Betano data shows fan favorites for European trophies

As Europe prepares for another thrilling football season, new data compiled by Kaizen Gaming and its international brand Betano provides insight into which clubs fans believe will triumph in UEFA’s most prestigious competitions. The betting platform has analyzed activity across 19 countries, capturing the early expectations of football enthusiasts as the Champions League prepares to begin on September 16, the Europa League resumes later this month, and the Europa Conference League kicks off in October.

The data reflects not only regional preferences but also broader shifts in confidence among supporters and bettors. The findings show a blend of traditional football powerhouses and emerging contenders being backed for European success. While such predictions are speculative and rooted in fan sentiment, they nonetheless reveal which clubs currently inspire the most belief.

Champions League predictions

Barcelona dominate betting activity

The Champions League remains the jewel of European club football, and according to Betano’s data, FC Barcelona are clear favorites to lift the trophy. Despite what observers have described as a more measured transfer window compared to some of their English rivals, Barcelona lead the field with 40% of all wagers placed across the 19 markets analyzed.

This figure places them far ahead of traditional rival Real Madrid CF, who secured 14% of predictions. Premier League champions Liverpool FC follow closely with 13%, while last season’s winners Paris Saint Germain FC unexpectedly drop to fourth with 8%. Completing the top five is FC Bayern Munich, registering 5% of bets.

The data suggests that fans remain confident in Barcelona’s ability to challenge for European dominance, even in a period marked by careful financial management. The support for Real Madrid and Liverpool, however, indicates that expectations of a highly competitive season remain strong.

A possible Barcelona vs. Liverpool final

Beyond overall predictions, Betano’s data provides further insight into likely finalists. 36% of fans see Barcelona reaching the final, while 23% predict Liverpool will do the same. A meeting between these two sides would evoke memories of their memorable 2018/19 semi-final clash, which remains one of the most dramatic in Champions League history.

Whether this potential final materializes will depend on the group stage and knockout draws, but the data clearly highlights the anticipation of a rematch between two clubs that have consistently produced high-level performances in Europe.

Europa League predictions

AS Roma, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa lead

The Europa League has grown in stature in recent years, offering both established and resurging clubs a chance at European glory. According to Betano’s analysis, three clubs stand out at the top of the predictions.

AS Roma lead the field with 22% of wagers, followed closely by Nottingham Forest FC with 21% and Aston Villa FC with 18%. These figures demonstrate strong belief in the ability of both Italian and English clubs to go deep into the competition.

The presence of Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in the top three reflects renewed optimism in historic English clubs that have previously experienced long absences from European competition. Roma’s position as favorite demonstrates their continued reputation as strong contenders in UEFA tournaments.

Other clubs in contention

Outside the top three, FC Porto received 6.82% of predictions, underlining the Portuguese club’s proven track record in European competitions. Surprisingly, PAOK FC of Greece follows closely with 6.79%, reflecting growing recognition of the potential for teams outside Europe’s traditional elite to make an impact.

The 2024 Europa League final featured two English clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, and Betano’s data suggests that another all-English final remains a possibility. Fans are especially intrigued by the chance of Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa reaching the last stage, which would represent a significant moment in both clubs’ modern history.

Conference League predictions

Crystal Palace emerge as frontrunners

The Europa Conference League, still the youngest of UEFA’s three major club competitions, has already developed a reputation for unpredictability. This season, Betano’s data identifies Crystal Palace FC as the most-backed team, with nearly 32% of fans predicting they will lift the trophy.

For Crystal Palace, this prediction is especially significant, as the club missed out on Europa League participation due to off-field circumstances. Their strong backing suggests that many fans believe they could compensate by making a serious push for Conference League success.

Fiorentina and AEK Athens tied

Second place is shared by two clubs: AC Fiorentina of Italy and AEK Athens of Greece, each backed by 25% of bettors. Fiorentina’s history in the competition, including two appearances in the final, adds credibility to their support. For AEK Athens, enthusiasm has been buoyed by Olympiacos’ triumph in 2024, which demonstrated that Greek clubs can succeed in continental tournaments.

