The 2024/25 Bundesliga season was as thrilling as ever, with powerhouse performances, nail-biting finishes, and emerging talent propelling several clubs into European contention. With UEFA’s new format taking full effect in 2025/26, the race for qualification meant more than ever. Germany, benefiting from its strong UEFA coefficient ranking, retained its robust European representation, sending seven clubs across the three major continental competitions.
In this post, we’ll break down the clubs that have earned the right to represent the Bundesliga in Europe, how they got there, and what fans can expect from their campaigns in the upcoming season.
Overview of European Qualification from the Bundesliga
Germany, thanks to consistent performances from its top clubs in UEFA competitions, continues to enjoy a healthy allocation of European qualification slots:
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Top 4 finishers qualify directly for the UEFA Champions League.
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5th and 6th place qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
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7th place earns a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League, assuming the DFB-Pokal winner has already qualified for Europe through the league.
Champions League Qualifiers
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich reclaimed the Bundesliga title in 2024/25, marking their 33rd domestic championship. After a challenging previous campaign, Bayern returned with a vengeance, led by new manager Xabi Alonso. Their title push was driven by a rejuvenated midfield, anchored by Joshua Kimmich and new signings adding depth and pace to the squad.
Striker Harry Kane finished the season with 28 goals, ensuring Bayern not only won but did so with style. Heading into the 2025/26 Champions League, Bayern are once again among the favorites.
Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen pushed Bayern all the way, finishing just a few points behind in second place. Xabi Alonso’s side showcased a brilliant balance of youth and experience. With Florian Wirtz pulling the strings in midfield and Victor Boniface leading the line, Leverkusen played some of the most attractive football in Europe.
Their consistent performances throughout the season earned them automatic qualification and placed them among the seeded teams for the expanded Champions League format.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt capped off a remarkable season by finishing third. After an underwhelming campaign the previous year, the Eagles bounced back with impressive organization, discipline, and a clinical edge in attack. Their home form at Deutsche Bank Park was particularly impressive, turning the stadium into a fortress.
Key players included Jesper Lindström and Randal Kolo Muani, whose chemistry and pace broke down many defenses. Their return to the Champions League will bring back memories of their thrilling Europa League triumph in 2022.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund took the final Champions League spot, finishing fourth after a rocky start to the season. Despite losing key players in the summer, they rebuilt impressively, with Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt stepping up to lead the attack.
Their late-season form was crucial, as they edged out RB Leipzig for the UCL berth. Known for producing talent and playing expansive football, Dortmund will look to improve on their recent European runs.
Europa League Qualifiers
SC Freiburg
SC Freiburg earned a well-deserved place in the UEFA Europa League by finishing fifth in the Bundesliga table. Under the leadership of long-serving manager Christian Streich, Freiburg has become one of Germany’s most consistent and tactically intelligent teams. Their Europa League qualification is a reflection of years of steady progress, strong recruitment, and tactical discipline.
The 2024/25 season saw them combine defensive solidity with attacking flair, thanks to standout performances from Vincenzo Grifo and Michael Gregoritsch. Freiburg also remained unbeaten at home for much of the season, turning Europa-Park Stadion into a fortress.
This will be their second appearance in the Europa League in three seasons, and with the experience gained from previous campaigns, Freiburg fans are hopeful of progressing beyond the group stage and making a significant mark in the tournament.
VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart capped a fantastic campaign with a sixth-place finish, booking their spot in the Europa League. This marks a dramatic turnaround from just two seasons ago when they were flirting with relegation. Their young and exciting squad, featuring rising stars like Serhou Guirassy and Enzo Millot, captured the imagination of Bundesliga fans.
Under coach Sebastian Hoeneß, Stuttgart adopted a high-tempo style that proved highly effective, particularly against top opposition. Their 3-1 win over Leipzig and back-to-back draws with Leverkusen and Bayern showcased their ability to compete at the highest level.
For Stuttgart, returning to Europe is more than just qualification—it’s a symbol of a club reborn. They’ll be a team to watch in the Europa League, especially with a hungry squad looking to prove themselves on a bigger stage.
Conference League Qualifier
Mainz 05
Mainz 05 rounded off the Bundesliga’s European contingent by finishing seventh, thereby qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League. Known for their gritty and energetic playing style, Mainz have consistently overachieved relative to their budget and squad size.
This qualification marks their first return to European competition since 2016, and it's a testament to their well-structured squad and coaching stability. Bo Svensson’s men were tough to beat, and their pressing style forced mistakes from several of the league’s top sides.
Mainz fans will relish the chance to see their team compete against diverse European opponents. While the Conference League may not have the prestige of the Champions League or Europa League, for clubs like Mainz, it's an invaluable opportunity for growth, revenue, and exposure.
Germany’s UEFA Coefficient and Extra UCL Spot
Thanks to impressive performances by German clubs in recent UEFA tournaments—most notably Leverkusen’s Europa League Final appearances and Bayern’s consistent deep runs in the Champions League—Germany solidified its place among UEFA’s elite.
