As the dust settles on the summer transfer window and the curtain prepares to rise on the 2025-26 European football season, conversations inevitably gravitate towards the usual suspects. The perennial title contenders, the financial behemoths, and the clubs with established European pedigrees are already polishing their trophy cabinets in anticipation. Yet, the true magic of football often lies not in the predictable coronation of champions, but in the improbable rise of the underdog.
History is replete with such narratives: the fairytale of Leicester City`s Premier League title, Girona`s stunning Champions League qualification, or Borussia Dortmund`s unexpected charge to the Champions League final. These are the stories that transcend mere statistics, capturing the imagination and reminding us that in football, anything is possible. For the upcoming season, a handful of clubs across Europe`s top five leagues are quietly, or perhaps not so quietly, positioning themselves to defy expectations and carve out their own chapters of glory. Let’s explore who might just become the next great surprise.
Serie A: Como’s Ambitious Ascendancy
Few clubs have generated as much buzz in Serie A this summer as Como. Freshly promoted, they arrive in Italy’s top tier not merely to make up the numbers, but with a clear, audacious mandate from their ownership: to become a significant force in Italian football. The appointment of a footballing intellect like Cesc Fabregas as coach, coupled with an investment north of $100 million in strengthening the squad, is not merely a declaration of intent but a thunderclap in the transfer market.
The pressure is palpable, certainly, but so is the potential. While a top-ten finish would signify a commendable debut season, the true measure of their “surprise” would be achieving a coveted European qualification spot. This would be a monumental leap for a club only recently returned to the top flight, signaling a project built for sustained success rather than a fleeting moment in the sun. Como are no longer just a picturesque lakeside town; they are a club aiming for the stars, or at least the stratosphere of European competition.
Ligue 1: Olympique Marseille’s Parisian Challenge
To label Olympique Marseille as a “surprise” might seem peculiar at first glance, especially after their impressive second-place finish in the 2024-25 season, securing a UEFA Champions League berth. However, the context of Ligue 1 dictates a different narrative. Living in the shadow of a Parisian colossus, Paris Saint-Germain, often renders even significant achievements somewhat diminished.
The real surprise for Marseille under Roberto De Zerbi would be to genuinely challenge PSG for the domestic title. De Zerbi’s tactical sorcery has already transformed the team, bringing an exciting, attacking philosophy that has re-energized the fanbase. While closing a 19-point gap is a monumental task, especially against the Champions League holders, Marseille’s ambition now extends beyond merely qualifying for Europe. The question is: can they disrupt the established hierarchy and finally bring a major domestic trophy back to the Velodrome? While “surprise” might seem a peculiar label for a second-place finisher, the true surprise would be if they genuinely rattled the gilded cage of PSG.
Premier League: Crystal Palace’s Consolidating Flight
Crystal Palace enters the 2025-26 Premier League season riding a wave of unprecedented success: an FA Cup triumph under Oliver Glasner, a historic moment that shattered the script and brought silverware to Selhurst Park. This wasn`t merely a flash in the pan; it signaled the maturation of a talented squad under a tactically astute manager. The key now is consolidation.
The Eagles, having already tasted silverware, now face the infinitely more complex task of not just soaring, but staying aloft in the relentless currents of the Premier League. Crucially, they have largely retained the core of their successful squad, a rare gem of continuity in the frenetic world of English football. While fans eagerly anticipate their European adventure stemming from the FA Cup win, the true measure of their surprise will be their ability to translate cup heroics into consistent league form, pushing for European qualification on merit and firmly establishing themselves beyond the mid-table battle.
La Liga: Mallorca’s Island Ambitions
Beyond the sun-kissed beaches and vibrant tourism, a quiet footballing revolution has been brewing on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Under Robert Sarver’s ownership, Mallorca FC is meticulously building a project designed to transform the club from a respectable La Liga side into a genuine attraction, leveraging its unique geographical appeal.
Their journey has already shown glimpses of true potential, reaching a Copa del Rey final in 2023 and only succumbing to Athletic Club on penalties. A solid 10th-place finish last season under Jagoba Arrasate further underscored their steady progress. The “surprise” element for Mallorca this season isn`t just about avoiding relegation – that ship has likely sailed. It’s about making a tangible leap into the European qualification picture. Can the islanders transform a whisper of potential into a roar that echoes across the mainland, proving that La Liga`s top spots aren`t solely the preserve of the traditional giants?
Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt’s High-Stakes Ascent
Eintracht Frankfurt concluded last season in a stellar third place in the Bundesliga, earning a well-deserved spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. This achievement under Dino Toppmoller was no small feat, especially in a league often dominated by a select few. However, their surprising success now brings a new set of challenges and expectations.
The departure of key striker Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool for a reported $95 million is a testament to their player development but also a significant test of resilience. While the financial windfall is considerable, replacing such a prolific forward effectively will be crucial. The eyes of the Bundesliga are perennially fixed on Munich and Dortmund, leaving Frankfurt a fascinating opportunity to operate with a different kind of pressure. The surprise this season would be if they not only managed to navigate the rigors of Champions League football but also maintained their elevated domestic standing, proving their third-place finish was a foundation, not a ceiling.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, these are the clubs that promise to add layers of intrigue beyond the usual title races. Their journeys, whether fueled by ambition, tactical acumen, or sheer will, embody the unpredictable charm of European football. While the world watches the established powers, the real drama might just be unfolding where least expected. The script is rarely final until the last whistle blows, and for these teams, the possibilities are as wide open as the pitch itself.
