The 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League edition will witness exceptional matchups characterized by a “reunion” theme, where stars and coaches face their former clubs that shaped their careers.

When the draw set the path for the first round, the matches gained a unique flavor. It’s not just about goals scored but moments filled with memories and nostalgia, confirming that the Champions League is a competition that blends passion and entertainment at its finest.

Kevin De Bruyne – Napoli vs Manchester City: The “maestro” returns to the Etihad Stadium, but this time wearing Napoli’s jersey. Emotions and memories will make his return a special event for the fans.

Erling Haaland – Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund: The Norwegian star meets the team that opened the doors to global fame for him. A clash mixing gratitude with the desire to prove himself.

Ousmane Dembélé – Paris Saint-Germain vs Barcelona: A charged encounter for the Frenchman against his former club Barcelona, where he played from 2017 to 2023, especially after tensions with the Catalan fans following his departure and occasional provocative gestures against his former team.

Lucas Hernández – Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich: A heavyweight battle against his former team Bayern, where he will try to assert himself strongly against his old club.

Mbappé and Tchouaméni – Real Madrid vs Monaco: A special meeting for the two French stars against the club that gave them the platform to rise to the top, now returning as top stars in one of Europe’s biggest teams.

Álvaro Carreras – Real Madrid vs Benfica: The young left-back faces his former team, which was instrumental in his rise.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – Real Madrid vs Liverpool: He will face the toughest test of his career at the start of his new chapter by returning to Anfield, but this time as an opponent player.

Hugo Ekitike – Paris Saint-Germain vs Eintracht Frankfurt: The young French striker faces his former team where he shone before being signed by PSG.

Paul Pogba – Monaco vs Juventus: A matchup that brings the “golden boy” back to his past with the “Bianconeri,” where he had his golden period between 2012-2016 and returned between 2022-2024.