While the Premier League has yet to begin, several of Europe's leading domestic competitions are already underway or about to start, setting the stage for a season packed with intrigue across the continent.
In Spain, La Liga opens this weekend with Alaves hosting Getafe on Saturday. The headline story remains Jose Mourinho's surprise return to Real Madrid, 13 years after his first spell in charge ended. Real endured an uneven campaign last season, often appearing disjointed between a potent attacking quartet and a defence prone to being exposed on the counter. The arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva are expected to add defensive stability, while Yan Diomande could bolster the attack further. Vinicius Junior has committed his future to the club with a new contract after speculation linking him with Arsenal. Questions persist over whether Mourinho can manage the competing personalities of Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius, and whether he retains the tactical sharpness to challenge Barcelona.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona, despite being slightly less dominant than in 2024-25, remain favourites to claim a third straight title, with Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi brought in partly to offset the departure of Robert Lewandowski's goals. Atletico Madrid are expected to push for a top-two finish, while Villarreal and Real Betis look to lead the chasing pack. Elsewhere, Malaga will aim to survive after climbing from the third tier, Valencia prepare for their final season at the Mestalla, and Rayo Vallecano face uncertainty over home fixtures after losing their license to play at their rented stadium.
In Italy, Serie A begins on 22 August with Udinese hosting Como and Inter Milan facing Monza. Inter are considered strong favourites to retain their title, aided by the fact that Napoli, AC Milan, Atalanta and Lazio have all changed managers, while Juventus and Milan face pressure after missing out on the top four last season. Ruben Amorim's arrival at Milan will draw particular attention from followers of Manchester United. Napoli hope Max Allegri can restore consistency after two underwhelming title defences, while Cesc Fabregas's Como, last season's surprise package, must balance league form with their first Champions League campaign — contingent on completing renovations at their lakeside stadium in time to host European nights. Roma, who finished third last term, have backed manager Gian Piero Gasperini in the transfer market as they target a first Scudetto since 2001.
Germany's Bundesliga kicks off on 28 August with champions Bayern Munich hosting Stuttgart. Vincent Kompany's side swept to a domestic double last season, powered by Harry Kane, who has scored 98 goals in 94 Bundesliga appearances. Alongside Michael Olise and Luis Diaz, plus new signing Ismael Saibari, Bayern's attack looks formidable even as questions linger over their backline and 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen could mount challenges but have struggled against lower-table opposition in recent seasons. Newly promoted Schalke 04 revive the Revier derby with Dortmund, while Elversberg, representing a town of roughly 13,000 people, make history as the smallest community to be represented in the Bundesliga after rising from the fourth tier in 2021-22.
In France, Ligue 1 starts on 21 August with Marseille hosting Strasbourg. Paris Saint-Germain are strong favourites for a 13th title in 15 seasons following back-to-back Champions League triumphs, though they did lose six league matches last season. PSG have added Maghnes Akliouche and Lucas Digne, while possibly moving on Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. Marseille face financial constraints, and last season's closest challengers, Lens, along with third-placed Lille, are adjusting to new managers in Dino Toppmoller and Davide Ancelotti respectively.
Beyond the traditional 'big five', Mohamed Salah's move to Trabzonspor has stunned observers ahead of the Turkish Super Lig's 14 October start. In the Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven chase a fourth consecutive Eredivisie title, while Ajax and Feyenoord look to rebound under new managers Michel and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. In Portugal, Porto aim to defend their Primeira Liga crown for the first time since 2013 against a Benfica side now led by Marco Silva, with Sporting CP also in the mix.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.