David Beckham has made his bold Champions League 2025/26 prediction, ruling out Liverpool and all other English teams. Instead, the Manchester United legend believes only two clubs can realistically lift the trophy in Budapest next May: Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Beckham’s Champions League Prediction for 2025/26
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards, Beckham shared his thoughts on this season’s contenders. The former England captain believes PSG, the defending champions, and 14-time winners Real Madrid will fight for European supremacy.
“PSG will go close again this year, but I’m going to go with Real Madrid,” Beckham said, backing two of his former clubs to shine.
PSG Aim to Defend Their European Crown
Paris Saint-Germain finally secured their first-ever Champions League trophy last season with a dominant 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final. Luis Enrique’s side knocked out Arsenal in the semi-finals, showcasing their strength in attack and depth across the squad.
This season, PSG begin their defense against Atalanta, though they will be without injured stars Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué. Despite the setbacks, the French champions remain one of the favorites to go all the way again.
Real Madrid Backed to Return to Glory
Real Madrid have already made a strong start to their campaign, defeating Marseille 2-1 despite going down to 10 men. Kylian Mbappé scored both goals, underlining his status as Beckham’s pick for the Champions League Golden Boot.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos are playing exciting, attacking football. With Mbappé back to top form after a mixed debut season, Madrid look primed to chase another European title.
English Clubs Left Out of Beckham’s Picks
Despite six Premier League teams entering this year’s tournament—Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur—Beckham does not see them as likely winners.
Liverpool, who signed Alexander Isak for £130m and Florian Wirtz for £116m in a record-breaking transfer window, are considered strong contenders by many experts. However, Beckham is unconvinced they can go all the way despite their perfect start in the league.
Newcastle Tipped as Beckham’s Surprise Package
Although he dismissed English clubs as favorites, Beckham tipped Newcastle United to be the competition’s surprise package.
“My surprise would have to be Newcastle because people are already writing them off,” Beckham explained. “They’re a good team with strong players, unity, and passionate fans. They could surprise a few people.”
The Magpies return to Europe’s elite competition eager to prove themselves after finishing bottom of a tough group last season, which included PSG, Dortmund, and AC Milan.
Conclusion: Only Two Favorites for Beckham
For Beckham, the path to the Champions League 2025/26 final in Budapest will likely be decided between Real Madrid and PSG. While English clubs could cause upsets, Beckham insists the ultimate prize is out of their reach—though Newcastle may yet spring a surprise.
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