The five favourites to win the Europa League this season | OneFootball

The Europa League proper begins this evening with matchday one of the 2025/26 league phase.

Europe’s second competition has provided some memorable moments in recent years, while the added carrot of Champions League qualification for the winner has added a level of intrigue and importance.

Ahead of tonight’s first fixtures, we’ve looked at how the bookmakers assess the favourites for success. Here are the five favourites to win the 2025/26 Europa League.

The five favourites to win the Europa League

Bologna – 10/1

Bologna broke their long trophy drought last season to win the Coppa Italia. The victory over AC Milan in the final ended a 51-year wait for a major trophy and followed a season in which the club upset the odds to secure Champions League qualification.

Vincenzo Italiano’s side have made a mixed start to their Serie A campaign, with two wins and two defeats, but the head coach is experienced in Europe. He led former side Fiorentina to consecutive Conference League finals in 2023 and 2024.

Nottingham Forest – 10/1

Nottingham Forest were promoted into the Europa League at the expense of Crystal Palace, amid the stance the latter had breached multi-club ownership rules. Forest begin their first European campaign since 1996 at Real Betis this evening, regarded among the favourites given the Premier League’s financial advantage over Europe.

Ange Postecoglou recently replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground and enters the season as a Europa League holder. Despite disappointing league form, the Australian led Tottenham to this trophy last season.

FC Porto – 10/1

Porto have started the season on fire in Portugal, with six straight wins taking Francesco Farioli’s side to the top of the Primeira Liga.

In the summer, exciting additions in Gabri Veiga, Victor Froholdt and Jakub Kiwior refreshed the squad, who will be spearheaded by the impressive Samu Aghehowa. The Spain international has scored 31 goals in just 50 appearances for Porto. The Dragões will be hoping for a third triumph in this competition after successes in 2003 and 2011.

AS Roma – 9/1

AS Roma have a fine recent record in this competition, reaching at least the semi-final in three of their last four Europa League campaigns. The Italians also have recent experience of European success, after lifting the Conference League in 2021/22

Roma are under new management this season after the arrival of Gian Piero Gasperini. The veteran coach has built a fine reputation after leading the over-achievement of Atalanta in recent seasons, which includes lifting the 2024 Europa League.

Aston Villa – 6/1

Aston Villa are the favourites for the trophy with no side having a coach as experienced in success in this competition. Unai Emery has won a record four Europa League trophies, lifting three with Sevilla and a fourth while in charge at Villarreal.

Villa reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season and gave eventual winners PSG a scare before bowing out. Despite a torrid start to the season, The Villans have a squad equipped to succeed in this tournament. Ending a trophy drought that dates back to 1996 would give Emery immortal status in the Midlands.

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