German clubs enter the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season under new terms, with Bayern Munich supervisory board member Uli Hoeness labeling the 2020 treble winner an underdog. The same tag has been applied to 2023-24 Bundesliga champion Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and 2022 Europa League winner Eintracht Frankfurt.

Serhou Guirassy (R) of Borussia Dortmund tries to shoot during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Borussia Dortmund and 1. FC Union Berlin in Dortmund, Germany, Aug. 31, 2025. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

Citing the financial dominance of the English Premier League and Spain's La Liga, the 73-year-old World Cup winner described the challenge as a "David versus Goliath" situation, likening the new Champions League to the German Cup, where amateurs and lower-league teams face top-tier favorites.

Hoeness's remarks follow Bayern's poor results against continental rivals in 2025 and the Premier League's role as Europe's most lucrative domestic competition. Still, Bayern's ambitions remain high. After opening the domestic campaign with three straight wins, the Bavarian side faces its first major test on Wednesday at home against Chelsea.

Bayern's former chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge hailed the new league format as "emotional and thrilling," saying it increases opportunities for outsiders. "This shows that change can trigger substantial progress," he said.

Yet concerns remain over Germany's ability to compete. All 36 professional clubs reaffirmed their commitment to the 50+1 rule, which prevents outside investors from taking control. Hoeness said talent development must be backed by "reasonable and healthy" investment.

The new season is viewed as an endurance test, with Leverkusen opening against Copenhagen, Dortmund visiting Juventus, and Frankfurt facing Galatasaray.

Rising membership numbers are seen as proof of Germany's model, offering a foundation to challenge wealthier rivals. Bundesliga clubs' memberships have grown by 60 percent in five years, from an average of 60,000 to 96,300, according to sports magazine Kicker.

UEFA's European Club Talent and Competition Landscape Report lists the German leagues as Europe's leaders, with Bayern and Dortmund both selling out their home games.

Despite the underdog label, expectations remain high. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany is under pressure to recover from last season's struggles, with a top-eight finish - ensuring direct entry to the knockout stage - seen as the minimum for Bayern and Dortmund. Leverkusen and Frankfurt, meanwhile, may settle for playoff berths.