Picking a European soccer team: From Milan, to Real Madrid, to Premier League giants, who to root for and why

[Select Your Ideal European Club: Which Teams Should You Root For This Season?]

Aug 21, 2026
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4 min read

The European season has officially commenced, and with major competitions reconvening over the coming weeks—and the lingering buzz of the World Cup—the quest to identify the ideal team to follow becomes clearer. From a practicality perspective, certain clubs strike an accessible balance in global soccer, yet they also carry recognizable names that draw fans into the sport. Of course, even the most established teams harbor drama and memorable moments. Let us examine why several of the world’s greatest squads could be worthwhile choices to support.

Paramount+ serves as your complete hub for Europe’s premier soccer across the entire campaign, spanning from the Champions League to the English EFL Championship, with full coverage through Europa League matchups and season-long programming. For round-the-clock updates, do not miss CBS Sports Golazo Network, which accompanies every crucial moment along the journey.

England

• Root for Arsenal if you appreciate a forward-leadership style paired with solid defense. England’s defending champions boast talented players like Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis, yet the club thrives primarily on its defensive discipline.
• Root for Manchester City if the “Erling Haaland anthem” remains etched in your memory. After shinning brightly at the World Cup, Haaland continues to dominate scoring feats while wearing the City colors.
• Root for Aston Villa if self-motivation fuels your passion. Villa made deep runs in the Champions League, though the departure of key figures like Morgan Rogers makes replicating that magic challenging—but that is precisely what makes the campaign worthwhile, especially with Unai Emery at the helm.
• Root for Liverpool if you admire the unusual blend of global celebrity connections. Ownership dynamics involve LeBron James and Fenway Sports Group, promising a potential rebound season.
• Root for Tottenham if you thrive on chaotic energy. Following near-relegation in back-to-back seasons, Tottenham are now focused on European competition, though the manager faces mounting pressure after failing to sign an attacking player this summer.
• Root for Chelsea if you hope Xabi Alonso departed reasonably under protest and you welcome spirited, fast-paced football. Your faith rests on supporting manager Xabi Alonso and nurturing Cole Palmer’s return to peak form.
• Root for Manchester United if history speaks louder than current tactics. With Michael Carrick steering the ship, the Red Devils seek to reclaim their glorious Premier League legacy against Michael Carrick.

Prediction: Arsenal leading the Premier League under Pep Guardiola’s departure marks the start of a new chapter.

James Benge

Italy

• Root for Juventus or Milan if the cultural vibes of Country Road imagery and US National Team soccer intrigue you. Stars such as Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic illuminate both clubs throughout the year.
• Root for Napoli if you love transformation narratives. Every player venturing to Napoli undergoes significant growth, and the club delivers compelling performances amidst their surprising recent breakthroughs—including strong soccer.**
• Root for Inter if you prefer teams that achieve remarkable results efficiently. While Inter operates without excessive spending, they consistently challenge Europe’s elite using resources sparingly and effectively.

Five World Cup Talents to Watch in Serie A: England’s Djed Spence and Christian Pulisic’s newest teammates round out the landscape.

Francesco Porzio

Germany

• Root for Bayern Munich if you admire precision engineering. Bayern demonstrate relentless commitment, scoring consistently and relying on trademark German efficiency fueled in part by Harry Kane, while competing for Champions League glory under Vincent Kompany.
• Root for Borussia Dortmund if you relish watching future stars mature today. The squad features Robert Lewandowski, Marco Reus, Alexander Isak, Jude Bellingham, and a youthful prodigy named Mathis Albert—all shining in German colors.

France

• Root for Paris Saint‑Germain if you embrace the idea that success often emerges after the loss of a dominant superstar. Beyond Kylian Mbappé, life at PSG has proven delightfully entertaining while their third consecutive Champions League challenge looms.
• Root for Marseille if Francophobic sentiment toward PSG presents itself—a tempting alternative rooted entirely in French tradition.

Spain

• Root for Barcelona if your soul resonated with Spain’s World Cup triumph. Now bolstered by Rodri previously at Manchester City, the defending LaLiga champions aim to claim their first Champions League crown since 2015.
• Root for Real Madrid if you crave genuine disorder amplified to full intensity. Under Jose Mourinho’s oversight, the squad combines veteran presence with elite talent, featuring Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé as Real strive to dominate LaLiga.
• Root for Atlético Madrid if physicality excites you. Diego Simeone’s tactical acumen creates resilient underdogs capable of delivering unforgettable performances.
• Root for Villarreal if the iconic moniker captivates you. The club proudly embraces “The Yellow Submarine” branding while sporting unique talent, including Alex Freeman—son of NFL legend Antonio Freeman—a right-side defender poised to impress fans familiar with Green Bay and US Soccer traditions.

Five World Cup talents to watch in Serie A: England’s Djed Spence, Christian Pulisic’s new teammate and more

Philippe Dupré

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