Europe’s Rebellion: 35 New Champions Break the Old Order
European football witnessed an extraordinary campaign as 35 leagues crowned different champions compared to last season, ending dynasties and creating unforgettable underdog stories.
The 2025-26 season will be remembered as one of the most unpredictable in modern European football. Across UEFA's 55 member associations, 35 leagues produced different champions from the previous campaign, challenging the common belief that the same clubs always dominate.
Among Europe's top five leagues, three traditional powers retained their crowns. FC Barcelona defended the LaLiga title, while Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Múnich remained champions in France and Germany. Elsewhere, however, the landscape changed dramatically.
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal captured the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. In Italy, Inter de Milán reclaimed the Serie A crown with Cristian Chivu at the helm.
Some of the most remarkable stories came from smaller leagues. Swiss side FC Thun won the first league title in its history immediately after promotion from the second division. Meanwhile, Sweden's Mjällby AIF completed a fairy-tale triumph despite representing a community of only around 1,500 residents.
Several dominant eras also came to an end. In Bulgaria, Levski Sofía prevented Ludogorets Razgrad from claiming a historic 15th consecutive title. In Hungary, ETO FC Győr ended the long reign of Ferencváros.
Historic powers also returned to prominence. AEK Atenas lifted the Greek title again, Dinamo Zagreb regained supremacy in Croatia, and Shakhtar Donetsk returned to the top of Ukrainian football under Arda Turan.
The season proved that even in an era of financial power and established hierarchies, football remains capable of producing unexpected champions, ending droughts and rewriting history across Europe.
