Football

Predicting the Next 15 UEFA Europa League Winners (2026–2040)

The UEFA Europa League remains one of football’s most unpredictable competitions, where fallen giants, rising stars, and underdogs collide. Based on current trends, club trajectories, and continental pedigree, here’s a forecast of the next 15 UEL champions—from 2026 to 2040—with two to three lines of insight for each projected winner.

2025–26: Sevilla

Sevilla
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Sevilla claim their eighth Europa League crown, cementing their place as the most dominant force in the tournament's history. With a perfect blend of youth and experience, they once again rise when European nights call.

2026–27: Atalanta

Ademola Lookman
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

The Italian side builds on its recent European success with another title run. Gasperini’s tactical system continues to evolve, and Atalanta become a respected continental powerhouse.

2027–28: Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt celebrating a goal
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Eintracht return to the top of the UEL podium after another thrilling campaign. Known for their raucous fanbase and strong cup mentality, they remain a nightmare for any knockout opponent.

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2028–29: Tottenham Hotspur

Dejan Kulusevski
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Spurs lift their second Europa League in five years, confirming their new European pedigree. With a dynamic squad and renewed belief, they push past traditional barriers.

2029–30: Villarreal

Villareal
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The Spanish outfit continues to thrive on the European stage, showcasing smart football and tactical mastery. Their compact play and sharp counters prove decisive once again.

2030–31: Roma

Paulo Dybala
Antonio Balasco / Shutterstock.com

Roma return to European glory, powered by an ambitious project and a revitalized squad. Their resilience and flair carry them through a tough knockout path.

2031–32: Inter Milan

Lautaro Martinez
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Inter drop from the Champions League into the UEL and dominate the field with superior depth. Their elite mentality and big-match experience shine through in another trophy run.

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2032–33: Bayer Leverkusen

Patrik Schick
Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock.com

Leverkusen finally go all the way after coming close multiple times. Their youthful energy and refined attack become too much for the rest of Europe to handle.

2033–34: Atletico Madrid

Julian Alvarez
Photo: Marta Fernandez Jimenez / Shutterstock.com

Atletico find redemption in Europe with a gritty and tactically sound campaign. Simeone’s style adapts just enough to lift the club back to silverware.

2034–35: Porto

FC Porto
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The Portuguese giants showcase their famed academy and disciplined structure to dominate the UEL. Their technical finesse and defensive solidity win over neutral fans.

2035–36: Chelsea

Enzo Fernandez
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Chelsea, rebuilding under new leadership, surge to victory with a revitalized squad. The club’s depth and continental experience help them edge out elite challengers.

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2036–37: Feyenoord

Feyenoord
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Feyenoord bring Dutch football back to the spotlight with an inspired campaign. Their high-intensity pressing and smart attacking play power them to the trophy.

2037–38: Sevilla

Erik Lamela
Ververidis Vasilis / Shutterstock.com

Sevilla lift their ninth UEL title, reaffirming their status as the competition’s ultimate specialists. Their love affair with the Europa League shows no signs of fading.

2038–39: Villarreal

Gerard Moreno
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Villarreal return to the European spotlight with another tactical masterclass. Their patient build-up and strong defensive base lead to continental success.

2039–40: Tottenham Hotspur

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Tottenham add another European trophy to their growing cabinet with a confident campaign. Their smart transfers and experienced core deliver when it matters most.

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