In recent weeks, soccer all around the world has blasted off once again. The 2025-26 season brings much excitement around players, coaches, and clubs. In the top European leagues, the season began between August 14 and September 1st.
Premier League
In the English Premier League, the season started on the 16th of August with a 10-game opening day slate. Currently, the top four include Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Bournemouth. Arsenal are the favorites to win the top-tier English division this year. In 2025, they looked unstoppable after second-place finishes in each of the last three seasons. A win at Fulham earned them three points and lengthened the distance between first and second place.
After a busy weekend of games, Manchester City has risen to second in the English table. Their success has come from their main man: Erling Haaland. Thus far, he has had a career season; in 16 games for his club and country, he has managed an outstanding 30 points, with an amazing 26 goals and 4 assists. Without a doubt, Erling Haaland will be a player to keep an eye on this season.
Currently in third, after a 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth sits in 3rd. According to many, they are having their best start to a season ever. Despite losing key players, the squad has remained powerful. Their quick start to the season has included a 4-2-1 record that has them tied with Tottenham in terms of points, only being separated by goal differential.
After adversity to start the season, Liverpool is the second-ranked team, trailing right behind Arsenal by a point. Late drama has represented Liverpool’s success and failure in the early part of the season. Liverpool was unbeaten until it faced a strong Crystal Palace team, which was also unbeaten. A stoppage-time goal by Eddie Nketiah was the defining moment for Crystal Palace, who went on to win the game 2-1. Another recent game against Manchester United was also a big blow for Liverpool. A close 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, their first loss to United since January of 2016, gives Liverpool a 0-4 record across all competitions.
Manchester United fan, Isack Isasi, said: “I’m very excited at how the team is moving and hope we can keep up the winning streak. Lately, we have been playing a lot better and hope that Manchester can go back to its former recognition as an amazing club. Around the world, I believe it has been a spectacular start to the season in every corner of the globe, for the sport we love.”
Sitting in 6th, Tottenham Hotspur hopes to build on this great start. Last season, they finished one spot above relegation and had one of the most criticized seasons in the team’s history. After winning the Europa League, securing their place in the Champions League for this season, and winning their first major trophy in 17 years, they hope to build on promising performances and build a much-improved team.
Chelsea, currently in 5th, has also proven to be a strong side this year. Star player Cole Palmer has struggled with playing more recently, and the team has had to deal without his presence. Another critical issue with Enzo Maresca’s side is a growing number of red cards in previous matches, leading to players being unable to attend upcoming matches. Overcoming these obstacles, however, is in Chelsea’s nature, as they still hope to build on a good season.
Another team to watch in the Premier League this year would be Manchester United. The “Red Devils” Seem to be gathering momentum as they go through their matches. 2 wins in a row find them sat 9th in the league. A controversial start to the season has seemed to turn around, as a 2-1 recent win against reigning champions Liverpool seems to boost their hopes for the upcoming weeks.
So far, the Premier League has been a very interesting watch, as great teams seem to be suffering, and other smaller teams look to be thriving.
LaLiga
Since the start on the 15th of August, LaLiga has been very interesting. So far, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal, and Real Betis make up the top four in the Spanish league. Currently sitting in first is the 15-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid. Madrid has played 8 games and only lost one, with wins in every other contest. Real Madrid hopes to redeem itself from last year, where it seemed like it was all Barcelona, which had more of a championship pedigree. The club from Barcelona has racked up just two points fewer than Real Madrid and is looking to continue its fantastic run in all competitions. Last year was an incredible triple trophy-winning season, where they won both domestic trophies, along with being the champions of LaLiga. In 2nd, currently 2 points behind the madristas, sits Barcelona. Despite their great startCurrently slated in 3rd in LaLiga, Villareal is considered a surprise team.
Spoken from Joshua Morales, a Barcelona fan, he says, “ I’m very proud of how we are playing. I hope we win the treble, and I hope Rashford, as a new addition to the team, is able to showcase his individual success this year. And as well as Barcelona’s success, I hope another team, Manchester United, in the Premier League, suffers from the result of Rashford’s absence, including possible relegation.”
Villareal has played eight games and owns a 5-1-2 record, beating big teams such as Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao. They hope to extend their stretch of solid play.
In 4th place so far, with 15 points, is Real Betis. They are typically an underdog team in the league, but this year they have proven to be very dangerous on the attack, and a team not afraid to sit back and defend. Star players right now look to Kylian Mbappe, who has started the season strong with 9 goals. Getafe’s starting midfielder, Luis Milla, who has the most assists in Spain currently, with 5, is also a respected voice.
Bundesliga
In the German league, the Bundesliga, the season is off to an exciting start. Bayern Munich leads the table; they hold an undefeated record so far in 9 matches played. A thrilling 2-1 win over rival Borussia Dortmund kept Bayern unbeaten with a 7-0-0 record at the time.
Placed just behind Bayern right now is R.B. Leipzig, who trail Bayern by 5 points. Leipzig’s success has stemmed from new players after star players such as Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simmons departed in favor of the Premier League ahead of this season.
Just behind Leipzig sits Stuttgart, which has had an unusually good start to the season. They own a 5-1-1 record after seven games. Currently in fourth place, Borussia Dortmund hopes to improve its position in the standings. A loss in a recent clash against Bayern Munich has dropped them 3 necessary points from going to the top.
Just outside the top 4 are Leverkusen with 14 points and FC Koln with 11 points. To put Leverkusen into fifth, they surpassed a strong FSV Mainz team in a thrilling 4-3 win away from home. Currently, Harry Kane seems to be running away with the lead in goals this season. In 7 games in the Bundesliga, he has produced 12 goals and 3 assists. In all competitions, he has a whopping 21 goals and assists in just 11 total games for this season.
This year, many of the top soccer leagues around the world have proven to be great watches. As soccer around the world is up and running, fans can only hope that this season can keep up the good competition.
