European Season 2025-26: The Ultimate Winners & Losers Review
The 2025-26 European football season was a relentless rollercoaster, delivering jaw-dropping triumphs, heart-wrenching collapses, and unforgettable drama that will echo for years. From long-awaited league titles to stunning continental glory and managerial reigns ending in spectacular fashion, the beautiful game once again proved its unpredictable magic.
Season Highlights & Lowlights
- Arsenal finally broke their Premier League drought, crowning Mikel Arteta a tactical master.
- Cesc Fabregas led Como to an historic Champions League debut, defying all odds.
- Real Madrid descended into unprecedented chaos as Florentino Perez faced a rebellion.
- Manchester City grappled with the exit of Pep Guardiola and an uncertain future.
Winners: Celebrating Glory and Grit
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal: The End of the Long Wait
After years of near misses and agonizing "April anxieties," Mikel Arteta etched his name into Arsenal folklore by delivering their first Premier League title since 2004. Despite the sting of a Champions League final loss, pride quickly overshadowed pain. Arteta’s tenure had been a make-or-break journey, and while the Gunners’ style of play – marked by tactical cynicism and a heavy reliance on set-pieces – drew criticism from legends like Thierry Henry, the ends undeniably justified the means. The process may not have been pretty, but it was undeniably effective, transforming a club once dubbed 'specialists in failure' into England's best.
Cesc Fabregas & Como: A Fairytale Ascension to Europe
The story of Como’s promotion to the Champions League isn't just a win; it's a modern-day football fairytale, with Cesc Fabregas as its undisputed maestro. From a club without a proper training ground just a few years ago, Fabregas took the helm and guided them to historic success. Their emphatic 4-1 victory at Cremonese cemented a place in Europe that was once unimaginable. Fabregas's deep involvement, not just as a coach but in building the club's infrastructure, showcases a remarkable vision that has made Como the youngest and arguably most exciting side in Serie A.
Barcelona's Youthful Reign: Flick's Masterclass in Unity
Amidst the turmoil often associated with their rivals, Barcelona celebrated a second consecutive La Liga title, a testament to the cohesive unit built by Hansi Flick. The German coach, who arrived after a turbulent period, quickly fostered a "one big family" atmosphere, drawing strength from La Masia's prodigious talent. Despite a disappointing Champions League exit, the emergence of a magnificent talent like Lamine Yamal signals a bright future. With financial stability returning and ambitious signings like Anthony Gordon and potentially Julian Alvarez on the horizon, Deco’s declaration of "the beginning of a new era" at Camp Nou feels entirely justified.
Bodo/Glimt: Europe's Unstoppable Underdogs
In an age dominated by footballing behemoths, Bodo/Glimt redefined what's possible, not just reaching the Champions League last 16 but humiliating Inter at San Siro. Their journey was no fluke; they famously toppled Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and outplayed Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. This wonderfully run Norwegian club, promoted to their top-flight just in 2018, has become a beacon of hope, proving that meticulous planning and team spirit can still conquer financial might. With a new stadium underway, their inspirational giant-killing saga is far from over.
Christian Chivu's Inter: The Double-Winning Vindication
Christian Chivu delivered a resounding two-finger salute to his doubters, guiding Inter to both the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia in a season many predicted would unravel. After a rocky start and heavy criticism following Simone Inzaghi's departure, Chivu revived a squad that looked "dead and buried." Despite lingering questions after a Champions League exit to Bodo/Glimt, his double-winning feat makes him the first Inter coach since Jose Mourinho to achieve such a domestic double. President Beppe Marotta's hopes for Chivu to remain "for many years to come" are well-founded after such a defiant triumph.
Unai Emery's Aston Villa: European Glory and CL Return
Just a year after missing out on Champions League football caused significant anxiety, Unai Emery has cemented his legendary status at Aston Villa. Many feared relegation, but the "genius" Spaniard orchestrated a remarkable transformation, securing a return to Europe's elite competition. Not content with that, Emery then guided Villa to a thrilling Europa League final performance, marking a monumental achievement for a club that had been struggling. His ability to knit together existing players and elevate their performance speaks volumes, turning a once-mocked figure into a revered manager.
