The UEFA Champions League begins its 2026/27 campaign on September 8, as Europe’s leading clubs embark on another pursuit of the continent’s premier prize.
Key takeaways
- The league phase will contain 36 teams, including reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
- Kylian Mbappé topped last season’s scoring charts with 15 goals in 11 matches.
- Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are among the tournament’s standout young and established talents.
- Arsenal will try to recover from last season’s final defeat to PSG and claim their first Champions League title.
- Rodri’s arrival at Barcelona brings Champions League-winning experience to their midfield.
- Real Madrid will seek a record-extending 16th European crown.
Mbappé, Yamal and Europe’s attacking stars
The 36-team league phase will determine which clubs progress to the knockout rounds. Alongside PSG, the field includes heavyweight names such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
The tournament will again provide a stage for some of the game’s biggest names. Some players will attempt to build on outstanding seasons, while others will be looking to establish themselves at the highest level of club football.
Mbappé enters the competition among its most prominent figures. The Real Madrid striker led all scorers last season after finding the net 15 times in 11 appearances.
Madrid, meanwhile, will pursue another continental triumph after lifting the trophy a record 15 times. Mbappé will hope his performances can help the Spanish club add to that remarkable haul.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal is already regarded as one of Europe’s most thrilling talents despite being only 19. During the previous campaign, he became the youngest player to make 30 Champions League appearances, while recording six goals and four assists in Barcelona’s European run.
Should Yamal continue progressing at his current rate and retain his form, he could emerge as one of the defining players of this edition.
Manchester City are likely to rely heavily on Erling Haaland once again. The Norwegian forward has already built a reputation as one of the most prolific finishers in Champions League history.
At the time of the latest comparison with Mbappé, Haaland had 57 goals from 58 appearances, placing him among the leading scorers of the modern era.
City were eliminated earlier than expected last season, and Haaland will be determined to drive them back into the latter rounds.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played a major part in PSG’s title-winning campaign. The Georgian wide player was named the 2025/26 Champions League Player of the Season after producing 10 goals and six assists.
His close control, imagination and capacity to manufacture chances from difficult situations make him one of PSG’s most threatening attackers. With the French club aiming to remain at the summit of European football, his contribution could again be decisive.
Experience and ambition across the contenders
Julián Álvarez has established himself as Atlético Madrid’s principal attacking threat. He scored 10 times and created four goals in the Champions League last season, following a seven-goal return during his first campaign with the club.
The Argentina international came close to moving to Barcelona during the summer window. Atlético, however, will aim to compete with Europe’s elite under Diego Simeone, and Álvarez could be the difference-maker in that challenge.
Harry Kane continues to rank among the continent’s most dependable goalscorers. The England captain has shown his finishing quality on football’s biggest stages, including both the World Cup and the Champions League, and that experience may become especially important in the knockout rounds.
Bayern Munich will expect Kane to produce in the defining moments after another season carrying substantial expectations.
Bukayo Saka will be central to Arsenal’s latest attempt to win the competition. He enjoyed another influential campaign, has now passed 300 appearances for the Gunners and has scored more than 60 league goals.
Arsenal reached last season’s Champions League final but were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout. That disappointment should give them added incentive to return to the showpiece and complete the task this time.
Bruno Fernandes will return to Champions League football after two less convincing seasons at Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder broke the Premier League assist record last term while inspiring United to a third-place finish.
Fernandes offers a threat from midfield through his goals, assists and ability to deliver passes that unlock defences.
Barcelona have added control and experience in midfield with the signing of Rodri. The former Manchester City player was a key figure in City’s 2023 Champions League success, scoring the winning goal against Inter Milan in the final.
His skill in managing the tempo, recovering possession and protecting the defence could be vital in closely contested European fixtures. His previous experience of winning the tournament may also become increasingly valuable for Barcelona as the pressure mounts.
Vinícius Júnior provides Real Madrid with another major attacking outlet. The Brazilian’s acceleration, dribbling and intelligent movement can unsettle even highly disciplined defensive units.
His partnership with Mbappé gives Madrid a forward line capable of pulling opponents apart from flank to flank. With the Spanish giants again among the leading contenders, Vinícius could have a decisive influence in the most important matches.
