While a couple of less prominent leagues are already underway, the 2025-26 European club season really kicks off on Friday, when England's Premier League, France's Ligue 1 and Spain's La Liga all begin the new campaign. In Italy, Serie A starts next week, as does the German Bundesliga. 

We'vew already given you our Top 20 clubs to watch this term. But what captures the imagination of fans who watch the world's most popular sport is the players. Here are 11 fascinating characters to keep an eye on between now and next May. 

Jobe Bellingham(Borussia Dortmund)

(Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)