The start of the Premier League may still be a week away, but European football enthusiasts can look forward to the new season already in full swing.

La Liga launches this weekend, with Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga following shortly after. Numerous storylines set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season across the continent.

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BBC Sport compiles the highlights and anticipations for the upcoming campaign in Europe.

La Liga: The Return of a Familiar Face

First La Liga match: Alaves v Getafe, Saturday 15 August, 18:30 (BST)

Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid, 13 years after his first tenure, comes as a surprise to many.

With the signing of Kylian Mbappe in 2024, expectations soared for Real to excel in both La Liga and the Champions League. However, despite his individual brilliance, the team has struggled to find cohesion.

Last season saw Real Madrid resemble two separate squads on the pitch—an attacking quartet of stars contrasted with a vulnerable defensive line.

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New signings, including Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva, will bolster the defense, while Yan Diomande could add fresh excitement in the attacking third.

Vinicius Junior has also secured a new deal following links with Arsenal.

There are doubts regarding Mourinho’s ability to manage high-profile egos, including Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius, especially after leaving the club amid tensions during his previous spell. Additionally, some question whether the ‘Special One’ can still outmaneuver Barcelona tactically.

Hansi Flick’s squad, although not as strong as last season, still includes a number of Spanish World Cup winners, securing them as favorites for a third straight league title.

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Filling Robert Lewandowski’s shoes poses a significant challenge; however, the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi offer potential solutions.

Atletico Madrid aims to challenge the status quo as usual, while Villarreal and Real Betis round out the top competitors.

Malaga seeks to stay afloat in the league, boasting a small yet close-knit squad, having battled their way up from the third tier and remaining under judicial administration since 2020.

In Valencia, emotional farewells loom as Los Che play their last season at the historic Mestalla stadium. Meanwhile, UEFA Conference League runners-up Rayo Vallecano might not even be able to host any home games, as the regional government of Madrid has revoked their license to play at the Vallecas stadium due to its deteriorating condition.

Serie A: A Game of Coaching Changes

First Serie A matches: Udinese v Como & Inter Milan v Monza, Saturday 22 August, 17:30 (BST)

Inter Milan is expected to solidify their grip on the Serie A title, primarily due to a lack of credible challengers this season.

Napoli, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Lazio are all under new management, with Juventus and Milan feeling the pressure after failing to reach the top four last term.

While the absence of Champions League football might benefit their title aspirations, a potential Europa League campaign might complicate their schedules.

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The prospects of Ruben Amorim at San Siro will attract particular attention, especially from Manchester United fans.

Napoli, with their recent title defenses faltering, hopes Max Allegri can restore their winning form.

Como emerged as last season’s surprise, but will Cesc Fabregas’ side manage to replicate their success amid a challenging Champions League debut?

The team is racing against time to complete renovations at their picturesque lakeside stadium to be ready for European matches.

Amid a revival of Italian football, Fabregas aims to promote younger Italian talent. Will other teams follow suit?

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Roma, having finished third last season despite a rocky beginning, has invested in manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s vision. Can they aim for their first Scudetto since 2001?

Bundesliga: Bayern’s Dominance Under Scrutiny

First Bundesliga match: Bayern Munich v VfB Stuttgart, Friday 28 August, 19:30 (BST)

As the age-old question resurfaces, Vincent Kompany’s side celebrated a domestic double last season while displaying exciting football.

Harry Kane remains prolific at 33, boasting 98 goals in 94 Bundesliga appearances and consistently setting new records.

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Though questions linger regarding 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and a defensive unit under scrutiny, Bayern’s attacking prowess featuring Kane, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz, with the addition of Ismael Saibari, positions them to outscore rivals easily.

Teams like Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen possess the potential to challenge for the title but often falter against mid-table sides.

Meanwhile, Schalke 04 embarks on a mission to re-establish themselves in the top tier after three years in lower leagues, marking the return of the fierce Revier derby against Dortmund.

Elversberg, after starting in the regionalized fourth tier just two seasons ago, now faces the Bundesliga for the first time, marking a remarkable rise.

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Representing the smallest town in Bundesliga history with a population around 13,000, Spiesen-Elversberg faces daunting odds.

Ligue 1: PSG’s Quest for Continuity

First Ligue 1 match: Marseille v Strasbourg, Friday 21 August, 19:45 (BST)

Paris St-Germain appears poised to secure the Ligue 1 title for the 13th time in 15 seasons, especially following consecutive Champions League victories.