Pierre Sage's Lens: From Relegation Fears to Cup Kings
Pierre Sage engineered one of the season's most astonishing turnarounds at Lens. Starting the campaign with the sole objective of avoiding relegation after losing key players, Sage quickly integrated new signings and unlocked the potential of his squad. Against all expectations, Lens mounted a genuine Ligue 1 title challenge against mighty PSG and capped their magnificent season by lifting the Coupe de France for the first time in club history. Sage's extraordinary leadership has undoubtedly put him on the radar of bigger clubs across Europe.
Bayern Munich's Front Three: A Historic Attacking Force
The attacking triumvirate of Harry Kane, Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise at Bayern Munich wasn't just prolific; it was historic. Despite winning a domestic double under Vincent Kompany, their pursuit of Champions League glory continues. Individually, Diaz's dynamism, Olise's effortless skill, and Kane's complete No.9 mastery perfectly complemented one another. Their astonishing 104 goal involvements in the Bundesliga and 109 goals across all competitions rivaled Barcelona's legendary Messi, Suarez, and Neymar trio. As Lothar Matthaus aptly put it, they operated like a "Swiss watch," a high-quality work of art.
Donyell Malen's Roma Resurgence: The Steal of the Season
Doubts shrouded Donyell Malen's loan move to Roma from Aston Villa in January, given his modest scoring record in the Premier League. However, Gian Piero Gasperini's faith was spectacularly vindicated. Malen exploded onto the Serie A scene, bagging 14 goals in just 18 appearances to finish second in the Capocannoniere race and shattering Mario Balotelli's record for a January signing. He proved to be the "added weapon" that fired the Giallorossi to a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, making his €25m obligation-to-buy clause look like an absolute bargain.
Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace: A Silverware Farewell
There were fears of a late-season collapse at Crystal Palace when Oliver Glasner announced his departure, especially following captain Marc Guehi's move to Manchester City. Yet, Glasner orchestrated a fairytale ending, guiding Palace to a historic Conference League triumph, just a year after their shock FA Cup final victory. What he achieved with a club that had never won a major honor before was truly extraordinary. As former Eagle Clinton Morrison exclaimed, "If Palace can do it, every team has got to believe they can go and do it," cementing Glasner's legacy as an inspirational figure.
FC Thun: Switzerland's Unforgettable Fairytale Champions
A decade after Leicester City’s unforgettable Premier League miracle, Swiss football delivered its own heartwarming tale: FC Thun clinched their first league title in 128 years. Seven years ago, the club faced financial ruin, and just last summer, their objective upon returning to the top flight was merely survival. Under the astute management of Mauro Lustrinelli, this small-town club defied every expectation, captivating the nation. Their triumph was so universally adored that even vanquished rivals celebrated it, proving that football’s magic can still write the most incredible, unexpected stories.
Paris Saint-Germain: Europe's Unchallenged Hegemony
Paris Saint-Germain solidified their status as Europe's dominant force, securing a second consecutive Champions League crown under the astute guidance of Luis Enrique. The Spaniard immediately signaled his intent to stay and strengthen the squad, much to the delight of President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who hailed him as "the best coach in the world." With the third-youngest Champions League winning team in history and a burgeoning crop of academy talent, PSG appears poised for an extended reign. Luis Enrique’s continued leadership promises to make them an even more formidable, perhaps unstoppable, force next season.
Losers: The Agony of Defeat and Disarray
AC Milan: A Season of Self-Inflicted Wounds
AC Milan endured a disastrous season, characterized by internal strife and a spectacular collapse that saw them miss out on Champions League qualification for a second consecutive year. Despite outspending their Serie A rivals and being unburdened by European football, Milan threw away a top-four finish, culminating in a damning home defeat to Cagliari. Owner Gerry Cardinale's decision to fire a host of key figures, following the controversial sacking of club legend Paolo Maldini in 2023, ignited furious fan protests against both himself and special advisor Zlatan Ibrahimović. Patience has evaporated, leaving Milan in a state of deep uncertainty and fan unrest.
