(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Bayern Munich begins the 2025/26 Bundesliga season as defending champions, aiming to extend their dominance under Vincent Kompany and star striker Harry Kane. With key rivals losing important players over the summer, Bayern once again enters the season as the team to beat.
Bayern’s New Attack
The arrival of Luis Díaz from Liverpool adds fresh firepower to Bayern’s frontline. Kane, now in his third season, will be supported by Díaz and veteran Serge Gnabry, the only remaining forward from Bayern’s 2020 Champions League-winning squad. With Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman, and Mathys Tel all gone, Bayern’s slimmer squad will rely heavily on Díaz’s consistency and experience.
Michael Olise faces added responsibility with Jamal Musiala sidelined due to a long-term injury. Usually a winger, Olise may now operate in a central role, building on last season’s 20 goals and 23 assists. Defensive reinforcements include Jonathan Tah from Leverkusen, while young midfielders Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl have impressed during preseason.
Challenges for Bayern’s Rivals
Bayer Leverkusen, the only team to break Bayern’s 13-year dominance, underwent a major overhaul. Key players like Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong, and coach Xabi Alonso have departed. Erik ten Hag, former Manchester United manager, now leads a rebuilt squad aiming for a strong start.
Borussia Dortmund welcomes Jobe Bellingham, who has made an immediate impact in midfield alongside his brother Jude. Meanwhile, Leipzig has invested over €110 million ($128 million) in seven young players, including 23-year-old Brazilian striker Rômulo, but lost Benjamin Šeško to Manchester United. Frankfurt, Leverkusen, and Dortmund all face the challenge of adapting after losing key stars over the summer.
Promoted Teams Eye Survival
Hamburger SV and Cologne return to the Bundesliga with survival as their primary goal. Cologne appointed Lukas Kwasniok to lead the newly promoted side, while Hamburg, back after seven years, faces a tough start with early German Cup struggles. Hamburg opens its season against Borussia Mönchengladbach before hosting St. Pauli in a highly anticipated city derby.
As the 2025/26 Bundesliga season kicks off, Bayern Munich remains the benchmark, while challengers like Leverkusen, Dortmund, and Leipzig will look to bridge the gap and challenge for the title.