However, PSG’s vulnerabilities show—last season, they lost six league matches, more than any in the previous two seasons combined.

Adding attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco and left-back Lucas Digne from Aston Villa to their star-studded lineup may boost their chances, though the club may also consider selling wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye due to interest from Liverpool.

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Recent holdouts Monaco (2016-17) and Lille (2020-21) toppled PSG, but neither seems likely to replicate that success this season.

Financial constraints have hampered traditional powerhouses like Marseille in the transfer market, following several key player departures, including Mason Greenwood.

Will Still (Auxerre) and Liam Rosenior (Paris FC) have re-entered the league after stints in England, while former Brazilian full-back Felipe Luis assumed the role of Monaco’s head coach.

Last season, Lens emerged as PSG’s nearest competitors but may require time for new manager Dino Toppmoller to settle in. Lille, who finished third, faces a similar issue with Davide Ancelotti.

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Strasbourg shows promise but faces another overhaul after losing manager Rosenior and then Gary O’Neil to the Premier League, now tasked with rebuilding under the inexperienced Hugo Oliveira.

After a dismantling of the squad that reached the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last season, heavy defeats marred Strasbourg’s pre-season.

Other Noteworthy Developments

Several marquee names have signed with Turkish clubs, the most surprising being Mohamed Salah’s move to Trabzonspor.

After leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract, Salah chose to join the champions over Turkey’s traditional powerhouses – Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas. Should he deliver a title at his debut, he will become a local hero.

Across the Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven eyes a fourth consecutive Eredivisie title.

Ajax and Feyenoord aim to recover from lackluster seasons, each appointing new managers—Spaniard Michel at Ajax and former Netherlands captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Rotterdam.

Porto seeks to defend their Primeira Liga title for the first time since 2013, but will face stiff challenges from rivals Benfica, now led by Marco Silva.

Sporting CP aspires to reclaim their league title after a successful run in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

The Eredivisie and Primeira Liga are underway, while the Turkish Super Lig kicks off on Friday, 14 October with Galatasaray facing Corum (19:30 BST).

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The start of the Premier League may still be a week off, but in Europe the new season is already getting under way.

With La Liga kicking off this weekend and Ligue 1, Serie A and the Bundesliga soon to follow, there are plenty of storylines to look forward to this season.

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BBC Sport rounds up the best and looks ahead to what should be an enthralling campaign on the continent.

La Liga: The Special One returns

First La Liga match: Alaves v Getafe, Saturday 15 August, 18:30 (BST)

Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid 13 years after his first spell as manager ended was a reunion nobody saw coming.

Many expected Real to dominate La Liga and the Champions League when they signed Kylian Mbappe in 2024, and while he has impressed, the team as a whole has not gelled.

Last season Real looked like two teams on the same pitch – a group of four superstar attackers, and a fragile defensive unit left vulnerable to counter-attacks.

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New signings Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva should help shore things up, while Yan Diomande could provide even more excitement in the final third.

Vinicius Junior has also recently agreed a new deal after being linked with Arsenal.

Some suggest a veteran Mourinho has had his day – can he manage the egos of Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius after his previous time in charge at the Bernabeu ended following dressing room disquiet, and does the Special One still possess the tactical acumen to seriously challenge Barcelona?

Hansi Flick’s side were not as formidable last season as in 2024-25, but a squad full of Spanish World Cup winners are still favourites to win a third consecutive league title.

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Replacing the goals of Robert Lewandowski will not be easy, but reinforcements have arrived in the shape of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

As usual, Atletico Madrid will look to muscle their way into the top two, with Villarreal and Real Betis heading up the best of the rest.

After fighting their way up from the third tier, Malaga will look to avoid the drop with a budget but tightknit squad – they have been under judicial administration since 2020.

There will be tears in Valencia as Los Che play their final campaign at the iconic Mestalla stadium, but who knows if Uefa Conference League runners-up Rayo Vallecano will be able to play any home games at all.

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The regional government of Madrid has stripped the club of its license to host matches at its rented Vallecas stadium due to the dilapidated state of the facilities.

Serie A: Managerial musical chairs in Italy

First Serie A matches: Udinese v Como & Inter Milan v Monza, Saturday 22 August, 17:30 (BST)

Inter Milan are fancied to defend their Serie A crown, albeit partly because few teams look equipped to challenge them.

Napoli, AC Milan, Atalanta and Lazio all have new managers, while Juventus and Milan are both under pressure after missing out on the top four last term.

