With the end of summer in sight, soccer is now just around the corner. With the draw for the league phase of the Champions League in soccer mere weeks away, excitement is beginning to build. Most sportsbooks have already released their odds for the upcoming Champions League season, and there are some clear favourites already.
Several teams have been pegged by oddsmakers as ones to watch this year, so let’s look at the top squads with the highest odds of winning the Champions League.
Manchester City (+225)
Manchester City has only earned one Champions League trophy, but most sports betting sites have them as the likeliest contender this year. Manchester City has dominated the Premier League in recent years and has top-flight players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and more. They have the deepest team in Europe, with a range of different lineups they can roll out, and the best coach on the planet in Pep Guardiola. While they have not had the Champions League success that some other teams on this list have, don’t underestimate Manchester City.
Real Madrid (+300)
Real Madrid has dominated the Champions League over the past decade, winning five times. This team just seems to show up for the tournament, and they have only gotten better since winning last year’s Champions League. Real Madrid has deep pockets, and they have put them to good use. They added Kylian Mbappe, who many consider the best soccer player on the planet, and Endrick, a rising Brazilian superstar. They already have world-class talents like Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham. They could once again be the class of Europe, and no one would be surprised.
Arsenal (+900)
Arsenal has returned as a top-flight club over the past several seasons, battling it out amongst the top teams in the Premier League. Led by manager Mikel Arteta and superstar talents like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard, they unquestionably possess one of the best rosters on the planet. Arsenal will now need to show that they can compete amongst Europe’s best after a disappointing Champions League exit last season. Arsenal has all the ingredients to succeed, and the odds give them a very real chance to do so. It would be exceptional to watch Arsenal claim their first-ever Champions League.
Liverpool (+1000)
Liverpool is looking to re-establish themselves as the class of Europe, and for the first time since 2015, they will be doing so without Jurgen Klopp. New manager Arne Slot has big shoes to fill, but he has a team capable of making a big impression in the Champions League. Liverpool has been given solid odds to compete this year by sportsbooks, and the reasons why are players like Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool has proven themselves a viable contender in the past, taking home the Champions League trophy in 2018-19. They could do it again in 2025.
Barcelona (+1200)
Barcelona has struggled slightly to recapture its peak form from the 2010s, but this season appears to be one in which it can continue to make major steps forward. Barcelona has had some humiliation in the Champions League, but they have a young, talented group that could be ready for the European spotlight. Lamine Yamal established himself as a superstar this summer, Robert Lewandowski remains a prolific striker, and Pedri and Gavi are some of Spain’s top talents. If Barcelona’s group can avoid injuries, there is no reason that they cannot improve on previous Champions League performances.
Bayern Munich (+1200)
While Real Madrid has defined the past decade of the Champions League, Bayern Munich have consistently performed at a high level as well. They won the Champions League in both 2019-20 and 2012-13. Sports betting sites once again have them positioned as one of the top contenders this year. While there will be some major changes with new manager Vincent Kompany, the players are in place to ensure that this team continues to find success. Bayern Munich has world-class players like Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, and Leroy Sane. After losing the Bundesliga last season, it is likely Bayern will come out this year with a chip on their shoulders.
Inter Milan (+1600)
Inter Milan surprised a lot of people in 2022-23 when they made a run all the way to the Champions League final, and they have the talent to shock the world again. Inter Milan dominated Serie A, and they brought back much of the same squad, which made them one of the best teams in Europe last year. Lautaro Martinez will be the head of the snake after earning himself the Golden Boot by a comfortable margin last season. They will also roll out premier players such as Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calahnoglu, and Federico Dimarco. Expect them to surprise some pundits.