Florentino Perez & Real Madrid: The King Under Siege
Real Madrid imploded both on and off the field, suffering a second consecutive season without a major honor. The dismissal of Xabi Alonso in January and the appointment of rookie coach Alvaro Arbeloa proved disastrous, compounded by a dressing-room rife with clashes. Club president Florentino Perez responded to the crisis with an extraordinary, hour-long public rant, refusing to resign, attacking "enemies," and accusing rivals of corruption. His shock decision to call for a presidential election, now contested by tycoon Enrique Riquelme, marks an unprecedented challenge to his long reign, leaving the club in a state of disarray.
Wolfsburg's Disastrous Fall: From Europe to Relegation
Wolfsburg’s spectacular descent culminated in relegation from the Bundesliga after 29 consecutive seasons. The club has never recovered since Oliver Glasner’s departure in 2021, a move prompted by his fractured relationship with sporting director Jorg Schmadtke and key players. Tears reportedly flowed in the dressing room after their decisive play-off loss, reflecting the bitter pain of demotion. The most significant concern now is the potential withdrawal of longtime benefactor Volkswagen, which could plunge the club into an even deeper crisis and make a swift return to the top flight a distant dream.
Erik ten Hag's Leverkusen Nightmare: The Briefest of Stays
Erik ten Hag's attempt to rebuild his reputation after his Manchester United dismissal ended in a spectacular failure at Bayer Leverkusen. Handed the unenviable task of replacing Xabi Alonso, who had delivered an undefeated double, and dealing with the exodus of key players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, Ten Hag lasted just two Bundesliga games. His sacking marked the shortest reign in German top-flight history. Though Ten Hag decried the decision as "unprecedented" and claimed he deserved "time and trust," reports of widespread fallouts within the club suggest his exit was inevitable.
Multi-Club Ownership Under Fire: The Cracks Emerge
The multi-club ownership (MCO) model faced a harsh reality check this season, with numerous high-profile failures exposing its inherent risks. Manchester City’s parent company, City Football Group, saw feeder club Girona relegated from La Liga just months after playing Champions League football, creating significant recruitment headaches and fan disillusionment. Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly sought to offload Nice amidst a toxic atmosphere and fan protests. BlueCo (owners of Chelsea and Strasbourg) also faced unprecedented joint protests from fans of both clubs, signaling a growing rebellion against a system often perceived as prioritizing profit over club identity.
Marseille: Perpetual Turmoil and Unrest
Even by Marseille’s notoriously chaotic standards, this season was a masterclass in turmoil. Expectations of challenging PSG for the Ligue 1 title quickly evaporated after a dressing-room brawl involving Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe following their opening defeat. Manager Roberto De Zerbi resigned in "total despair" after a humiliating 5-0 drubbing by PSG, having also seen his side dumped out of the Champions League. His successor, Habib Beye, despite securing Europa League qualification, is also set to depart amidst further reports of dressing-room unrest. The Velodrome remains a revolving door, desperately searching for stability in a city that demands passion and success.
Arne Slot's Liverpool: From Title Triumph to Swift Exit
Football truly is a cruel game, as Arne Slot discovered with his dramatic dismissal from Liverpool at the end of his second season. Despite leading the Reds to a surprising Premier League title in his debut year, his subsequent campaign unraveled spectacularly. Plagued by injuries and rumored insubordination from key players like Mohamed Salah, Slot's team plunged into their worst run of results in 71 years. Performances remained dour even when results occasionally improved, leading to a complete loss of confidence from both fans and players. His sacking, though harsh after a title win, became an inevitable consequence of a season devoid of ideas and hope.
Manchester City's Post-Guardiola Blues: An Era Ends
May 19, 2026, will be etched in Manchester City history as a day of profound anxiety. The news of Pep Guardiola's decision to step down, coupled with the loss of a seventh Premier League title at Bournemouth, cast a long shadow. While two domestic cups offered a respectable farewell, the departure of inspirational captain Bernardo Silva – and the potential exits of Rodri and even Erling Haaland – signals an unprecedented period of uncertainty. Crucially, City were dumped out of the Champions League with disturbing ease by Real Madrid. With Enzo Maresca lacking Guardiola's aura and track record, the blue half of Manchester now grapples with a future filled with trepidation, marking the end of a truly golden era.
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