistently aim for the Champions League, but often find one of the 'big guns' standing in their way. If luck favours Barcelona, they could win their sixth Champions League title, with their squad boasting Lamar Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, Rafinha, Olmo, and Hansi Flick at the helm.
Bayern Munich, led by Vincent Kompany for a second year, also pose a threat, with key players such as Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, Manuel Neuer, and Alphonso Davis in their ranks.
The Race for Goalscoring Greatness
Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Mo Salah are expected to dominate the goalscoring charts this season, with Haaland, now at Manchester City, being one of the best strikers in the world.
Coaching Changes and Tactical Shifts
Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, is still searching for the optimal recipe for success, while Real Madrid's new head coach, Habib Alonzo, is building a "pressing machine" in Madrid, focusing on defensive work.
Winning the Champions League is a significant goal for many players and coaches, and the 2025/2026 season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable one. The competition begins on September 16, and football fans worldwide will be glued to their screens to witness the drama unfold.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
