The Champions League just ended, with Manchester City finally hoisting the trophy as the champions of Europe. After years of almost, the team finally sealed the deal. But in soccer, there is no looking back, only looking ahead. And fans and online soccer betting sites already have their eyes on the next tournament. Already you can find odds online for which team will emerge victorious next year.
While there is so much that can change, including which teams will make it through qualifying, how the transfers will play out, and the health of each team, there are still some teams that look likeliest to win next year. While the odds are subject to change as the offseason plays out, we’re looking into the future to project six teams that could win the Champions League next season.
Manchester City
Manchester City finally got the job done after years of coming very close with Pep Guardiola. While there are players that seem likely to leave, like Ilkay Gundogan, who have played pivotal roles for the squad, the core should be intact. And what a core it is. Manchester City will return Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden, as well as numerous other world-class players. There is no team that can come close to the talent that Manchester City brings, although Real Madrid could come close depending on how this summer plays out. Still, City has to be the substantial favorite going into next year.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich has won the Champions League three times. They are probably the most consistent team in Europe, always ready to wear teams down with their control and talent. They have a roster that should remain mostly together, and it is filled with players that can make a major difference. Alphonso Davies, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, Sadio Mane, and Manuel Neuer are all some of the best players at their positions in the world. Every year, it seems like Bayern has a talented team that is well-coached and ready to level any threat the Champions League brings on.
Real Madrid
No team can match the incredible Champions League success Real Madrid has. This year, they lost to Manchester City in the semis, but they have won the tournament a record eight times. Now, they are spending money and bringing on talent and will likely have the most deadly attack in Europe next year. They added Jude Bellingham, the young English wunderkind, to augment a group that includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. While the departure of Karim Benzema for Saudi Arabia hurts, there are rumors that the team may be able to add Kylian Mbappe this summer. If that is the case, good luck to the rest of Europe.
Arsenal
Arsenal returned to the standard that has long been expected of them this season. After years of barely threatening, they were in the lead for the Premier League for almost the entirety of the season before giving it up at the end. But Arsenal has earned their return to the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17. Arsenal has never lifted the trophy, but next year could be the year. Arsenal will bring a world-class team to the tournament consisting of top-end talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel Martinelli. Expect this team to be one of the last ones standing.
Barcelona
Barcelona has been searching for a new identity since Lionel Messi packed his bags, and they have struggled under the burden of financial pressures. For fans that are worried these troubles will persist, there are sure signs of optimism. Barcelona won La Liga handily this year, and there are rumors of numerous intriguing players heading to Camp Nou this summer. But regardless, they have one of the best teams in the world with Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Pedri, and Ronald Araujo. Fans are hoping they’ll make it out of the group stage this time around.
Napoli
Napoli won its first Serie A since 1989/90 this year, and its fans celebrated in fashion. But now, the team can eye something even greater: their first-ever Champions League trophy. While many of their players are being picked off by wealthier clubs, and even their coach has backed his bags, they will return many of their best players. Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian goalscorer, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the skilled Georgian, and Piotr Zielinski will all likely return. The team could continue to impress on the world stage.