The Champions League for the 2025-26 season will continue into 2026 after the completion of six league matches from September to December 2025. Notably, Europe’s leading leagues will continue without interruptions during this time. Arsenal and Manchester City are gearing up for another thrilling race for the Premier League title, while Bayern Munich is asserting its dominance in the Bundesliga. Juventus, on the other hand, is making its way back to the top of Serie A. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has managed to recover after a tough spell. Let’s explore the power rankings and share some new year’s resolutions for each team.
1. Arsenal (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Aim to lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in over two decades.
2026 is poised to be the year Arsenal finally secures the title, having last celebrated victory in 2004. With their current position at the top, there are no more excuses—they must seize this opportunity in 2026.
Are Arsenal facing challenges? Examining the vulnerabilities of the Premier League leaders despite their recent victories.
— James Benge
2. Bayern Munich (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Aim to lower the average score to less than three goals per game.
This season has been remarkable for Bayern Munich, who have rarely scored under three goals. Their current tally of 55 goals in just 15 Bundesliga matches showcases their offensive prowess, but a closer match like 1-0 would be a welcome change.
3. Manchester City (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Ensure Josep Guardiola commits to staying at the club beyond summer.
As doubts swirl regarding Guardiola’s future, Manchester City must convince him to extend his stay. His contract runs until 2027, but his commitment is uncertain, and they need him for continued success.
4. Barcelona (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Secure a permanent deal for Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has been pivotal to Barcelona’s success this season, and securing him permanently is essential. His role is crucial, especially with the potential departure of Robert Lewandowski.
5. PSG (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Relive the magic of January 2025.
The year 2025 was extraordinary for PSG, culminating in a treble and deep runs in competitions. They aspire to replicate similar success, although it appears more challenging this season.
6. Atlético Madrid (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Strive for a top-four finish in the Champions League.
Managed by Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid aims to enhance their performance in Europe and make a significant impact in the Champions League this season.
7. Inter (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Break the trophy drought in 2026.
After a dismal 2025, where Inter missed out on the Serie A title and suffered a heavy loss in the Champions League final, they need to regain their competitive edge and secure some silverware in the new year.
8. Chelsea (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Restore happiness to Enzo Maresca.
Recent struggles have created tension between Chelsea and manager Enzo Maresca. It’s crucial for both parties to find common ground to ensure a successful future.
9. Real Madrid (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Solidify support for coach Xabi Alonso.
After the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid initiated a new phase under Xabi Alonso, who requires the club’s backing to foster growth and success.
10. Atalanta (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Move on from Gian Piero Gasperini’s exit.
With the transition to new management under Raffaele Palladino, Atalanta must adapt and aim to get back on track after the abrupt resignation of their previous coach.
11. Liverpool (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Execute the planned summer signings.
With potential additions like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, Liverpool aims to enhance their squad and maintain competitiveness under Arne Slott’s leadership.
Evaluating the highest-profile transfers of summer 2025: Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Benjamin Sesko, and others.
— Francesco Porzio
12. Olympique Marseille (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Surpassing PSG may be challenging, but it’s still within reach.
Olympique Marseille has a slim chance of overtaking PSG, currently sitting just five points behind. Making history by capturing Ligue 1 would be monumental.
13. Newcastle (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Move past the struggles of late 2025.
Despite strong performances from new signings, Newcastle’s season has not met expectations. There’s still time to turn things around in the coming matches.
14. Borussia Dortmund (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Aim for another chance in European finals.
Having reached the Champions League final in 2024, Dortmund aims to replicate that success, even if the odds seem slim.
15. Galatasaray (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Become the first Turkish club to win the Champions League.
With heightened expectations following summer signings, Galatasaray seeks to make a significant impact in the Champions League.
16. Juventus (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Trust Luciano Spalletti instead of changing managers again.
After a tumultuous year with managerial changes, Juventus has stability under Spalletti and should allow him the opportunity to lead effectively.
17. Napoli (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Ensure Antonio Conte stays beyond this season.
Conte’s potential exit looms as Napoli aim to retain him for more than two years for continued progress.
18. Bayer Leverkusen (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Avoid selling more players to Liverpool.
Having already let key players leave, Leverkusen should resist further transferring talent to English clubs.
19. Sporting CP (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Win a trophy and keep strikers away from Premier League clubs.
Sporting CP is targeting the top of the league while aiming for domestic success in 2026.
20. Tottenham (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Start winning matches more consistently.
After securing the Europa League title, Tottenham needs to regain consistency under Thomas Frank.
21. PSV (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Renew Ivan Perisic’s contract.
Perisic has been a key player, and securing his future is crucial for PSV.
22. AS Monaco (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Find a coach to return the club to its former glory.
Monaco seeks a managerial change to revive their competitive spirit.
23. Benfica (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Advance to the Champions League playoffs.
Under Jose Mourinho, Benfica aims to qualify for the Champions League playoffs, marking progress in their project.
24. Club Brugge (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Retain players and avoid transfers to AC Milan.
The focus should be on building a strong squad without the loss of key players.
25. Copenhagen (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Secure a top 24 ranking in the league phase.
Recent successes give Copenhagen a fighting chance to progress in the future.
26. Kalabagh (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Achieve another Champions League match win.
Securing another victory would greatly boost their morale after a surprising start to the season.
27. Eintracht Frankfurt (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Reduce points conceded.
The team needs to tighten their defense after allowing 30 goals in their 15 Bundesliga matches.
28. Union Saint-Gilloise (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Make another Champions League campaign a reality.
Currently leading the Pro League, they face challenges after recent European setbacks but hope to do better next year.
29. Sports Club (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Retain Nico Williams through the summer.
Having held onto him for the past two years, they aim to keep him again in 2026.
30. Villarreal (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Improve performance in European contests.
Despite struggling in the Champions League, Villarreal remains a competitive force in La Liga.
31. Pathos (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Continue dreaming of success.
The team celebrates its first Champions League appearance and hopes to build on this achievement.
32. Slavia Prague (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Perform better in upcoming league matches.
There’s a need for an improved showing in their remaining fixtures.
33. Olympiakos (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Strengthen next season’s European campaign and win the Greek league.
After a year in the Champions League with little success, they aim to return stronger.
34. Bodo/Glimt (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Enhance the atmosphere at home games.
They strive for a better performance in Europe amidst challenges this season.
35. Ajax (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Leave 2025 behind.
Ajax had a disappointing year, and moving forward is essential.
36. Kairat (–)
New Year’s Resolutions: Enjoy the last games of the season.
Fans look forward to seeing them return to the Champions League once again.
As a new year in soccer approaches, the resolutions not only reflect team aspirations but also the competitive spirit that fans live for. The outcomes of these teams in 2026 could reshape the landscape of European soccer, offering thrilling storylines and unforgettable moments.
