If you follow the sports betting odds each season, you will notice the same handful of names appearing at the top of the market year after year, and history explains exactly why. Here is a look at the clubs who have collected the most titles since the competition began.

 Real Madrid – 15 titles

Nobody else comes close. Real Madrid won the first five editions of the European Cup back–to–back between 1956 and 1960, and they have never really stopped. Their most recent triumph came in 2024 when they beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley, with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr sealing yet another European crown in front of a global audience.

The most iconic moment in their modern run was arguably the 2022 final against Liverpool, where Vinicius Jr scored the only goal at the Stade de France in Paris, but it was the manner in which they eliminated Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint Germain in the knockouts that truly captured the imagination that year, a run that had sports predictions pointing toward them as favourites long before the final was even in sight. They remain the benchmark every other club is measured against, and no club in world sport has dominated a single competition across such a sustained period of time.

 AC Milan – seven titles

Milan’s seven titles span six decades, from their first in 1963 through to their last in 2007, when they beat Liverpool 2-1 in Athens in a final that felt like poetic justice after Liverpool had overturned a three-goal deficit to beat them on penalties in Istanbul two years earlier. They were the dominant force in European football across two separate eras, first in the late 1980s and early 1990s under Arrigo Sacchi and Fabio Capello, and then again in the early 2000s under Carlo Ancelotti, who would go on to win three more titles with Real Madrid.

 Bayern Munich and Liverpool – six titles each

Bayern and Liverpool sit level on six titles apiece, though they arrived at that number in very different ways. Bayern’s most recent win came in 2020, when they dismantled every opponent they faced during the pandemic-era tournament in Lisbon, finishing the competition with a perfect record and beating PSG 1-0 in the final through a Kingsley Coman header.

Liverpool’s story is a more emotional one, with their sixth title arriving in 2019 with a 2-0 win over Tottenham in Madrid, 30 years after they last won their domestic league, making it one of the most celebrated nights in English football history. The most memorable moment in Liverpool’s European story remains the 2005 final in Istanbul, where they came back from three goals down at half-time to draw level with AC Milan before winning on penalties in what is widely regarded as the greatest Champions League final ever played.

 Barcelona – five titles

Barcelona’s five titles are linked to one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Four of those five came with Lionel Messi in the side, including the famous treble-winning side of 2015 under Luis Enrique, who beat Juventus 3-1 in Berlin with a performance that showcased Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez at the absolute peak of their powers. Their 2009 final against Manchester United at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, which they won 2-0, is widely considered the greatest club side of the modern era at its very best.

 Ajax – four titles

Ajax remain one of the most remarkable stories in the competition’s history. A club from the Netherlands winning four European Cups, three of them consecutively between 1971 and 1973, speaks to just how extraordinary that generation of players was under Rinus Michels and later Stefan Kovacs. That squad produced some of the most influential footballers Europe has ever seen, including Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, and Ruud Krol, and their style of play, known as Total Football, changed the way the game was coached and understood for generations to come.

 PSG became the 24th club to win the trophy when they lifted it for the first time in 2025, beating Inter Milan 5-0 in one of the most one-sided finals in the competition’s history, and with the Budapest final approaching in May 2026, the next name on that list is being decided right now.

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The 2026 GAA Championship gets underway this weekend with a packed programme of football and hurling action, and official panels have now been confirmed across the major ties.

Supporters will get their first proper look at county selections in the Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster senior football championships, while the Christy Ring Cup, Nickey Rackard Cup and Lory Meagher Cup also begin with several intriguing match-ups.

Below is the full team news from the opening weekend, with each county’s named 26-man panel listed in match-by-match format.

Connacht Senior Football Championship

London v Mayo

Sligo v Leitrim

New York v Roscommon

Leinster Senior Football Championship

Offaly v Laois

Carlow v Wicklow

Longford v Westmeath

Munster Senior Football Championship

Cork v Limerick

Waterford v Tipperary

Ulster Senior Football Championship

Armagh v Tyrone

Christy Ring Cup

Meath v Kerry

Donegal v Wicklow

Derry v Roscommon

Nickey Rackard Cup

Armagh v Mayo

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Mairéad Dillon’s Rise: Galway Star’s All-Ireland Heroics and Relentless Journey to the Top

Mairéad Dillon has become one of the most admired players in the Galway camogie dressing room, and it is easy to see why. Since first being called into the senior panel by Cathal Murray in 2019, the Kilconieron player has shown patience, resilience and a constant hunger to improve. Those qualities have helped turn her into a major figure for the Tribeswomen.

