The dawn of a new European football season is always accompanied by a predictable chorus: the usual titans preparing to vie for supremacy. Yet, beneath the clamor of megastars and record transfers, a quieter, more compelling narrative often unfolds. This is the tale of the unexpected, the rise of the underdog, the season’s genuine surprise. From Leicester City`s improbable Premier League triumph in 2015-16 to Girona`s stunning Champions League qualification, or Borussia Dortmund`s remarkable run to the 2023-24 Champions League final, football has a storied history of clubs defying all pre-season prognostications. As the 2025-26 season looms, the question isn`t just who will win, but who will truly astonish?
Defining the Unforeseen: What Constitutes a `Surprise`?
Before delving into specific predictions, it`s pertinent to define what we mean by a “surprise” team. It`s rarely about a newly promoted side lifting the league trophy—that remains a once-in-a-generation anomaly. Instead, a true surprise often involves:
- A significant leap in league position, particularly securing European qualification when relegation was once a concern.
- Making a deep, unexpected run in a major cup competition, especially when overcoming multiple higher-ranked opponents.
- Consistently challenging established giants, even if the ultimate prize remains out of reach.
- Achieving sustained relevance after a period of mediocrity or decline.
These are the stories that captivate, offering a refreshing counter-narrative to the financial might of the elite. Let`s explore the candidates for the 2025-26 season across Europe`s top five leagues.
Serie A: The Como Project
For decades, Como`s primary claim to fame might have been its picturesque lake, a backdrop for luxury and leisure. Now, however, their football club is rapidly becoming a focal point. Under the guidance of manager Cesc Fabregas, Como is not merely content with Serie A survival. With a reported investment exceeding $100 million this summer, the club`s ownership has made their ambitions clear: to transform Como into a significant force in Italian football. The pressure, naturally, is immense. Newly promoted teams typically battle to avoid the drop, but Como is building a squad designed for the upper echelons. While a Scudetto challenge might be a bridge too far, finishing in the top half would be a testament to their immediate impact. Should they manage to snag a European qualification spot, perhaps even the newly expanded Europa Conference League, it would represent a remarkable acceleration of their grand design, turning a lakeside idyll into a hotbed of footballing ambition.
Ligue 1: Olympique Marseille`s Resurgence
Defining “surprise” for Olympique Marseille is a nuanced task. After all, they finished second in the 2024-25 season, securing Champions League football. Yet, in a league often perceived as a one-horse race dominated by Paris Saint-Germain, OM`s continued ascent under Roberto De Zerbi could still be profoundly surprising. De Zerbi’s tactical philosophy is infectious, transforming teams into dynamic, possession-oriented units. The real surprise would be if OM not only consolidates its Champions League status but genuinely pushes PSG deep into the domestic title race. For a club with such a passionate fanbase and a history steeped in European glory, a consistent challenge for domestic silverware, or a deep run in the Champions League, would mark a definitive return to prominence after years of inconsistent performances. Their 19-point deficit to PSG last season serves as a stark reminder of the gap to bridge, making any significant reduction a genuine testament to De Zerbi`s transformative power.
Premier League: Crystal Palace`s Sustained Ascent
Crystal Palace entered the annals of footballing surprises last season by securing a historic FA Cup victory against Manchester City. This was not merely an upset; it was a statement. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles soared, demonstrating tactical discipline, resilience, and a newfound attacking prowess. The challenge now is to translate that cup success into consistent league performance. While fans might dream of European nights stemming directly from their FA Cup triumph, the immediate goal for Palace must be to consolidate their Premier League status and perhaps even flirt with the European qualification spots via the league. Glasner has largely retained the core of his successful squad, a crucial factor for building continuity. The true surprise for Palace in 2025-26 wouldn`t just be avoiding the fabled “second-season syndrome” for cup winners, but establishing themselves firmly as a mid-table, perhaps even upper-mid-table, side capable of occasionally disrupting the established hierarchy. The question isn`t if they can win a one-off game, but if they can sustain the momentum and prove their FA Cup victory was a springboard, not a ceiling.
La Liga: Mallorca`s Island Ambition
Away from the glittering lights of Barcelona and Madrid, a quiet revolution has been brewing on the island of Mallorca. Under the ownership of Robert Sarver, Mallorca FC has been undergoing a systematic rebuilding project aimed at making the club a genuine attraction. Their run to the Copa del Rey final in 2023, where they narrowly lost on penalties, demonstrated their cup pedigree. Following that, a respectable 10th-place finish last season under Jagoba Arrasate further underlined their progress. The surprise element for Mallorca isn`t necessarily a sudden surge into the Champions League places, but rather a consistent, steady improvement that sees them firmly establish themselves in the top half of La Liga. Given the financial disparity in Spanish football, becoming a perennial challenger for European spots, perhaps even sneaking into the Europa Conference League, would be a significant achievement and a testament to a well-executed long-term vision. It`s a project building on solid foundations, aiming for a consistent upwards trajectory rather than a fleeting moment of glory.
Bundesliga: Eintracht Frankfurt`s New Standard
Eintracht Frankfurt`s third-place finish and subsequent Champions League qualification last season under Dino Toppmöller was, for many, already a considerable surprise. In a league often seen as Bayern Munich`s private domain, with Borussia Dortmund as the perennial challenger, Frankfurt broke through the glass ceiling. The surprise now shifts from achieving something unprecedented to sustaining it. The departure of key striker Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool for a significant fee presents a challenge, but it also provides funds for strategic reinvestment. The true measure of Frankfurt`s potential surprise in 2025-26 will be their ability to navigate Champions League football while maintaining a top-tier position in the Bundesliga. Can they consistently challenge for the podium places, thereby establishing themselves as a legitimate third force in German football? This would be a departure from their previous reputation as a strong but inconsistent side. All eyes might be on the Bavarians and the Black and Yellows, but Frankfurt now carries a different kind of pressure: the pressure of expectation, which, if met, will be a surprise in itself.
The Enduring Allure of the Underdog
In a world where football seems increasingly stratified by wealth and brand power, the prospect of a true surprise remains the sport`s lifeblood. These teams, through astute management, cohesive squad building, or simply a surge of collective belief, remind us that the beautiful game can still deliver moments of genuine shock and unbridled joy. The 2025-26 season is poised to offer its own chapter in this enduring narrative. Whether it`s Como`s grand statement, OM`s challenge to a hegemon, Palace`s consolidation, Mallorca`s steady climb, or Frankfurt`s sustained success, these are the stories that transcend the predictable. They are the reasons we watch, hoping for that moment when the script is torn up and a new hero emerges from the shadows.
Gareth Pendleton