Although the Bundesliga did not receive an extra Champions League spot this year under UEFA’s new coefficient-based bonus system (England and Spain did), it came extremely close. Strong showings in the 2025/26 season could see Germany claim one of these bonus slots in future seasons.
This coefficient strength also means that German clubs are more likely to be seeded in the newly expanded UEFA league phases, giving them a strategic advantage in their respective competitions.
Analysis of the 2024/25 Bundesliga Season
The 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign delivered everything fans could hope for: a tightly contested title race, tactical brilliance, individual brilliance, and emotional farewells. The season was particularly notable for the emergence of new contenders and the re-emergence of historic clubs like VfB Stuttgart.
Bayern’s Redemption
After missing out on the title the previous season, Bayern Munich came into the 2024/25 season with something to prove. Their domestic dominance was restored thanks to a restructured midfield and a more pragmatic approach under Xabi Alonso. Their efficiency in big matches—especially their wins against Leverkusen and Dortmund—ultimately decided the title.
Leverkusen’s Continued Growth
Despite finishing second, Bayer Leverkusen have cemented themselves as one of Europe’s most tactically sophisticated teams. Their high-pressing, quick transition game allowed them to dominate possession and overwhelm opponents. While they narrowly missed out on domestic silverware, their European performances continued to win admirers across the continent.
Eintracht’s Return to the Big Time
Eintracht Frankfurt’s return to the top four was a testament to their strong recruitment and the tactical flexibility of their coaching staff. Their ability to bounce back from a poor 2023/24 campaign and secure Champions League qualification speaks volumes about the resilience of the club.
Dortmund’s Grit Over Glamour
Borussia Dortmund may not have played the most stylish football this season, but they got the job done. After a turbulent start and losing key players in the summer, they managed to put together a string of crucial results in the run-in, clawing their way back into the Champions League. It was a season that proved their mental strength more than anything else.
Mid-Table Surprises and Disappointments
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Mainz and Freiburg exceeded expectations with their high finishes and European qualifications.
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RB Leipzig, surprisingly, finished outside the European spots, struggling with inconsistency and a leaky defense despite a talented squad.
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Wolfsburg and Gladbach had underwhelming seasons, unable to mount a serious challenge for the top six.
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Heidenheim, the newly promoted side, avoided relegation and impressed with their fight and defensive resilience.
Top Players and Performances
The 2024/25 Bundesliga season featured several standout individual campaigns:
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Led the league in goals for most of the season, finishing with 28. His leadership and clinical finishing made the difference in tight matches.
Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen)
Arguably the most exciting young player in the league. Wirtz pulled the strings for Leverkusen, contributing goals and assists with remarkable consistency.
Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Frankfurt’s top scorer was electric throughout the season, with his pace and finishing helping secure their Champions League return.
Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg)
One of the most underrated players in the league, Grifo’s set-piece mastery and creativity were central to Freiburg’s European push.
Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart)
Broke the 20-goal barrier and led Stuttgart’s front line with strength, speed, and intelligent movement.
Julian Brandt (Dortmund)
Stepped up as a key playmaker and leader in the absence of star departures, providing stability and class in midfield.
European Expectations for German Clubs
With seven teams entering UEFA competitions, Germany is once again poised for a strong European campaign.
Champions League Outlook
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Bayern Munich will aim for at least a semi-final finish. With Kane in form and their squad deep, they’re serious contenders.
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Leverkusen could be a surprise package, especially if they carry over their attacking rhythm.
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Frankfurt and Dortmund will look to advance from the group stages and make an impact, especially if they can avoid injury crises.
Europa League Ambitions
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Freiburg will want to go beyond the group stages this time. Their tactical maturity and experience make them solid contenders.
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Stuttgart might be new to this stage, but their energy and belief could carry them into the knockout rounds.
Conference League Prospects
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Mainz 05 will aim to follow the example of clubs like Union Berlin and Freiburg, who have made a strong European mark in recent years. If they can maintain their pressing style and squad fitness, a deep run is not out of the question.
Conclusion
Germany’s seven representatives in the 2025/26 European competitions reflect the strength, depth, and evolution of the Bundesliga. From Bayern Munich’s title-winning campaign to Mainz’s return to Europe, each qualifying club brings a unique identity and style to the continental stage.
Whether it’s chasing Champions League glory or gaining valuable European experience in the Conference League, these teams are set to make an impact. With rising talents, tactical innovation, and strong fan support, the Bundesliga’s influence on European football is only growing.
About
Q1: How many Bundesliga teams qualified for European competitions in 2025/26?
Seven teams qualified—four for the Champions League, two for the Europa League, and one for the Conference League.
Q2: Which Bundesliga clubs qualified for the Champions League?
Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Borussia Dortmund.
Q3: Who are the Europa League qualifiers from Germany?
SC Freiburg and VfB Stuttgart.
Q4: Which team qualified for the Europa Conference League?
Mainz 05 finished seventh and earned a spot in the Conference League.
Q5: Did Germany get an extra Champions League spot via UEFA coefficients?
No, Germany narrowly missed out on the bonus Champions League slot for 2025/26 but remains one of UEFA’s top leagues.