As the 2025-26 European football season approaches, leading clubs are bolstering their rosters in pursuit of league honors. However, history suggests that unexpected contenders often emerge. Numerous instances over recent years highlight clubs that defied predictions to achieve remarkable feats, most notably Leicester City`s stunning Premier League title win in 2015-16 under Claudio Ranieri, a moment widely considered the sport`s greatest upset. While Leicester`s triumph was unparalleled in its drama, other significant surprises include Girona`s qualification for the Champions League in 2023 and Borussia Dortmund`s impressive run to the 2023-24 Champions League final, where they ultimately fell to Real Madrid at Wembley. This article explores potential dark horses across Europe`s five major leagues, identifying teams that could exceed expectations this season.
Serie A: Como
Keep an eye on Como in the upcoming Serie A season. Under Cesc Fabregas, the club has made substantial investments, exceeding $100 million, to strengthen their squad this summer, successfully retaining their manager after a solid performance in the top flight. Significant expectations surround them, given the ownership`s stated goal of establishing Como among Italy`s elite clubs. This season, their aim will be to secure a spot in a European competition. While a top-ten finish would be respectable, achieving European qualification would mark a major milestone in their long-term development.
Ligue 1: Olympique Marseille
Defining a `surprise` for Olympique Marseille (OM) is challenging, especially after their impressive 2024-25 season under Roberto De Zerbi, where they secured second place in Ligue 1, 19 points behind PSG, and qualified for the UEFA Champions League. Nevertheless, competing in the same league as the reigning Champions League winners presents a formidable challenge for De Zerbi. He will undoubtedly aim to contend with Paris Saint-Germain for domestic supremacy this season. Following several underwhelming campaigns, OM appears to be revitalized and poised to seriously challenge for silverware under De Zerbi`s leadership.
Premier League: Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace, under manager Oliver Glasner, has made an impactful start to their project, notably winning the FA Cup last season against Manchester City – a landmark achievement for the club. As supporters eagerly await confirmation of their European competition for the 2025-26 season, the upcoming campaign will be crucial for the team to solidify their position, particularly within the Premier League. The club has largely managed to retain the core squad from their successful previous season, aiming to build on their momentum and establish a period of sustained success.
La Liga: Mallorca
Mallorca presents an intriguing prospect for the upcoming season. Under Robert Sarver`s ownership, the club has embarked on an ambitious long-term project aimed at transforming Mallorca`s football team into a significant draw for the millions of tourists visiting the Spanish island annually. In the past four years, they have notably reached the Copa del Rey final, losing on penalties to Athletic Club in 2023, and finished a respectable 10th last season under Jagoba Arrasate. There`s a strong belief that they can achieve even greater success in the coming year.
Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt, having secured a third-place finish last season under Dino Toppmoller and thus qualifying for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, aims to build on that success this year. This ambition persists despite the departure of striker Hugo Ekitike, who moved to Liverpool for a record $95 million this summer. Eintracht is certainly a team to monitor, particularly as the traditional spotlight remains on Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. After their unexpected performance last season, they now face heightened expectations as they strive to remain among the Bundesliga`s top contenders.
