Champions League Power Rankings 2025/26: The Top Contenders and Dark Horses Unveiled
As Europe's elite battle it out in the revamped Champions League format, we take a look at where each team stands ahead of Matchweek One. From the reigning champions to the most unlikely of underdogs, here's how the 36-club field stacks up — starting with the favourites.
36. Kairat Almaty – Debutants Against the Odds
Kairat Almaty make history as the first Kazakh club to reach the league phase of the Champions League. After upsetting Celtic in the play-offs, they’ve already exceeded expectations — but progressing further would be nothing short of miraculous.
35. AEP Paphos – Cyprus’ Surprise Package
The Cypriot champions stunned Dynamo Kyiv to reach the competition proper for the first time. With no European pedigree and little depth, they’re expected to struggle against elite opposition.
34. Qarabag – Familiar Faces, Steep Climb Ahead
Azerbaijan’s Qarabag finally broke through qualifying after multiple near-misses. While their European experience helps, their squad lacks the firepower to make a serious dent in this year's competition.
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33. Slavia Prague – Strong Domestically, Unproven in Europe
The Czech giants lead their domestic league but haven't played in the UCL proper since 2019-20. The loss of key man El Hadji Malick Diouf to West Ham leaves them short on quality.
32. Bodo/Glimt – Norwegian Grit Meets New Territory
Bodo/Glimt impressed in last season’s Europa League, reaching the semi-finals. This is their first UCL league-phase appearance, and while tricky to face, they remain massive underdogs.
31. FC Copenhagen – Giant Killers with a Puncher’s Chance
The Danes shocked Manchester United two seasons ago and reached the Round of 16 last year. Still, they’ll need another miracle run to escape the group in this revamped format.
30. Club Brugge – Belgian Hopefuls on Shaky Ground
Brugge eased past Rangers to qualify but haven’t been consistent in domestic play. A Round of 16 team in the past, they’ll need to recapture that form to go further.
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29. Union Saint-Gilloise – Domestic Momentum, European Doubts
The Belgian champions have started strong in the league, but this is their first taste of Champions League football. Without experience, they’ll be tested early.
28. Olympiacos – Tough Draw, Tougher Reality
Despite a strong Greek campaign, Olympiacos were handed a nightmare group including Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. Even their veteran squad may struggle to earn points.
27. Benfica – Big Name, Fading Impact
Once feared in Europe, Benfica have slid down the pecking order. Quarter-final appearances are now their ceiling, and a coaching question mark adds to the uncertainty.
26. Ajax – Fallen Dutch Giants
The Dutch powerhouse haven’t passed the group stage since 2021. Struggling to keep pace domestically, Ajax are now outsiders in Europe too.
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25. PSV Eindhoven – Netherlands’ New Standard Bearers
PSV edged Ajax for the Eredivisie title and boast a sharper-looking squad. If anyone’s flying the Dutch flag this year, it’s Peter Bosz’s side.
24. AS Monaco – Formidable Form, Unfinished Product
Adi Hütter’s team has started well in Ligue 1, and rising star Maghnes Akliouche adds flair. Still, Monaco will need to punch above their weight in Europe.
23. Galatasaray – Osimhen Changes Everything
The Turkish champions shocked many by landing Victor Osimhen from Napoli. With a dangerous frontline and solid league form, they could cause a stir.
22. Eintracht Frankfurt – Bundesliga Wobble Hampers Hopes
Frankfurt haven’t started the season strongly and lack deep Champions League experience. Still, their Europa League triumph in 2022 proves they can rise to the occasion.
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21. Sporting CP – Still Portugal’s Pride
No Gyokeres. No Amorim. But Sporting are still fighting Porto for top spot in Liga Portugal and have recruited smartly with Luis Suarez (the Colombian) leading the line.
20. Villarreal – Past Pedigree, Present Problems
The Yellow Submarine know how to make life difficult in Europe — just ask United fans. But a deep Champions League run this season looks unlikely without a serious form uptick.
