Champions League Fantasy Football: Popular picks and potential differentials

As Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League edges closer, UEFA.com marks out a selection of popular selections and differential picks on #UCLfantasy, presented by PlayStation.

GOALKEEPERS

Popular pick

Gianluigi Donnarumma (€6.0m) vs Monaco (A)
The Italian has made a successful start at Manchester City and is one of just two goalkeepers owned by over 20% of Fantasy managers. Last season's Champions League winner kept a clean sheet on his European debut for his new club and has conceded just once in three games since moving to Manchester.
Owned by 22%

Potential differential

Marco Carnesecchi (€4.5m) vs Club Brugge (H)
Despite Atalanta losing 4-0 at Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 1, Carnesecchi picked up eight Fantasy points – the joint-most among goalkeepers – after nine saves including a penalty. Four days later Carnesecchi kept out another spot kick, against Torino in Serie A, that shot-stopping ability enhancing his Fantasy appeal.
Owned by 3%

DEFENDERS

Popular pick

Virgil van Dijk (€6.0m) vs Galatasaray (A)
Currently the third highest-owned defender, Van Dijk was Liverpool's Matchday 1 hero with an added-time winner against Atlético de Madrid. That goal, along with seven ball recoveries, helped earn the Dutchman the Player of the Match award and 12 Fantasy points, emphasising his potential returns from multiple avenues.
Owned by 29%

Potential differential

Ramy Bensebaini (€4.5m) vs Athletic Club (H)
Although Dortmund conceded four goals in a thrilling opening draw at Juventus, Bensebaini came away with seven points after scoring a penalty, taking the kick ahead of both Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi. That penalty potential significantly enhances his Fantasy appeal ahead of Matchday 2.
Owned by 2%

MIDFIELDERS

Popular pick

Michael Olise (€8.0m) vs Pafos (A)
Olise's Fantasy ownership continues to rise after four goals already this season for Bayern München and an assist in their Matchday 1 win against Chelsea. After coming off the bench to win a penalty against Hoffenheim on 20 September, Fantasy bosses and Olise alike will be hoping he returns to the starting line-up for the trip to Cyprus.
Owned by 33%

Potential differential

Hans Vanaken (€5.0m) vs Atalanta (A)
Vanaken set up one goal and scored another, recorded six ball recoveries and was named Player of the Match in Club Brugge's 4-1 win against Monaco, accumulating 14 Fantasy points. The Belgian side have 17 goals in five Champions League games this season and next take on an Atalanta side who have kept just one clean sheet in all competitions in 2025/26.
Owned by 4%

FORWARDS

Popular pick

Kylian Mbappé (€10.5m) vs Kairat Almaty (A)
Mbappé's goalscoring form has helped make him the most popular Fantasy pick across all positions. Two from the penalty spot against Marseille helped him to the Player of the Match and 13 points in Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat of Marseille in their first fixture, the Frenchman having now registered 11 goals in seven appearances for club and country this season.
Owned by 67%

Potential differential

Dušan Vlahović (€7.5m) vs Villarreal (A)
Vlahović came off the bench to make a huge impact for Juventus on Matchday 1, scoring twice and setting up a last-gasp equaliser against Borussia Dortmund. That gave him 15 Fantasy points despite being on the pitch for just over 30 minutes and with five goal involvements in as many games for Juve, the Serbian could force his way into the starting XI for Matchday 2.
Owned by 4%