Who is most likely to win the Champions League this season?

The UEFA Champions League continues to be the pinnacle of European football. A competition where tactical intelligence, squad depth, and mental resilience are pushed to the limit.

Now in its second season under the Swiss-style format, the 2025/26 edition presents a more demanding path to the final, with an expanded league phase delivering more high-stakes matchups than ever before.

While many clubs boast attacking firepower and star quality, only a few possess the complete package needed to navigate this evolving format and pose a genuine title challenge.

In this article, we assess the leading contenders for this season’s trophy, analysing their tactical identity, squad depth, and ability to perform under the unique demands of modern Champions League football – and where the latest odds on the world’s elite clubs stand ahead of kick-off.

Liverpool

Fresh off their Premier League title win, Liverpool enter the Champions League as firm favourites. Under Arne Slot, the Reds have evolved tactically without losing the intensity that defined the Klopp era.

The squad looks well-balanced. Virgil van Dijk remains a key figure in defence, while Florian Wirtz adds creativity to a midfield already featuring Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

In attack, Alexander Isak brings variety alongside the enduring threat of Mohamed Salah.

They’ve started strongly in Europe, winning three of their first four matches.

Their only loss came in a tight 1–0 away defeat to Galatasaray, but 5–1 and 1-0 wins over Eintracht Frankfurt and Real Madrid underlined their quality and intent.

With momentum and depth, Liverpool look primed for another deep run.

Arsenal

Arsenal look increasingly ready to challenge the continent’s elite.

After reaching the semi-finals last season, Mikel Arteta’s side have returned to the Champions League with greater confidence and a deeper squad, one that has matured through successive domestic title pushes.

The midfield trio of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, and Kai Havertz offers balance, while William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes anchor one of the most disciplined defences in the competition.

They’ve made a flawless start to this season’s campaign, winning all four of their matches so far and yet to concede a single goal.

Paris Saint-Germain

After years of falling short, Paris Saint-Germain finally lifted their first Champions League title last season — a breakthrough moment for a club long defined by near misses on the biggest stage.

Now, under Luis Enrique, PSG have entered a new era built on balance, leadership, and top-level quality.

The squad is young but already battle-tested, with exciting talents like Desire Doue and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele offering pace and technical flair across the pitch.

They’ve started this season’s campaign with three straight wins, before a narrow loss to Bayern Munich highlighted the fine margins at this level.

Still, PSG remain among the strongest contenders to defend their crown.

Real Madrid

You can’t talk about Champions League contenders without mentioning Real Madrid.

No club has a stronger track record or a more ingrained winning mentality in this competition.

They often rely on moments of individual brilliance — and with players like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, few squads can match their sheer talent.

Madrid won their first four matches in this season’s campaign before falling to Liverpool in a high-profile clash.

Even so, they remain one of the most dangerous sides in Europe, because when it matters most, they usually find a way.