Manchester City Names Champions League Squad for 2025-26 Season

Manchester City has finalized its squad for the UEFA Champions League for the 2025-26 season. The club submitted its List A to UEFA before the 23:00 deadline on September 1, 2025, following the end of the summer transfer window. City has opted to include 23 players in the squad, leaving two spots open for potential acquisitions in January, which would allow new signings to participate in the knockout stages.

Among the key decisions made, City has named four goalkeepers, including Stefan Ortega, despite a recent decline in his position within the team. Joining him are summer signings Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford, and Marcus Bettinelli. The final squad also features new arrivals such as Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders.

Understanding UEFA Regulations and City’s Strategy

City’s squad management reflects UEFA’s regulations, which require that at least two of the four goalkeepers listed are eligible. Notably, the club has opted not to include Kalvin Phillips, who is currently sidelined due to injury and has experienced a lack of playing time.

Additionally, City has submitted Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly on List B, which can be adjusted up to 23:00 the night before each match. This list accommodates players born on or after January 1, 2004, who have been eligible to play for City for specific periods. Having O’Reilly and Lewis listed separately means they do not occupy slots in the main squad, where UEFA mandates a minimum of eight places for ‘locally trained players.’ Furthermore, no more than four ‘association-trained players’ can fill those eight spots.

As the group stage progresses, clubs that qualify for the knockout phase can register a maximum of three new players by the deadline of 23:00 UK time on February 5, 2026. This flexibility allows teams to adjust their rosters as they aim for success in Europe’s premier club competition.

Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League List A includes notable names like Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Phil Foden, showcasing the depth of talent available to head coach Pep Guardiola. The full list, in alphabetical order, comprises:

– Rayan Ait-Nouri
– Nathan Ake
– Marcus Bettinelli
– Oscar Bobb
– Rayan Cherki
– Ruben Dias
– Jeremy Doku
– Gianluigi Donnarumma
– Phil Foden
– Nico
– Josko Gvardiol
– Erling Haaland
– Rodri
– Abdukodir Khusanov
– Mateo Kovacic
– Omar Marmoush
– Matheus Nunes
– Stefan Ortega Moreno
– Tijjani Reijnders
– Savinho
– Bernardo Silva
– John Stones
– James Trafford

The List B includes:

– Rico Lewis
– Nico O’Reilly

As the Champions League unfolds, Manchester City will be keen to leverage its strategic squad selections to advance through the competition, aiming for another successful campaign on the European stage.