Who can win the Europa League 2025? Discover the top contenders, key players, and tactical insights that shape this thrilling football competition.

Europa League 2025: Who Are the Real Contenders?

The UEFA Europa League continues to grow in prestige and competition, and the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. Often viewed as the gateway to Champions League glory, the Europa League is no longer just a second-tier European tournament — it’s a stage where historic clubs, emerging forces, and Mega888‘s rising stars battle for silverware and relevance on the continental stage.

In this season’s Europa League, the blend of clubs from top European leagues has created a vibrant and unpredictable tournament. Several high-profile teams, having narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification or exited the group stages early, have joined the hunt for glory. But who among them are the true contenders for the 2025 trophy?

This article dives into the top teams vying for Europa League supremacy this season, analyzing their strengths, key players, tactics, and chances of lifting the trophy.

Why the Europa League Matters More Than Ever

Before ranking the top contenders, it’s important to understand why the Europa League in 2025 is a big deal. Beyond being a route to the Champions League, it offers significant financial incentives, increases global visibility, and adds a major European trophy to a club’s cabinet.

Moreover, for fans and players alike, success in the Europa League can become a launching pad for greater achievements — as seen with past winners like Sevilla, Villarreal, and Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 2025 edition features a mix of traditional powerhouses and surprise packages, all aiming to make a statement in European football.

Top Europa League Contenders in 2025

1. Liverpool (England)

Current Form: 🔥 Excellent
Manager: Jürgen Klopp
Star Players: Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold

Despite falling short in the Premier League last season, Liverpool have turned their attention to the Europa League with full intent. Under Klopp, their high-pressing, quick-transition football is perfectly suited for knockout competitions.

With their experienced core and youthful energy, Liverpool are one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament. Salah remains a clinical finisher, while Szoboszlai and Mac Allister add creativity to a midfield that balances grit and guile. Their European pedigree, tactical adaptability, and squad depth make them one of the top favorites.

2. AS Roma (Italy)

Current Form: 🔁 Mixed
Manager: Daniele De Rossi
Star Players: Paulo Dybala, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Evan Ndicka

Roma remain Europa League specialists. Having reached the final in 2023 and stayed competitive in recent editions, the Giallorossi are hungry for redemption. Under new management with De Rossi, Roma are blending attacking flair with solid defensive organization.

Dybala continues to be their talisman, and with experienced campaigners in defense and midfield, Roma pose a real threat. Their tactical flexibility and strong home record in Europe make them a dangerous knockout opponent.

3. Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)

Current Form: 🚀 Strong
Manager: Xabi Alonso
Star Players: Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka

After missing out on Champions League glory, Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen are back in the Europa League with vengeance. Their thrilling style of play — a high line, fluid build-up, and devastating transitions — has brought them domestic success and European recognition.

Wirtz is one of Europe’s most creative midfielders, and with Alonso’s tactical mastery, Leverkusen are well-positioned for a deep run. Their youth, pace, and tactical cohesion make them one of the most entertaining and effective sides in the competition.

4. Marseille (France)

Current Form: ⚖️ Unpredictable
Manager: Gennaro Gattuso
Star Players: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jordan Veretout, Chancel Mbemba

Marseille have had a turbulent domestic season, but their performances in Europe have been encouraging. Gattuso’s combative style has made them difficult to break down, and Aubameyang’s return to form has given them a reliable goal threat.

Their passionate fanbase and strong home record at the Stade Vélodrome provide a psychological edge. If they can maintain consistency, Marseille could be the dark horse of this year’s Europa League.

5. Sporting CP (Portugal)

Current Form: ✅ Competitive
Manager: Rúben Amorim
Star Players: Pedro Gonçalves, Gonçalo Inácio, Viktor Gyökeres

Sporting CP continue to punch above their weight in European competitions. With a tactical system focused on quick build-ups and positional play, manager Rúben Amorim has turned them into a technically sophisticated side.

They boast a strong crop of young Portuguese talents, along with international experience. Sporting’s ability to keep possession and counter-press efficiently makes them a nightmare for more rigid teams.

Teams to Watch: Potential Surprise Packages

Fenerbahçe (Turkey)

With strong signings and an improving squad, Fenerbahçe could shock a few European giants. Their attacking philosophy and raucous fanbase give them an edge at home.

Brighton & Hove Albion (England)

Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton has built a reputation for elegant, possession-based football. While inexperienced in Europe, their fearless approach could rattle more established sides.

Key Tactical Trends in Europa League 2025

• Pressing Football is Dominant: Teams like Liverpool, Leverkusen, and Brighton are pressing high up the pitch, making it difficult for slower teams to build from the back.

• Midfield Control is Critical: Creative midfielders like Wirtz, Dybala, and Gonçalves have been instrumental in unlocking defenses.

• Set Pieces Matter: In tight knockout matches, goals from corners and free-kicks can make the difference. Teams with physical presences and good delivery are thriving.

What Will Decide the Europa League in 2025?

• Squad Depth: Teams with quality bench options are likely to go further, especially with intense domestic schedules.

• Managerial Acumen: Tactical adaptability and game management in two-legged ties will be decisive.

• Injury Management: Avoiding key injuries during the final stages will be vital to any title run.

Prediction: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

While Liverpool seem like the strongest on paper, football is unpredictable — that’s what makes the Europa League so thrilling. Bayer Leverkusen’s form, Roma’s experience, and Sporting’s tactical discipline could all see them crowned champions.

One thing is certain — this season’s Europa League will deliver compelling storylines, dramatic comebacks, and world-class football.

Passionate about football and can’t wait to see who conquers the Europa League in 2025? Stay tuned, support your favorite club, and share the excitement with fellow fans. Let’s celebrate the beautiful game together — because at the heart of it all, it’s always about football.