The grand tapestry of European football is annually woven with threads of expectation. We anticipate the titans of the game to battle for silverware, their financial might and star power often dictating the narrative. But beyond the predictable clashes of established giants, there lies a more compelling story: the rise of the unexpected. The true allure, however, lies in the unexpected – the teams that defy the collective wisdom, upset the odds, and carve their own indelible mark on history.
The concept of a `surprise` team isn`t always about a meteoric rise from obscurity, though the legend of Leicester City`s 2015-16 Premier League triumph remains the gold standard for such miracles. It also encompasses narratives like Girona`s stunning 2023 Champions League qualification or Borussia Dortmund`s improbable run to the 2023-24 Champions League final. These stories remind us that football`s beauty often resides in its unpredictability, in the audacious ambition of those who dare to challenge the status quo.
As the 2025-26 European football season prepares for kickoff, seasoned observers are already scanning the horizon for the next set of contenders poised to redefine success. These aren`t necessarily dark horses expected to win the league, but rather clubs with the potential to significantly outperform their projected standing, perhaps even securing European football or a domestic trophy. Let`s explore some of these intriguing prospects across Europe`s top five leagues.
Italy`s Lakeside Ambition: Como`s Ascent in Serie A
Newly promoted from Serie B, Como enters the Italian top flight not as a mere participant, but as a club brimming with a potent mix of ambition and investment. Under the tutelage of football icon Cesc Fabregas, who has seamlessly transitioned from midfield maestro to managerial architect, Como has already demonstrated a clear vision. Their ownership, far from shy, has reportedly injected over $100 million into bolstering the squad this summer, a figure that would make many a seasoned Serie A club blush. This isn`t just about survival; it’s about establishing a new force in Italian football.
While the immediate pressure is palpable, Como’s true surprise would lie not just in avoiding relegation, which many would consider an achievement in itself, but in genuinely pushing for a top-ten finish or, more ambitiously, securing a spot in a European competition. Such an accomplishment in their inaugural Serie A season would validate their significant investment and lay a robust foundation for a long-term project aimed at challenging Italy`s traditional elite.
Marseille`s Parisian Paradox: Challenging the Unchallengeable in Ligue 1
For Olympique Marseille (OM), the definition of a “surprise” season has evolved. Having secured a commendable second-place finish in 2024-25 under Roberto De Zerbi, just 19 points shy of perennial champions Paris Saint-Germain and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, OM has already re-established itself among France`s top tier. The real surprise, then, would be not merely content with a return to the Champions League stage, their gaze is fixed on the seemingly insurmountable peak currently occupied by Paris Saint-Germain.
De Zerbi, known for his innovative and attacking style, now faces the monumental task of bridging that 19-point gap. Can OM truly challenge Les Parisiens for the Ligue 1 title? Or at the very least, consistently push them to their limits throughout the campaign and perhaps lift a domestic cup? After years of fluctuating fortunes, OM finally appears back on track. The true surprise, then, would be not just fighting, but genuinely contending for the Ligue 1 title and proving that French football isn`t merely a one-horse race.
Crystal Palace: From Cup Glory to Consistent Contention in the Premier League
Crystal Palace enters the 2025-26 season on an undeniable high. Under the inspired management of Oliver Glasner, the Eagles remarkably clinched the FA Cup last season against Manchester City, a historic moment that sent shockwaves through English football and provided the club with its first major trophy. This triumph was not a fluke but the culmination of Glasner`s tactical acumen and a talented squad`s belief.
Now, the challenge isn`t just to repeat a one-off cup run, but to solidify their position and translate that cup success into consistent Premier League performance. The team has largely managed to retain the core of their successful squad, a crucial factor in building momentum. For Palace, the surprise factor isn`t a sudden leap, but a graceful, sustained climb. Can they consolidate their status as a genuine top-half Premier League team and consistently challenge for European qualification through the league? Achieving this would demonstrate that their FA Cup victory was not an anomaly, but a powerful springboard for a new era of sustained competitiveness.
Mallorca`s Island Dream: Building a La Liga Legacy
Off the sunny shores of Spain, Mallorca FC is quietly cultivating an intriguing project. Under the ownership of Robert Sarver, the club envisions itself as more than just a football team; it aims to be an intrinsic part of the island`s allure, attracting millions of tourists annually. Their journey has been a steady upward trajectory, a testament to patient planning rather than sudden bursts of brilliance. Over the last four years, they`ve shown their mettle, notably reaching the Copa del Rey final in 2023, only succumbing to Athletic Club on penalties, and finishing a respectable 10th in La Liga last season under Jagoba Arrasate.
The feeling within the club and among knowledgeable observers is that Mallorca can improve further. The “surprise” here isn`t a flash in the pan, but the quiet assertion of a persistent force. Can they break into the top eight, or even challenge for a Europa Conference League spot? Their strategic growth, coupled with their unique geographic and commercial vision, makes them a compelling side to watch. Mallorca`s success would embody the power of a well-executed long-term plan, proving that a club`s identity can be a powerful engine for on-pitch achievement.
Eintracht Frankfurt: Germany`s Dark Horse in the Champions League Era
Eintracht Frankfurt concluded last season in an impressive third place in the Bundesliga, securing a coveted spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League under the guidance of Dino Toppmoller. This achievement alone was a significant step, placing them squarely among Germany`s elite. However, the summer has brought a significant challenge with the departure of star striker Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool for a record $95 million fee.
With the giants of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund typically hogging the spotlight, Frankfurt operates with less immediate pressure, paradoxically allowing them to thrive. Their success last season was a testament to shrewd management and a cohesive squad. The true test – and thus the potential surprise – lies in whether they can convert this newfound elite status into a consistent threat. Can they navigate the rigors of Champions League football while simultaneously maintaining their high standing in the Bundesliga, despite a key player exit? A strong showing on both fronts, perhaps even a deep run in Europe or a persistent challenge for the Bundesliga`s top spots, would cement Frankfurt`s position as a genuine, and surprising, force in German and European football.
As the 2025-26 season unfolds, these narratives will be written on pitches across Europe. While the established order will undoubtedly dominate headlines, the true magic of football often lies in the audacious dreams and unexpected triumphs of the challengers. It`s a reminder that while budgets and pedigree often dominate discussions, the spirit of football often finds its most compelling expression in the audacious dreams of the challengers. The stage is set for a season of thrilling contests, and if history is any guide, it will be the “surprise” teams who provide some of the most memorable moments.
Percy Harlow