Every football season unveils a handful of surprises, with so-called underdog teams catching fire, upsetting established powerhouses, and delivering unforgettable storylines. While favorites routinely dominate headlines and betting odds, it’s often the sleepers who redefine a season. As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, it’s worth taking a closer look at some of the lesser-hyped teams that could shake up the standings and stun fans and pundits alike.
Why Betting on Underdogs Matters
Underdog teams bring unpredictability to a sport that thrives on passion, grit, and momentum. Often counted out due to smaller budgets, inexperienced rosters, or lack of recent success, these teams often carry a chip on their shoulder—a quality that drives resilience and hunger. Analysts and bettors alike keep an eye out for these potential disruptors because when underdogs overperform, you not only witness compelling drama but also spot incredible value in futures markets.
Underdog Candidates to Watch This Season
Below are some teams from top European leagues and global competitions that are flying under the radar but exhibit the qualities of potential upset-makers this season:
1. Girona FC – La Liga
Last season, Girona impressed with their attacking style and finished mid-table, exceeding early expectations for a newly promoted side. This year, they’ve retained key players and bolstered their squad depth, signaling a belief in something greater than survival.
- Strengths: Creative midfielders, aggressive pressing gameplay.
- Potential Upset: Could break into La Liga’s top 6, disrupting the usual Real Madrid-Barcelona-Atlético hierarchy.
2. Brentford FC – English Premier League
Brentford have built a solid reputation since joining the Premier League, but they still wear the underdog label compared to the so-called “Big Six”. The Bees blend smart analytics with traditional grit, led by manager Thomas Frank’s tactical acumen.
- Strengths: Solid defensive structure, innovative set-pieces, and a fast counter-attack.
- Potential Upset: A realistic shot at European competition qualification.
3. Bologna FC – Serie A
Serie A is experiencing a resurgence of tactical diversity, and Bologna FC stands to benefit. Under manager Thiago Motta, Bologna has transitioned into a disciplined team leveraging youth and smart positioning. Though not a traditional powerhouse, they’ve quietly collected the type of tools needed for an upset-filled run.
- Key Players: Riccardo Orsolini, Lewis Ferguson, and Jhon Lucumí.
- Watch Out: They could sneak into Europa League contention.
4. Real Sociedad – UEFA Competitions
While Sociedad isn’t a complete unknown, they’re often overshadowed by Spain’s giants. Pablo Marín and Mikel Oyarzabal bring flair and precision to a team that shows consistent European aspirations. Their tactical flexibility lets them adapt to different styles in UEFA competitions.
- Tournament Potential: Could upset household names in the UEFA Europa League or Champions League group stages.
- Key Factor: Veteran leadership combined with young energy.
Dark Horse Teams from Lesser-Known Leagues
Beyond the top-tier European clubs are other exciting underdog narratives emerging from leagues like the Eredivisie, Primeira Liga, and even MLS. These leagues can often be the breeding grounds for incredible drama and unexpected breakouts.
5. AZ Alkmaar – Eredivisie
AZ Alkmaar has been a consistent top-four finisher in the Netherlands, but this season, they boast an excellent youth academy output coupled with a tactful approach on the field. With Ajax and PSV occasionally vulnerable, AZ has a real shot at stealing the spotlight.
- Star to Watch: Vangelis Pavlidis – proven scoring instincts and big-game mentality.
- European Storm: Can shock teams in the Europa League and domestic cup matches.
6. FC Twente – Eredivisie
Another undercurrent in Dutch football comes from FC Twente. The team’s aggressive formation and focus on quick transitions make them a nightmare for possession-based teams. This strategic mismatch could lead to crucial upsets, especially during tightly packed fixtures.
7. Sporting Kansas City – MLS
American Major League Soccer is known for its parity, but Sporting KC has retooled significantly and could ride a strong second-half surge. With a mix of international veterans and emerging local talent, they could be this season’s breakout team.
- Strengths: Home crowd edge, unpredictable offense.
- Wild Card: Strong contenders in knockout-style matches and playoffs.
What Makes an Underdog Succeed?
Several key traits help underdogs turn the tide against more accomplished opponents:
- Tactical Innovation: Coaches who aren’t afraid to rewrite the rulebook often surprise more conventional teams.
- Cohesion Over Star Power: A synchronized team often outperforms a disjointed, star-studded lineup.
- Motivation & Morale: Psychologically, underdogs often thrive with nothing to lose, spurred by the desire to prove doubters wrong.
- Fan Support: A passionate home crowd can be the twelfth man that helps complete improbable comebacks.
Past Underdog Successes That Fuel Today’s Belief
One only needs to look back at past Cinderella stories to believe in the power of the underdog. From Leicester City’s once-in-a-lifetime Premier League title win in 2016 to Atalanta’s thrilling Champions League runs, the sport has consistently rewarded fearless ambition.
These stories have created a legacy that today’s underdogs aim to build upon. Each new season is ripe with the opportunity for another David vs. Goliath tale. And as history tells us: in football, miracles do happen.
Final Thoughts
As the season unfolds, fans and analysts would be wise to keep a close eye on teams like Girona, Brentford, Bologna, and AZ Alkmaar. Beneath their modest-seeming exteriors lies the potential to alter the narrative of their leagues. Whether it’s disrupting title races, earning surprising European qualification, or topple an elite club on the biggest stage, underdog stories remain the lifeblood of football’s enduring magic.
So, while the world focuses on the Mbappés and the Haalands, don’t sleep on the unknowns. They just might be the ones making headlines come season’s end.
