UEFA Champions League

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Mbappe shines as France beat Germany in Stuttgart

Kylian Mbappe bagged a goal and an assist as France beat Germany 2-0 in the Nations League bronze-medal match in Stuttgart on Sunday.

(Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) Soccer

Spain survive late scare to stun France

Spain starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart on Thursday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal.

Portugal vs Spain International

Watch: Spain snatch Nations League semis spot from Portugal

Alvaro Morata’s late strike snatched Spain a 1-0 Nations League victory over Portugal in Braga on Tuesday and sent them into the semi-finals.

International Spain pip Portugal to Nations League finals as Czechs go down
International Kane: We’ve upped our game
International Watch: Italy beat Hungary for consolation of Nations League final four
International Watch: Germany, England play out to six-goal thriller

Complete guide to the UEFA Champions League

The UEFA Champions League is Europe’s premier club competition and the highest level of football in the European game. It brings together the top clubs from across UEFA’s member associations to compete for the most prestigious trophy in club football.

Organised by UEFA, the competition defines continental success and remains the benchmark for club achievement globally.

History and background

The competition began in 1955 as the European Cup, featuring only domestic league champions.

In 1992, it was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League, introducing a group stage and expanding participation beyond national champions. This marked the beginning of the modern era of European club football.

Since then, the competition has grown into the most widely followed club tournament in the world.

Format and competition structure

The UEFA Champions League introduced a new format from the 2024–25 season.

League phase

Points system

League standings

Ranking criteria

Teams level on points are separated by:

Knockout stage

Qualification pathway

Dynasties and dominant eras

Real Madrid dominance

Real Madrid (Spain) are the most successful club in the competition’s history. They dominated the early European Cup era and have remained a consistent force in the modern Champions League.

Modern elite clubs

Clubs such as Barcelona (Spain), Bayern Munich (Germany) and AC Milan (Italy) have each defined periods of success, combining domestic strength with European consistency.

English resurgence

English clubs have been prominent in the modern era, producing multiple finalists and winners across recent decades.

Recent winners

List of winners

Most successful clubs

Top scorers

Players of significance

Cristiano Ronaldo is the competition’s all-time top scorer and one of its most successful players, winning titles with multiple clubs.

Lionel Messi has consistently performed at the highest level, contributing across multiple campaigns.

Paolo Maldini played a central role in AC Milan’s success across different eras, combining longevity with consistent performance.

Managers of significance

Carlo Ancelotti is the most successful manager in the competition’s history, winning multiple titles across different clubs.

Pep Guardiola has defined the modern era with his tactical approach and success with multiple teams.

Zinedine Zidane led Real Madrid to three consecutive titles between 2016 and 2018.

Records and milestones

Why the UEFA Champions League matters

The UEFA Champions League represents the highest standard of club football. It brings together the strongest teams, the best players and the most demanding tactical environments.

Matches are often decided by small margins, particularly in knockout rounds.

Success in the competition defines a club’s global standing and long-term legacy.