Dillon’s breakthrough came in unforgettable fashion last August when she won the first of her three All-Ireland medals on the pitch against Cork. There is a strong argument that Galway would not have lifted the title without her contribution in some of the biggest moments of the campaign.

Big-game impact for Galway camogie

When Tipperary threatened to upset Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final, Dillon stepped up. After Tipp drew level early in the second half, Galway needed leaders to respond and Dillon was one of the players who found another gear. She finished with two points, while also posting an impressive tackle count and covering huge ground throughout the contest.

Even better was to come in the All-Ireland final. Galway had unsettled Cork early with their aggression, but they had not fully made that pressure count on the scoreboard. Then came the moment that changed everything.

Aoife Donohue burst through the heart of the Cork defence after a brilliant pick-up, drawing three defenders before releasing Dillon in space. There was still plenty for Dillon to do. She carried for around 10 metres, tapped the sliotar once off the bas of her hurley, and from just outside the 13-metre line she struck decisively. Libby Coppinger tried to close the gap, but the finish was too clean and Amy Lee had no chance.

It was a goal of composure, timing and nerve. Dillon’s reaction said plenty too. There was a small fist pump, but she quickly looped back into position on the half-forward line. It was a celebration marked by control rather than emotion, a sign of a player fully locked into the occasion.

Cork fought right to the end and Galway still needed a late pointed free from captain Carrie Dolan in the third minute of injury time to edge over the line by the minimum margin. For Dillon and Galway, it became one of the happiest memories of all.

“Yeah, look, it was brilliant. I suppose to be able to be part of the team in itself is such a huge honour and it’s nice to get the reward at the end of it. I’m just glad that we did get over the line, and all our hard work paid off.”

Dillon also reflected on the goal itself with typical humility.

“When I look back on it now, I just think it was great that it went in. Not too many people can say that they scored a goal in Croke Park on All-Ireland day. Cathal emphasises work rate and supporting the play, and Aoife had the ball and it was just one of those moments where you take the risk. Luckily, it worked out in the end.”

Asked about keeping pace with Donohue’s surging run, Dillon laughed: “I think

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Mayo and Galway Seal Connacht U20 Knockout Spots After Impressive Round 4 Wins

Mayo and Galway have secured their places in the knockout stages of the Connacht U20 Football Championship with a round to spare after impressive victories on Wednesday evening.

The Western rivals now move forward with momentum ahead of the final group fixtures, while Leitrim and Sligo have been eliminated from contention.

Mayo Dominate Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon

Mayo delivered a powerful attacking display to defeat Leitrim by 3-21 to 1-12 in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Early goals from Dylan Flynn and Kobe McDonald set the tone for a one-sided contest, putting Mayo firmly in control from the outset.

Further scores from Tom Lydon, who finished with an excellent tally of 0-7, alongside two two-pointers from Colm Lynch, helped Mayo build a commanding 2-12 to 0-5 lead by half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Darragh Beirne adding a third Mayo goal in the 47th minute to extinguish any hopes of a Leitrim comeback.

Colm McLoughlin did manage a consolation goal for Leitrim, but it proved little more than a footnote on a dominant Mayo performance.

Galway Survive Sligo Comeback in Tuam Thriller

Galway were pushed all the way by Sligo before securing a narrow 1-13 to 0-15 victory in a gripping encounter at Tuam Stadium.

The Tribesmen looked comfortable at the interval, leading 0-11 to 0-5 after a composed first-half display.

However, Sligo responded superbly after the break, firing over six unanswered points to level the contest and swing momentum in their favour.

Conor Walsh, Matthew Walsh, Aaron Lang (three points) and Eamon Keane were all on target during a blistering spell from the Yeats County.

Galway regrouped at a crucial moment, with Eoinín Ó Cualáin first restoring the lead with a point before rattling the net to deliver a decisive blow.

Ciaran Mulhern extended the advantage to five, and although Sligo rallied again through late scores from Cian Nicholson (two-pointer), Lang and Dara Mostyn, they ultimately fell just short.

Connacht U20 Championship: Knockout Picture Takes Shape

With one round of fixtures remaining, both Mayo and Galway have booked their places in the knockout stages and will now look to build further momentum ahead of the semi-finals.

For Sligo and Leitrim, attention now turns to rebuilding after competitive but ultimately unsuccessful campaigns.

