A supercomputer has revealed the top contenders for the UEFA Champions League title in the 2025-2026 season, ahead of the tournament’s kickoff next week.
The prestigious European competition features 36 clubs competing across multiple stages for the famous “big ears” trophy, with the final scheduled for May 30, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary.
Paris Saint-Germain, entering the new season as defending champions after their commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in last season’s final at Allianz Arena in Munich, was ranked fourth among the favorites, with a 12.1% chance of winning according to 10,000 simulations conducted by the supercomputer “Opta.”
At the top of the predictions, Liverpool, led by Dutch coach Arne Slot, was identified as the most likely winner with a 20.4% probability, despite being eliminated in last season’s round of 16 by PSG on penalties.
Arsenal claimed second place with a 16% chance, while Manchester City and Barcelona tied for fourth with 8.4% each.
Notably, Real Madrid, record holders with 15 Champions League titles, strengthened their squad during the recent summer transfer window and appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach, yet were ranked seventh with a 5.8% probability. The winner of the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea, ranked sixth with a 7% chance.
Below is the full list of predicted Champions League winners for the 2025-2026 season according to the Opta supercomputer:
- Liverpool: 20.4%
- Arsenal: 16%
- Paris Saint-Germain: 12.1%
- Manchester City: 8.4%
- Barcelona: 8.4%
- Chelsea: 7%
- Real Madrid: 5.8%
- Bayern Munich: 4.3%
- Inter Milan: 3%
- Newcastle United: 3%
- Benfica: 1.7%
- Napoli: 1.4%
- Tottenham Hotspur: 1.1%
- Borussia Dortmund: 0.9%
- Club Brugge: 0.9%
- Sporting Lisbon: 0.8%
- Bayer Leverkusen: 0.7%
- Atletico Madrid: 0.6%
- Juventus: 0.6%
- Atalanta: 0.6%
The group stage matches are scheduled to take place on September 16, 17, and 18, promising an exciting start to a highly competitive season.
