The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is an annual club football tournament organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and contested by elite top-division clubs across Europe. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious club competition in world football and the highest-tier European football tournament.
The competition began in 1955 as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, commonly known as the European Cup, originally contested by the champions of each national league. In 1992, it was re-branding as the UEFA Champions League, incorporating a group stage before knockout rounds and allowing multiple entrants from higher-ranked domestic leagues.
In recent formats, the tournament starts with qualifying rounds in early summer, followed by a league phase involving 36 teams, replacing the traditional version of group stages. Each team plays eight matches — four home and four away — against different opponents. Based on their rankings, the top teams progress to the knockout stages, which culminate in the final played in late May or early June at a predetermined host stadium.
Clubs qualify primarily through domestic league positions and performances in national cup competitions. For stronger leagues by UEFA coefficient, multiple teams (often champions and runners-up) earn direct entry, while others may enter via qualifying rounds.
The UCL champion earns automatic qualification to the next season’s Champions League and competes in the UEFA Super Cup against the Europa League winner. They also usually participate in the FIFA Club World Cup, representing European football globally.
The competition features record holders and historical achievements. Real Madrid remains the most successful club in UCL history, having won the title more times than any other club, with a total of 15 victories.
Prize money in the UCL is significant, reflecting its global status. In the 2025/26 cycle, clubs can earn substantial funds from participation, match victories, and progressing through knockout rounds, with a diversified revenue system including performance, ranking, and market-value components.
With its mix of traditional knockout drama, high-stakes competition, and global viewership, the Champions League remains the pinnacle of club football and a benchmark of excellence in the sport.