This children’s article, A kids’ guide to the Champions League, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about football’s biggest club competition, and enjoy following this season’s matches. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Photo credit – “UEFA Champions League Trophy” by Daniel, CC BY 2.0
The most exciting club competition returns
The Champions League is back! It’s the most popular club football competition in the world, where the best teams from across Europe battle it out for glory. Fans everywhere tune in to watch the drama, the goals, and the unforgettable moments.
Last season belonged to Paris Saint-Germain. The French giants lifted the famous trophy after an incredible knockout run. They finished it off with a 5–0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the final, a result that stunned the football world. Can PSG do it again this year?
The favourites for 2025/26
The defending champions PSG are once again among the favourites, with their star-studded squad ready to defend their crown. Real Madrid, who call the Champions League “their” trophy, will be desperate to win it back. With players like Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr, they certainly have the firepower.
The English teams will all fancy their chances too, especially Liverpool, the Premier League champions, who bring plenty of talent and energy. And don’t forget the German giants Bayern Munich. With Harry Kane’s goals leading the way, they could also be lifting the trophy at the end.
How the tournament works
The Champions League starts with all 36 teams together in a league table. They don’t have to play every other team, though; that would take ages, they only have to play eight other teams.
The best ones then move on to the knockout rounds, where things get even more exciting. Every mistake matters, and one goal can change everything. It all builds towards the showpiece final at the end of the season. The winners earn not just a huge trophy, but football glory that will be remembered forever.
Picture credit – Rabar ajax1, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Article vocabulary list
- Knockout – A stage where losing means you are out of the tournament
- Thrashing – A big victory with a large score difference
- Crown – Another word for championship or title
- Firepower – The attacking strength of a team
- Fancy their chances – To believe they have a good chance of winning
- Showpiece – The biggest and most important event in a competition
- Glory – Great fame or honour after success
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Who won the Champions League last season?
A) Real Madrid
B) Inter Milan
C) Paris Saint-Germain
Answer: C) Paris Saint-Germain
2. What was the score in the final against Inter Milan?
A) 3–2
B) 5–0
C) 2–1
Answer: B) 5–0
3. Which three players are mentioned as Real Madrid’s stars?
A) Kane, Mbappé, Bellingham
B) Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr
C) Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé
Answer: B) Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr
4. Who is leading Bayern Munich’s attack?
A) Erling Haaland
B) Harry Kane
C) Cristiano Ronaldo
Answer: B) Harry Kane
5. What happens if you lose in the knockout rounds?
A) You play again next week
B) You are out of the tournament
C) You go back to the group stage
Answer: B) You are out of the tournament
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