Other contenders

Further down the list, Shakhtar Donetsk secure 4% of bets, reflecting both their resilience and continued participation in European football despite difficult circumstances. Rayo Vallecano follow with 3.5%, completing the top five.

The spread of predictions across a range of clubs highlights the Conference League’s reputation as an open competition where less-favored teams have the opportunity to surprise.

Broader context of fan betting trends

The influence of transfer markets

Betano’s data not only reflects loyalty to historic clubs but also illustrates the impact of transfer activity on fan expectations. While Barcelona’s cautious approach has not deterred support, other clubs have seen expectations shift. PSG’s decline in predictions, for example, may be partly attributed to questions about squad depth following player departures.

Similarly, the rise of English clubs in both the Europa and Conference League data underlines how investments in squad strengthening have shaped perceptions of their ability to compete across multiple competitions.

The importance of fan sentiment

It is important to note that these figures represent betting activity and should not be viewed as objective predictions of outcomes. Fan sentiment, historical rivalries, and personal allegiances all play significant roles in shaping betting behavior.

Nevertheless, platforms like Betano provide valuable insight into the mood among supporters across different regions. By analyzing trends across 19 countries, the company captures a wide spectrum of football cultures and preferences.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season

As the group stages begin, the predictions provided by Betano serve as a snapshot of early-season optimism. The Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League each present unique opportunities and challenges for clubs.

Whether Barcelona can deliver on the strong confidence placed in them, or whether underdogs like Crystal Palace and PAOK can surprise Europe, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that fans across the continent are deeply engaged and already setting their expectations for the months ahead.

Conclusion

The data compiled by Kaizen Gaming through its Betano platform offers a unique perspective on how football fans across 19 countries view the upcoming 2025-26 European season. While these figures are shaped by sentiment, history, and allegiances rather than certainty, they highlight the balance between traditional powerhouses and ambitious challengers. Barcelona’s commanding position in the Champions League predictions demonstrates enduring faith in their ability to compete at the highest level, while the strong representation of English clubs across all three tournaments reflects both investment and renewed competitiveness.

At the same time, the backing of clubs such as PAOK, AEK Athens, and Crystal Palace illustrates how European competitions continue to inspire belief beyond the established elite. Whether these expectations are fulfilled or overturned, the tournaments promise the drama and unpredictability that make European football compelling. As the first whistle of the season draws closer, fans and clubs alike will soon see whether these early forecasts align with reality—or whether new stories will emerge to redefine the 2025-26 campaign.

FAQs

What data did Betano use to determine predictions?
Betano analyzed betting activity across 19 countries to identify which clubs fans were backing to win the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

Which club is the favorite for the Champions League?
FC Barcelona lead predictions with 40% of wagers, ahead of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Paris Saint Germain, and Bayern Munich.

Who are the top picks for the Europa League?
AS Roma, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa are the top three choices, with FC Porto and PAOK also ranking in the top five.

Which club is the leading favorite in the Conference League?
Crystal Palace are currently backed by 32% of bettors, making them the most popular choice to win the competition.

Why is Barcelona considered such a strong favorite?
Despite a quiet transfer window, Barcelona retain strong support due to their historic success, talented squad, and perceived ability to compete at the highest level.

Why did Paris Saint Germain drop in the rankings?
Fan confidence appears lower this season, possibly influenced by squad changes and competition from stronger English and Spanish clubs.

How do English clubs feature across the competitions?
English clubs are strongly represented, with Liverpool favored in the Champions League, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa in the Europa League, and Crystal Palace in the Conference League.

What role do Greek clubs play in the predictions?
Greek clubs are well represented, with PAOK ranking in the top five of the Europa League and AEK Athens sharing second place in the Conference League predictions.

Does betting data guarantee results?
No. These figures reflect fan sentiment and betting preferences rather than objective forecasts of actual outcomes.

When will the competitions officially begin?
The Champions League starts on September 16, the Europa League resumes later in the month, and the Conference League begins in October.