Ten insane things to expect of the 2025/26 season

The 2025/26 campaign is about to explode into life, and it’s shaping up to be one for the ages. From Barcelona’s shiny new Camp Nou to a beefed-up World Cup, this season is packed with drama, fresh faces, and a few farewells that’ll tug at your heartstrings. Let’s break down the ten things you need to watch for in this rollercoaster of a football year. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride.

Barcelona’s Ready to Steal the Show

Barcelona’s been through some rough patches, but this season, they’re looking like a team reborn. Marcus Rashford, fresh off a loan move from Manchester United, is set to light up La Liga with his pace and flair. He’s already looked joyous in training, cherishing linking up with 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who’s only getting better. The cherry on top is the renovated Camp Nou. Sure, there’s been a hiccup with licensing and minor construction delays pushing back their return, but once those stands are packed, the atmosphere will be electric.

After a heartbreaking Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan last year, Barcelona’s got a point to prove. Tours to Japan and South Korea have fans across the world excited, with friendlies showcasing their new-look squad. Barcelona feels like a club on the up, and that’s a dangerous thing for their rivals.

Football Gets a Hollywood Makeover

The Premier League’s going full American this season. Half-time interviews, touchline chats with players who’ve just been subbed off, and even cameras sneaking into the dressing room for a peek. Sky Sports and TNT Sports are taking a page out of the NFL’s playbook, aiming to make every match feel like a Super Bowl spectacle.

They’re broadcasting 215 games live in 2025/26, up from 128, and there’s talk of a “Netflix of Football” streaming service. It’s a bold move to hook younger fans, especially in the US, where soccer’s finally catching fire. Will it work? Some purists might grumble about the commercial vibe, but imagine hearing Pep Guardiola’s half-time pep talk or catching a sweaty, grinning Erling Haaland joking about a missed chance. It’s a game-changer, and it’s happening now.

Ronaldo and Messi: Still the Kings

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo’s still banging in goals for Al-Nassr, and at 38, Lionel Messi’s weaving magic for Inter Miami. With the 2026 World Cup looming, these two aren’t slowing down. Sure, age might creep in with the odd off day, but their hunger for one last dance on the global stage is undeniable. Ronaldo’s piling up goals in the Saudi Pro League, while Messi’s recent Club World Cup exploits prove he’s still got it. These guys have been defying gravity for two decades. It’s like watching two old rockstars still selling out arenas. You can’t look away, even if you know the encore’s coming soon.

Manchester United’s Redemption Arc

Manchester United hit rock bottom last season, slumping to 15th in the Premier League. But under new boss Ruben Amorim, things are looking up. They’ve splashed the cash on Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who bagged 20 goals last term, and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who’s no slouch with 17 goals across all competitions. These two could be the spark United’s attack needs in 2025/26. Still, it’s not all rosy. Squad depth’s a worry, and the Premier League’s a brutal place to climb back up. But come on, it’s Manchester United. They’ve got the history, the fans, and now some serious firepower. Can they turn Old Trafford into a fortress again? It’s hard to imagine them doing much worse…

Chelsea’s Ready to Crash the Title Party

Chelsea’s been on a tear lately, fresh off Europa Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs in 2024/25. Now, they’re eyeing the Premier League crown. With young guns like Estevao Willian, an 18-year-old Brazilian who’s already turning heads, and a stacked squad featuring Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, they’re a force. Their transfer business adds depth to an already scary lineup. But here’s the thing: the Premier League’s a shark tank. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool won’t roll over. They’ve got the tools, but it’s going to be a dogfight.

AFCON’s Midseason Chaos

Hold onto your hats, because the Africa Cup of Nations is about to shake things up. Running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, AFCON’s timing couldn’t be worse for European clubs. Stars like Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi will jet off midseason, leaving teams scrambling. The festive period, already a marathon of matches, plus Champions League rounds – it’s going to be chaos. Clubs with deep squads might weather the storm, but for others, it’s a nightmare. Managers will need to get creative, and that’s where the 2025/26 drama kicks in.

Young Guns Ready to Shine

Every season needs fresh faces, and 2025/26 is no different. Lamine Yamal’s already a household name at Barcelona, but he’s about to take it up a notch. Chelsea’s Estevao Willian, who cheekily scored against them in the Club World Cup while at Palmeiras, is another one to watch. Then there’s Real Madrid’s Endrick and Franco Mastantuono, both ready to break out. These young guns aren’t just talented – they’re fearless. It’s like watching a new generation of superheroes step up. With packed schedules giving them more chances, expect these youngsters to steal the spotlight.

Saying Goodbye to the Greats

Get your tissues ready, because some legends might be hanging up their boots. Luis Suarez, now at Inter Miami, is out of contract at the end of 2025, and with the club eyeing younger stars, retirement looms. Luka Modric, after leaving Real Madrid for AC Milan, wants to keep going until the 2026 World Cup, but at 40, the clock’s ticking. Thiago Silva, also 40 and back at Fluminense, hasn’t said he’s retiring, but he can’t go on forever. It’s bittersweet. These guys defined an era.

A World Cup Like No Other

The 2026 World Cup is going to be bonkers. Forty-eight teams, up from 32, spread across the US, Mexico, and Canada. That’s 12 groups of four, with the top two advancing, giving smaller nations a shot at glory. It’s like throwing a massive party and inviting everyone. Sure, it might dilute the quality a bit, but the unpredictability? That’s pure football magic. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, expect upsets, new heroes, and probably some logistical headaches.

Injuries: The Dark Side of a Packed Season

Here’s the not-so-fun part: injuries are going to be a problem. The 2025/26 season’s a beast, with the expanded 32-team Club World Cup and the 48-team World Cup stretching players to their limits. Less rest, more matches – it’s a recipe for trouble. We’ve seen it before: tired players, pulled hamstrings, and long spells on the sidelines. Clubs will need to rotate like never before, but even then, the risk is real.

---

By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

Keep up with all the latest football updates and Premier League news on 365Scores!