Top 10 Favorites To Win The UEFA Europa League 2025/2026

Top 10 Favorites to Win the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 presents a detailed look at the strongest and most determined clubs ready to compete for Europe’s second most prestigious football tournament. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which teams have the talent, depth, and tactical expertise to go all the way. This season promises intense battles and surprising breakthroughs from clubs hungry to make their mark on the continental stage. From traditional European powerhouses rebuilding their legacy to ambitious dark horses on the rise, the list highlights the squads with the best chances of lifting the Europa League trophy.

Many teams view the UEFA Europa League not just as a chance for silverware, but as a gateway to the Champions League, making the competition fiercely competitive. With a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and tactical masterminds, these ten clubs bring a blend of skill and strategy that promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Whether you follow the action passionately or are new to European football, this guide helps you understand who to watch and why. Stay tuned as we break down the top contenders shaping the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 season.

10. Real Sociedad (Spain)

Real Sociedad have quietly built a team with solid defensive organization and emerging attacking talents that make them a tough competitor in European competitions. Their recent La Liga performances show a team that balances resilience and creativity, and that mix is crucial in the demanding Europa League format. They have a compact defensive line that minimizes errors and midfielders who can control tempo effectively.

What sets Sociedad apart is their ability to frustrate opponents with disciplined tactical setups, combined with bursts of attacking flair from players like Alexander Isak and Mikel Oyarzabal. The club’s steady development under their current management has cultivated a strong team ethos, blending experienced veterans with promising youngsters.

While they may not be the flashiest team in the competition, Real Sociedad’s strategic approach and hunger to make a mark on Europe make them a dangerous opponent. Their performances in recent seasons suggest they can advance deep into the knockout stages if they maintain consistency and keep key players fit. Sociedad’s challenge lies in balancing their domestic commitments while focusing on a solid Europa League run, but with their current squad depth, they certainly have a chance to cause some upsets.

9. Feyenoord (Netherlands)

Feyenoord enters the 2025/26 Europa League campaign riding a wave of confidence from their strong Eredivisie performances. Known for their intense team spirit and energetic playing style, they have been one of the standout Dutch teams in recent years. Their squad combines homegrown talent with some clever signings, offering both technical skill and physicality.

Under their current coach, Feyenoord has emphasized a high-pressing game and quick transitions, which can be highly effective in European knockout football. The team’s ability to control midfield battles and exploit wide areas gives them multiple attacking options, a key asset against varied European opponents.

Feyenoord also benefits from strong fan support and experience in European tournaments, having competed regularly in both the Europa League and Conference League. Their resilience and tactical discipline often frustrate bigger teams, making them a dangerous dark horse. However, their challenge will be sustaining that energy through the long season and handling the pressure of tight knockout ties.

With a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned leadership, Feyenoord has the potential to make a significant impact in the Europa League this season.

8. Lyon (France)

Lyon brings a wealth of European experience and a balanced squad to the Europa League table in 2025/26. Their team is built around a core of technically gifted midfielders who excel at controlling possession and dictating the rhythm of play, crucial qualities for success in European competitions.

The French side combines youth and experience effectively, with talented attackers supported by a disciplined defense. This blend gives them flexibility to adapt to different opponents, whether they need to dominate possession or play on the counter-attack.

Lyon’s tactical versatility is a strong asset, allowing them to switch formations and approaches mid-game to respond to the flow of matches. Their coaching staff has focused on maximizing player potential, emphasizing both individual skills and team cohesion.

Despite facing tough competition domestically, Lyon has consistently qualified for European tournaments and shown they can compete at a high level. Their approach in the Europa League often involves grinding out results and capitalizing on key moments, a strategy that serves them well in knockout football.

If Lyon maintains fitness and form, they are well-positioned to challenge deep into the competition, potentially making a surprise run towards the final stages.

7. Sporting CP (Portugal)

Sporting CP has built a reputation as one of Portugal’s most promising sides in recent years, combining a strong academy system with smart recruitment to create a dynamic, youthful squad. Their consistent presence in European competitions makes them a familiar and respected challenger in the Europa League.

The team’s attacking midfielders and forwards are particularly exciting, offering flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability that can unlock tight defenses. Defensively, Sporting has worked hard to build solidity and resilience, key traits for navigating the intense European knockout format.

Under their current management, Sporting plays an energetic, possession-based game designed to control matches and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Their tactical discipline and fitness levels often allow them to outlast rivals in physically demanding ties.

Sporting CP also benefits from passionate fan support and a club culture focused on developing talent and achieving European success. While they may not yet be considered favorites to win, their balance of youthful enthusiasm and growing experience makes them a dangerous team capable of upsetting more established sides.

In the 2025/26 Europa League, Sporting will aim to translate their potential into tangible results, striving for a deep run that could elevate their status on the European stage.

6. West Ham United (England)

West Ham United have established themselves as a strong force in European football in recent seasons, combining physicality and technical skill in a way that suits the demands of the Europa League. Their squad depth and tactical flexibility allow them to adapt to different styles and opponents.

The Hammers’ midfield combines grit and creativity, providing the engine for both defensive solidity and attacking transitions. Their forward players are capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses with pace and precision, crucial in tight knockout ties.

Under their current coaching setup, West Ham have emphasized disciplined defending and fast counterattacks. This approach has brought success domestically and in European competitions, where matches often hinge on small margins.

