The UEFA Champions League returns on September 8, with Europe’s biggest clubs set to battle for the continent’s most prestigious club trophy.

The 2026/27 league phase features 36 teams competing for places in the knockout stages, including defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, as well as European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

The competition will also give some of Europe’s biggest stars a platform to make their mark, with established players looking to build on impressive campaigns and others seeking to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

Here are 10 players who could have a major influence on the 2026/27 Champions League season:

1. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid:

Kylian Mbappé remains one of the best players in the World. The Real Madrid forward finished as the Champions League’s leading scorer last season with 15 goals in 11 appearances.

Real Madrid will also chase another European title, having won the competition a record 15 times. Mbappé will be hoping to play a decisive role in helping the Spanish giants add another trophy to their collection.

2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona:

At just 19, Lamine Yamal is already one of the most exciting players in Europe. The Barcelona winger became the youngest player to reach 30 Champions League appearances last season. He scored six goals and provided four assists during Barcelona’s European campaign.

If Yamal maintains his remarkable development and form, he could become one of the competition’s defining players.

3. Erling Haaland – Manchester City:

Manchester City’s attacking hopes will once again be heavily dependent on Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has already established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in Champions League history.

UEFA lists him among the competition’s leading modern scorers, with 57 goals in 58 appearances at the time of its latest comparison with Mbappé.

After City’s early exit last season, the striker will be eager to help the club return to the latter stages of the competition.

4. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain:

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was influential in PSG’s UCL title run last season; the Georgian winger was named Champions League Player of the Season for 2025/26 after contributing 10 goals and six assists.

His dribbling, creativity and ability to create opportunities from seemingly impossible situations make him one of PSG’s most dangerous attacking players. As PSG tries to maintain its position at the top of European football, Kvaratskhelia could once again prove crucial.

5. Julián Álvarez – Atlético Madrid:

Julián Álvarez has become the central attacking figure at Atlético Madrid. The Argentine scored 10 Champions League goals and supplied four assists last season, following a seven-goal campaign in his first season at the club.

The Argentine was close to joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window, but Atlético will look to challenge Europe’s best clubs under Diego Simeone, and Alvarez could be the player who helps them win.

6. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich:

Harry Kane remains one of Europe’s most reliable goalscorers. The England captain has demonstrated his scoring ability on football’s biggest stages, from the World Cup to the Champions League, and his experience could prove valuable during the latter stages of the competition.

After another season of high expectations, Bayern will be looking to Kane to deliver when the pressure is greatest.

7. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal:

Bukayo Saka will be one of the key figures in Arsenal’s attempt to finally go all the way in Europe. UEFA identifies Saka as Arsenal’s key player after another important campaign for the club.

He has passed 300 appearances for the Gunners and more than 60 league goals. After reaching the Champions League final last season but losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, Arsenal has extra motivation to return to the final and finish the job.

8. Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United:

Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes will play in the Champions League this season after a couple of underwhelming seasons with Manchester United.

Fernandes broke the Premier League assist record last season as he powered Man United to a third-place finish and is capable of producing goals, assists and decisive passes from midfield.

9. Rodri – Barcelona:

Rodri’s arrival at Barcelona adds experience and control to the Spanish side’s midfield. The former Manchester City midfielder played a central role in City’s 2023 Champions League triumph, scoring the winning goal in the final against Inter Milan. His ability to dictate tempo, win back possession, and provide defensive cover could be particularly important in tight European matches. For Barcelona, his experience of winning the competition could prove invaluable when the pressure increases.

10. Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid:

Vinícius Júnior remains another major weapon in Real Madrid’s attack. The Brazilian’s pace, dribbling ability and movement can cause serious problems for even the most organised defences. Playing alongside Mbappé gives Real Madrid an attacking combination that can stretch opponents across the pitch. With Madrid once again among the favourites, Vinícius could play a crucial role in deciding their biggest matches. (The Nation)