Underdog Stories: Potential Surprises in the 2025-26 European Soccer Season
The upcoming 2025-26 European soccer season is set to kick off, with top teams making moves to strengthen their squads for the league title race. While powerhouse clubs are expected to dominate, there are always surprises in store from underdog teams. Past seasons have seen remarkable achievements, such as Leicester City's unexpected Premier League triumph in 2015-16 and Girona's Champions League qualification in 2023. Let's explore which teams could potentially spring surprises in the top five European leagues this season.
In the Italian Serie A, keep an eye on Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, who made significant investments to bolster their squad with over $100 million spent in the summer transfer window. The club aims to qualify for European competitions and establish themselves as a top team in Italy. While a top-ten finish is within reach, securing a spot in international tournaments would mark a significant milestone in their development.
Marseille (OM) in Ligue 1 had a strong season under Roberto De Zerbi, finishing second in the 2024-25 campaign and securing a Champions League spot. The challenge for OM this season will be to compete with reigning champions PSG and contend for domestic honors. After a period of underperformance, OM appears to be on the right track under De Zerbi's guidance, aiming to compete for silverware.
In the English Premier League, the spotlight is on a rejuvenated side managed by Oliver Glasner, who led them to FA Cup glory last season. The team's focus is on maintaining their success in the league and potentially securing European qualification. With a stable squad from the previous season, the team aims to build on their recent achievements and establish themselves as a force in the Premier League.
Mallorca FC in La Liga has been on an upward trajectory under Robert Sarver's ownership, aiming to attract tourists to the Spanish island through their soccer team. The club reached the Copa del Rey final in 2023 and finished 10th last season, showing signs of progress. With a promising project in place, Mallorca FC could continue their upward trajectory in the upcoming season.
Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga finished third last season and secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League under Dino Toppmoller's management. Despite the departure of star striker Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, Eintracht aims to build on their success and compete at the top of the German league. With Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as main rivals, Eintracht faces heightened expectations this season as they strive to maintain their position among the league's elite.
In conclusion, the 2025-26 European soccer season promises excitement and surprises as teams across the continent vie for domestic and international success. While traditional powerhouses are expected to dominate, the underdog teams highlighted in this article have the potential to defy expectations and make their mark in their respective leagues. Keep an eye on these teams as they aim to create memorable moments and challenge the established order in European soccer.