19. Athletic Bilbao – Nico Williams Leads the Charge
Bilbao impressed domestically and in Europe last year, and keeping hold of Nico Williams was a huge win. Expect them to be awkward opponents with potential for a shock result or two.
18. Atalanta – A Club in Flux
Lookman’s exile and Ivan Juric’s unconvincing arrival have dampened Atalanta’s prospects. They’re capable of brilliance but enter the campaign in disarray.
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17. Bayer Leverkusen – From Contenders to Crisis
After losing Wirtz, Frimpong, and Xhaka, and sacking two managers already, Leverkusen are spiraling. Last year they were on the cusp of the top 10 — now they’re holding on.
16. Marseille – De Zerbi’s Wild Ride Begins
New boss Roberto De Zerbi is already ruffling feathers behind the scenes, but his squad is intriguing. Greenwood, Pavard, and Angel Gomes give them a spark that could shine in Europe.
15. Borussia Dortmund – Guirassy the Game-Changer
The Bundesliga top scorer gives Dortmund a sharp edge as they look to build on last season’s runner-up finish. If Guirassy stays hot, BVB could go far again.
14. Juventus – Back Among the Contenders
They haven’t reached the semi-finals since 2017, but Juve look solid under Igor Tudor. A strong Serie A start gives fans hope that the Old Lady is waking up.
13. Tottenham Hotspur – Simons Sparks Belief
Fresh off a Europa League win, Spurs looked sharp against PSG in the Super Cup. With Thomas Frank at the helm and Xavi Simons running the show, they might surprise people.
12. Newcastle United – No Isak, Big Hole
Newcastle’s famous win over PSG is still fresh in the memory, but missing Isak could hurt. Eddie Howe will hope his side can rediscover that fearless form on the big stage.
11. Inter Milan – From Finalists to Fragile
After getting hammered 5-0 by PSG in the final and losing Inzaghi, Inter are wobbling under new boss Cristian Chivu. A rocky Serie A start suggests another deep run isn’t likely.
10. Atletico Madrid – Never Count Out Simeone
Simeone’s men might not dazzle, but they know how to survive and frustrate. With tournament grit and tactical nous, they’re always a late-stage threat.
9. Chelsea – Return of the Blue Wave
After a long absence, Chelsea storm back as World Club Cup winners under Enzo Maresca. With a young, fearless squad, they could be this year’s wild card.
8. Napoli – Conte Builds a Monster
Antonio Conte has crafted a title-winning machine, and Napoli are now Serie A’s most feared side. With De Bruyne, McTominay, and Hojlund in sync, they’re a force.
7. Bayern Munich – Kane’s Best Shot Yet
Harry Kane is still chasing his first European trophy, and Bayern are stacked once again. Under Kompany, they’ve breezed through the Bundesliga — now comes the real test.
6. Manchester City – A Sleeping Giant?
City have had a shaky start but remain one of Europe’s most complete squads. With Guardiola, Haaland, and a healthy Rodri, they’ll be dangerous come spring.
5. Real Madrid – Mbappé and Bellingham Power Surge
Madrid have reloaded with Mbappé and a returning Jude Bellingham. Alonso’s side is playing electric football and chasing a record-extending 15th title.
4. Arsenal – Title Ready, Depth Secured
Arsenal learned their lesson against PSG and responded with a big summer. With Gyokeres, Madueke, and Eze added, Arteta now has the firepower and depth for a real push.
3. Paris Saint-Germain – Reigning Champs Under Pressure
PSG dismantled opponents last season but will miss Dembele and Doue due to injury. Even so, Luis Enrique’s star-studded squad has the tools to go back-to-back.
2. Barcelona – Hungry and Heavily Armed
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona look like serious contenders again. With Yamal, Lewandowski, and Raphinha firing, and Rashford providing rotation, they’re a frightening prospect.
1. Liverpool – Big Spenders, Big Expectations
Liverpool shattered transfer records with signings like Wirtz and Isak. Arne Slot’s side already claimed the Premier League title — now, they want Europe’s crown.
