This week marked the end of the 2025-2026 soccer season across the top European leagues. Title races concluded, and trophy lifts capped off a historic, unforgettable season. Although there is certainly too much action to cover all at once, here’s a recap of how this season went for some of Europe’s biggest teams.
Starting in England, Arsenal ended its 22-year wait for a Premier League title as the Gunners lifted the trophy last weekend after a close race with Manchester City. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta finally delivered after an eight-year tenure and three consecutive second-place finishes, and was also named the Manager of the Season. Despite Erling Haaland winning the Golden Boot, Man City lost out on the title, but won both cup competitions this season. What may come as a shock to many soccer fans is that prolific coach Pep Guardiola decided to leave his position as their manager. During his ten-year-long stint at the club, he won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the coveted UEFA Champions League. Arguably one of the best coaches in history, Pep leaves City a legend. He will be replaced by former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
On the other side of Manchester, Man United’s Bruno Fernandes broke the Premier League assist record, reaching 21 assists this season while leading United to a third-place finish. He was also named Premier League Player of the Season. United’s rivals, Liverpool, had a disappointing season, finishing fifth, while last year’s Europa League winners, Tottenham, barely avoided relegation, finishing 17th. Their city rivals, Chelsea, also had a subpar season, finishing tenth after a loss to Sunderland on the final day. In hopes of finding their form again next season, Chelsea has hired Xabi Alonso as their new manager, who was fired by Real Madrid in January. Additionally, Aston Villa finished fourth and also won the Europa League, with their manager, Unai Emery, winning his record fifth title in the competition. Finally, Crystal Palace, despite finishing 15th, were able to win the Europa Conference League and earned a place in next season’s Europa League.
Over in Spain, Barcelona won a second consecutive La Liga title ahead of fierce rivals Real Madrid, who, after another trophyless season, have rehired former manager José Mourinho for next season in hopes of turning their luck around. This season’s La Liga also featured a very close relegation battle, with only a five-point gap separating tenth place from 19th. Additionally, Real Sociedad won the Copa Del Rey on penalties against Atlético Madrid.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Inter Milan won the Serie A and the Coppa Italia, while historic giants Juventus fell to sixth place, missing out on a Champions League place for next season. In their place will be Como, who will be playing in the UCL for the first time in the club’s history. Despite being in Italy’s fourth division just eight years ago, the club has made history after a massive rebuild under manager Cesc Fàbregas. Inter’s rivals, AC Milan, suffered a disappointing season, and following a 5th-place finish, manager Allegri and many top officials were fired after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
In Germany, Bayern Munich won its record-extending 34th Bundesliga title, a 13th in the last 14 seasons. A prolific attacking trio of Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise scored a combined over 100 goals and amassed over 160 goal contributions. The German giants also won the DFB-Pokal thanks to a Harry Kane hat-trick, securing a double for the season.
In France, PSG won its fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title, a record-extending 14th, in the French top flight. Lens won the Coupe de France and finished second in the league, despite being first for some time.
Finally, in Portugal, Porto won the Liga Portugal, finishing ahead of Sporting and an undefeated Benfica, who, despite not losing a single game in the league, finished third. An incredible underdog story took place in the Portuguese cup, the Taça de Portugal, where second-division side Torreense won the final against Sporting, one of Portugal’s first-division giants. The club will now play in the Europa League next season, and it still has a playoff game left to play to earn promotion into the Portuguese top flight.
There is still one very important game left to be played this season: the Champions League Final on May 30th between Arsenal and PSG. Both teams are looking to secure a second trophy of the season after winning their respective league titles. After the UCL Final, only a few weeks remain until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
This season was a very special one, and now all eyes are on the Champions League Final, and after that, the highly anticipated World Cup.
