Champions League 2026-27: Players to Watch This Season

Julien Laurens:

Here are my five players to follow in this season’s Champions League. The first is Jude Bellingham. It could be a defining campaign for him, both personally and as part of Real Madrid’s team under Mourinho. The number 10 position appears to suit him perfectly. Following an impressive World Cup, he should be able to build on that form. I expect him to score frequently, deliver commanding performances and make the difference in important moments.

Nico Paz, Como’s number 10, is central to almost everything the team creates in possession. Como are making their Champions League debut with Cesc Fabregas in charge, and their attractive style makes them enjoyable to watch. Paz is still developing, but he has the talent to become an outstanding player in the near future.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is made for the Champions League. He has produced exceptional performances for PSG across the past two seasons, particularly from the left flank last year. He can move inside or attack down the outside, poses a danger with either foot and is capable of spectacular finishes. His technical quality is outstanding, and he should be among the Ballon d’Or contenders. He is the kind of player who can excite supporters whenever he receives the ball.

Lens have returned to the Champions League after taking PSG to the limit in Ligue 1 last season, and Ismaelo Ganiou may be their finest player. The 21-year-old centre-back is powerful, composed in possession, exceptionally quick and physically imposing. I would not be surprised to see him join a leading Premier League club after the season ends.

Since moving from Aston Villa to Roma, Donyell Malen has been outstanding. Playing as the sole striker in Gian Piero Gasperini’s system, he has averaged close to one goal per match. Roma’s return to the Champions League is a welcome one, especially as they have once again become an entertaining side. Malen looks capable of rediscovering his finest form.

Guillem Balague:

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is mounting a serious challenge for the Ballon d’Or. He merits a place among the leading candidates, and his performances are unlikely to decline because Bayern’s approach complements his qualities so effectively.

Teenage star Lamine Yamal remains eager to achieve more, with Champions League success now one of his main objectives. Hansi Flick’s desire for an aggressive team that defends high up the pitch should create the ideal conditions for Yamal to excel.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia still has room to raise his game. If PSG progress deep into the competition, he is likely to produce decisive moments and help them prevail in major matches. A future Ballon d’Or triumph appears well within his reach.

Shakhtar have an established record of developing Brazilian talents before selling them to major European clubs for substantial fees. The 20-year-old Kaua Elias could become the latest player to follow that path.

After injuries made last season challenging for Martin Odegaard , he has opened the new campaign in excellent form. The Norwegian possesses the ability to control matches, and his increasingly confident team will depend on him to do exactly that. He now looks prepared to embrace a greater leadership role.