Ranking Champions League 2025/26 – Who Wins?
The Champions League draw is here, and 36 teams are gearing up for the most prestigious competition in club football. Paris Saint-Germain may be the reigning champions, but the race is wide open, with Barcelona and Arsenal looking like serious contenders. Meanwhile, doubts hang over heavyweights like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
Here’s a look at the Top 30 power-ranked sides heading into the new season.
30. Union Saint-Gilloise
Belgium’s fairytale club is enjoying a remarkable rise under Tony Bloom’s ownership. But despite domestic success, their lack of European pedigree and the need to play home games away from their stadium could hold them back.
29. Olympiacos
Fresh off a domestic double and a historic Conference League win, Olympiacos are thriving under José Luis Mendilibar. The cauldron of Karaiskakis makes them dangerous at home, but can Ayoub El Kaabi carry the load again?
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28. Ajax
Ajax feel in transition. With John Heitinga at the helm and key players like Jorrel Hato gone, the Dutch giants are short on firepower. Wout Weghorst leads the line, but the aura of old is fading fast.
27. PSV Eindhoven
Last season’s Eredivisie winners capitalized on Ajax’s collapse, but summer departures—including Luuk de Jong—leave them light. Survival in the league phase would be a win for Peter Bosz’s side.
26. Club Brugge
Belgium’s cup winners shocked Atalanta in the play-offs and are no strangers to upsetting bigger teams. Despite losing key talents, their run to the UCL round of 16 last year proves they can’t be underestimated.
25. Bayer Leverkusen
The Alonso era is over. Erik ten Hag takes charge after his Man United struggles, and big names like Florian Wirtz are gone. Leverkusen remain competitive but lack the swagger of their 2023/24 glory days.
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24. Eintracht Frankfurt
Coach Dino Toppmöller has unearthed new talent, but with Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike gone, Frankfurt are short on proven firepower. Their unpredictability makes them one to watch.
23. Atalanta
Post-Gasperini, post-glory? Ivan Jurić steps in, but skepticism abounds. Scamacca must step up after Mateo Retegui’s sale. The Bergamo miracle might be fading.
22. Newcastle United
A domestic cup win gave fans joy, but the Alexander Isak saga leaves Eddie Howe’s side toothless up front. With depth lacking, the Magpies could struggle badly in Europe.
21. Galatasaray
Okan Buruk’s side are back with firepower. Victor Osimhen’s permanent move is huge, Leroy Sané joins the party, and Mauro Icardi is fit again. Gala could be one of the most entertaining sides to watch.
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20. Sporting CP
Ruben Amorim’s exit was brutal last year, but Sporting recovered to claim a domestic double. Viktor Gyökeres is gone, but the likes of Trincão and Pedro Gonçalves keep them dangerous.
19. Marseille
Chaos is Marseille’s brand. Dressing-room bust-ups aside, they still have talent and the Velodrome’s fiery support. Aubameyang remains evergreen—but consistency is another matter.
18. Villarreal
Marcelino’s return has sparked joy, with Villarreal one of Spain’s most entertaining sides. Ayoze Pérez, Tajon Buchanan, and Nicolas Pépé give them real attacking edge. A dark horse.
17. Athletic Club
Ernesto Valverde has reignited the Basques, with Copa del Rey success and Nico Williams committing long-term. San Mamés will be rocking—this is a team on the rise.
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16. Borussia Dortmund
After late-season heroics secured Champions League football, BVB are steady but uninspiring. Kovac’s side kept key men like Guirassy, but new arrivals underwhelm. Quarter-final repeats look unlikely.
15. Juventus
A club in limbo. Igor Tudor remains in charge by default, and while Jonathan David and Kenan Yildiz offer hope, Juve’s project lacks identity. Hard to see them contending.
14. Monaco
Adi Hütter has stabilised Monaco, with Pogba back and Ansu Fati a reclamation project. Fun to watch, yes—but title contenders, no.
13. Benfica
Resilient as ever, Benfica fought through qualifying but lost Ángel Di María and Álvaro Carreras. New arrivals like Franjo Ivanović add intrigue, but the ceiling is modest.
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12. Atlético Madrid
Diego Simeone’s side look disjointed, struggling for points early in La Liga. With Julián Álvarez up front, they still have bite, but cohesion remains elusive.
11. Napoli
Antonio Conte has brought steel and Kevin De Bruyne. Lukaku’s injury is a blow, but Lorenzo Lucca offers promise. Conte’s European record is shaky—can Napoli finally go deep?
10. Tottenham Hotspur
After a disastrous league campaign, Spurs are rejuvenated under Thomas Frank. Kudus and Palhinha add quality, Richarlison looks reborn, and this side could spring a surprise.
9. Inter
A painful UCL final loss and Simone Inzaghi’s exit left scars. Christian Chivu steps in, but an ageing squad raises concerns. Still, Inter thrive when doubted.
8. Manchester City
Guardiola’s treble winners crashed back to earth last season. Injuries to Rodri hurt badly, and De Bruyne is gone. Reijnders impresses, but City need stability fast.
7. Chelsea
A Conference League win, a Club World Cup title, and a revitalised squad under Enzo Maresca. Joao Pedro looks sharp, Estevão Willian excites, but fixture congestion is a real concern.
6. Bayern Munich
Harry Kane finally got his Bundesliga trophy. With Luis Díaz adding flair, Bayern are strong—but Musiala’s injury is a huge setback. Kompany’s men look like contenders, but not favourites.
5. Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso takes charge of a revamped Madrid. Mbappé is firing, but losing Kroos and Modrić hurts. Defence looks stronger, midfield uncertain. Patience will be key.
4. Liverpool
Arne Slot’s debut season brought a Premier League title, but Europe ended in heartbreak. Wirtz and Ekitike are big signings, yet defensive frailties remain the Achilles’ heel.
3. Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s side are evolving fast. Gyökeres could be the missing No.9, but questions linger about Arteta’s ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
2. Barcelona
Domestic treble winners, dazzling under Hansi Flick. Pedri and Lamine Yamal shine, Rashford adds depth. Still fragile defensively, but perhaps the most entertaining team in Europe.
1. Paris Saint-Germain
The reigning champions remain the team to beat. Luis Enrique has balance, depth, and devastating attackers. Domestic dominance allows rotation, and with Messi gone, the system—not the superstar—reigns supreme.