Fan support and club ambition play a significant role in motivating West Ham’s players during their continental campaigns. The team’s mental toughness and experience in European football provide an edge when facing the pressures of knockout stages.

If they maintain fitness and focus, West Ham United have the squad and tactical nous to progress deep into the 2025/26 Europa League, potentially challenging for the trophy.

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5. Napoli (Italy)

Napoli’s rise in European football has been impressive, marked by tactical discipline and an exciting brand of attacking play. Under their current manager, they have balanced a strong defense with fluid, creative offense, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the Europa League.

Their attacking unit boasts a mix of experienced forwards and emerging talents capable of scoring crucial goals. The midfield acts as a strong link, controlling possession and setting the tempo while also providing defensive cover.

Napoli’s defensive solidity is key to their success, allowing them to absorb pressure and strike decisively on the counterattack. Their tactical flexibility means they can adjust their approach based on the opponent, making them unpredictable and difficult to break down.

With passionate support and a squad full of hungry players, Napoli will be motivated to make a deep Europa League run in 2025/26. Their combination of flair and discipline provides a solid foundation for challenging some of Europe’s best teams.

If they keep their core squad fit and maintain their form, Napoli are definitely one of the favorites to contend for the trophy this season.

4. Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)

Bayer Leverkusen is known for their dynamic style, blending youth development with experienced leadership. Their performances in recent Bundesliga and European seasons have demonstrated they can compete with top-level opposition consistently.

Leverkusen’s squad includes talented attackers and midfielders who excel at quick transitions and high pressing, well-suited for the fast pace of Europa League football. Their defensive unit has become more organized, providing a solid base to launch counterattacks.

The club’s coaching staff focuses on developing young players while implementing tactical systems that emphasize versatility and intensity. This has helped Bayer Leverkusen maintain a competitive edge in European competitions.

Fan support and a club culture centered on progress and ambition motivate the team to push for success on all fronts. They approach the Europa League with seriousness, often using it as a platform to showcase their growth.

If Bayer Leverkusen can maintain consistency and avoid injuries, they have the talent and depth to make a significant impact in the 2025/26 Europa League campaign.

3. AC Milan (Italy)

AC Milan have been steadily rebuilding their squad, combining experienced internationals with emerging young talents to restore their status as one of Europe’s elite. Their blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and physicality suits the demanding nature of Europa League football.

The Rossoneri boast a balanced squad with creativity in midfield and firepower up front. Their defensive line, traditionally strong, provides stability and allows for more expressive attacking play.

Under their current management, Milan have emphasized resilience and adaptability. Their ability to control games, maintain possession, and switch gears during matches makes them tough opponents in knockout football.

AC Milan’s rich European history and ambitions to add to their trophy cabinet fuel their determination. The club’s fans and leadership expect strong performances on the continental stage.

In the 2025/26 season, Milan will be motivated to advance deep into the Europa League, aiming to return to the level of European dominance they once held. Their quality and experience make them serious favorites in the competition.

2. Roma (Italy)

Roma, led by the experienced José Mourinho, are always tactical masters in European competitions. Their blend of seasoned veterans and promising young players gives them the perfect balance to navigate the Europa League’s challenges.

The Giallorossi’s defensive organization and counterattacking ability are among the best in the competition, with midfielders capable of controlling games and forwards who can finish clinically. Mourinho’s experience in Europe gives Roma a strategic edge, especially in knockout ties.

Roma consistently qualify for European tournaments and have shown a capacity to upset bigger clubs. Their squad depth allows them to compete on multiple fronts, and their mental toughness often makes the difference in tight situations.

With strong fan support and a hunger to reclaim European glory, Roma enters the 2025/26 Europa League with high ambitions. They have the tactical discipline and quality to make a deep run, making them one of the top favorites.

1. Sevilla (Spain)

Sevilla’s record in the Europa League speaks for itself — they are the most successful club in the tournament’s history, with seven titles to their name. Their experience, tactical acumen, and strong squad make them the undisputed favorite for the 2025/26 season.

The Andalusian club combines a solid defensive foundation with an attacking style that can be both pragmatic and explosive. Their squad includes players with a wealth of European experience and young talents eager to add to the club’s legacy.

Sevilla’s approach to the Europa League is one of focus and determination, often peaking at the right moments during knockout stages. Their coaching staff’s ability to prepare the team tactically for diverse opponents is unmatched.

The club’s passion, fan base, and history create an environment where winning the Europa League is a core objective every season. For 2025/26, Sevilla looks ready to defend their title and possibly extend their record further, making them the top favorite.

FAQ’s:

Which team is the top favorite to win the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026?

Sevilla is the clear favorite, holding the record for the most Europa League titles and bringing unmatched experience, tactical skill, and a strong squad to defend their crown.

How important is European experience for teams competing in the UEFA Europa League?

European experience is crucial, as the Europa League’s knockout format requires tactical discipline and mental toughness. Clubs like Sevilla, Roma, and AC Milan benefit greatly from their history and knowledge of continental football.

Can underdog teams like Feyenoord or Real Sociedad make a deep run in the Europa League?

Absolutely. Teams like Feyenoord and Real Sociedad, with strong tactical setups and motivated squads, have the potential to upset bigger clubs and progress far, especially if they maintain consistency and avoid injuries.