While the absence of Champions League football could aid their title bids, playing Thursday nights in the Europa League could hinder them.

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How Ruben Amorim gets on at San Siro will be particularly interesting for Manchester United fans.

Napoli, whose two most recent title defences have fallen disappointingly flat, will hope Max Allegri can rediscover his knack for winning.

Como were the big story of last season, but can Cesc Fabregas’ side replicate their league success while navigating a debut Champions League campaign?

They face a race against time to complete improvements at their idyllic lakeside stadium if they are to host European games.

Given the recent struggles of the Italian national team, Fabregas has pledged to try and bring through more young Italian players. Will others follow suit?

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Roma did well to finish third last season after a rocky start, and have backed manager Gian Piero Gasperini in the transfer market. Can they kick on and win a first Scudetto since 2001?

Bundesliga: Can anyone stop Bayern?

First Bundesliga match: Bayern Munich v VfB Stuttgart, Friday 28 August, 19:30 (BST)

The age-old question is as relevant as ever after Vincent Kompany’s side cruised to a domestic double last season while playing some truly scintillating football.

Harry Kane is 33 now but is showing no signs of slowing down – the England captain has scored 98 goals in 94 Bundesliga games and has broken countless records.

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While questions may be asked of 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and his unconvincing backline, Bayern’s devastating firepower of Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz, plus the addition of Morocco international Ismael Saibari, means they should easily outscore their opponents.

Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are all capable of launching title challenges, but tend to come unstuck against stubborn mid-table sides.

Elsewhere, fallen giants Schalke 04 are looking to re-establish themselves as a top flight side after three years away. Their promotion heralds the return of one of the fiercest derbies in world football – the Revier derby against Dortmund.

Elversberg were playing in the regionalised fourth tier as recently as 2021-22, but secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history to complete a fairytale rise.

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With a population of about 13,000, Spiesen-Elversberg will be the smallest town to be represented in the Bundesliga. The odds are stacked against them.

Ligue 1: PSG look to continue dynasty

First Ligue 1 match: Marseille v Strasbourg, Friday 21 August, 19:45 (BST)

It is hard to see anything other than Paris St-Germain winning Ligue 1 for the 13th time in 15 seasons, especially off the back of back-to-back Champions League triumphs.

That said, Luis Enrique’s side can be got at – last season they lost six league games, two more than in the previous two campaigns combined.

PSG have added attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco and Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne to their star-studded squad this summer, but could end up selling wingers Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye amid interest from Liverpool.

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Monaco (2016-17) and Lille (2020-21) are the two most recent sides to topple the Parisians, but neither looks equipped to do so again.

Financial difficulties have limited traditional heavyweights Marseille in the transfer market, with more key players set to follow Mason Greenwood out of the club.

Will Still (Auxerre) and Liam Rosenior (Paris FC) are back in the league after ill-fated managerial spells in England, while former Brazil full-back Felipe Luis has been installed as Monaco boss.

Lens were PSG’s closest challengers last season, but may need time to bed-in new manager Dino Toppmoller. Lille, who finished third, face a similar situation with Davide Ancelotti.

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Strasbourg have been a team on the up in recent years, but after losing manager Rosenior and then Gary O’Neil to the Premier League, face another restart under the relatively inexperienced Hugo Oliveira.

After losing the spine of the team that reached the Uefa Conference League semi-finals last season, the Alsace side have suffered some heavy defeats in pre-season.

What else to watch out for

Plenty of big names have joined Turkish clubs in recent years, but Mohamed Salah signing for Trabzonspor came as a surprise.

After leaving Liverpool at the end of his contract, Salah decided to join the 2021-22 Super Lig champions rather than one of Turkey’s big three – Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas. He’ll be remembered as a hero if he can deliver a title at the first time of asking.

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In the Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven are looking to win a fourth successive Eredivisie title.

Ajax and Feyenoord are looking to bounce back from disappointing campaigns having since appointed new managers – Spaniard Michel at Ajax and former Netherlands captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Rotterdam.

Porto are looking to successfully defend a Primeira Liga title for the first time since 2013, but will surely be challenged by Clasico rivals Benfica, now under the management of Marco Silva.

Sporting CP are looking to reclaim the title after winning it in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

The Eredivisie and Primeira Liga are already under way, while the Turkish Super Lig begins on Friday, 14 October with Galatasaray v Corum (19:30 BST).

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