Match Highlights

HIGHLIGHTS
@Galway_GAA just hold on to defeat @sligogaa after a cracker in Tuam in Round 4 of the Dalata Hotel Group Connacht U20 Championship!
#ConnachtGAA

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HIGHLIGHTS
@MayoGAA too strong for @LeitrimGAA in Round 4 of Dalata Hotel Group Connacht U20 Football Championship!
#ConnachtGAA

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The Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials in Bangor continued to deliver exceptional performances on Night Two, with records falling and qualification times stacking up across multiple events.

Phelan, Cullen and Walshe Lead Female Performances

Rosalie Phelan set a new Championship Record in the 50m Butterfly, clocking 26.62 to dip under the European Aquatics Championships consideration time.

In the 100m Backstroke, Lottie Cullen impressed with a winning time of 1:00.35, also achieving consideration standards for both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. Grace Davison followed closely in second (1:00.61), also under the required marks.

Ellen Walshe continued her dominant week, claiming gold in the 400m Individual Medley in 3:39.38. Already a winner earlier in the meet, Walshe once again posted a time inside European qualification standards.

McSharry Claims National Title

Olympic medallist Mona McSharry secured her first title of the weekend in the 50m Breaststroke, touching in 30.43, comfortably inside the European consideration time.

Eimear Doyle (32.06) and Isabel Kidney (32.51) rounded out the podium.

Strong Depth Across Men’s Events

In the Open 400m Individual Medley, Liam Custer claimed gold in 4:23.14, achieving the U23 European standard, while Phelim Macken secured a European Junior time in second.

James Ward took victory in the 50m Butterfly (24.17), edging out Dylan Registe and Jack Cassin in a tightly contested final.

Para Swimmers Achieve Qualification Standards

Four para swimmers also secured qualification times for the European Para Swimming Championships in Turkey:

• Ellie Lynch (1:21.49 – 100m Backstroke)
• Luke O’Donoghue (1:09.17 – 100m Backstroke)
• Barry McClements (previously qualified)
• Dearbhaile Brady (previously qualified)

Summer Targets in Sight

The performances in Bangor underline the strength and depth of Irish swimming ahead of a major summer that includes:

• 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
• European Aquatics Championships in Paris
• European Junior Championships
• European Para Swimming Championships

With qualification standards being met across all levels, Ireland’s swimmers are building serious momentum heading into international competition.

The championships continue through to Sunday, with more finals and qualification opportunities to come.

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John Shortt and Jack Kelly delivered a sensational night of swimming at the Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials in Bangor, rewriting the record books and underlining Ireland’s growing strength in the pool.

The pair produced standout performances on Night Two of finals, setting new Irish and Championship records while helping a host of swimmers achieve qualification standards across a packed international calendar this summer.

Shortt Hits World-Class Mark in 100m Backstroke

At just 19 years of age, John Shortt continues to establish himself as one of Ireland’s brightest prospects. The National Centre Limerick swimmer stormed to victory in the 100m Backstroke final in a time of 53.17, setting a new Irish and Championship record.

The time places him among the top four swimmers in the world in 2026 and comfortably inside the consideration standard for the European Aquatics Championships.

Shortt had only set the previous Irish record of 53.37 two weeks earlier in Paris, highlighting the rapid trajectory of his development.

“It was a good race… a bit disappointed, wanted to be 52, but you can’t have it all your own way,” Shortt admitted afterwards.

He was joined on the podium by team-mates Paddy Johnston (55.57) and Neddie Irwin (56.54), completing a dominant showing for National Centre Limerick.

Kelly Announces Himself with Record-Breaking Swim

Jack Kelly made an immediate impact on his Irish Championship debut, producing a stunning swim in the 50m Breaststroke.

The 23-year-old, who recently committed to representing Ireland, clocked 26.84, breaking Darragh Greene’s long-standing Irish record (26.94) and improving his own Championship mark set earlier in the day.

It was a landmark performance that also secured qualification for the European Aquatics Championships.

“I feel amazing… it just shows the work I’ve been doing in Austin has paid off,” Kelly said after the race.

Greene (27.62) and Eoin Corby (27.81) completed the podium, with both swimmers also achieving European consideration times.

Ireland Building Depth Ahead of Major Championships

The performances in Bangor reflect a wider surge in Irish swimming, with 24 consideration times achieved across multiple international competitions including:

• European Aquatics Championships
• Commonwealth Games
• European Junior Championships
• European Para Swimming Championships

With established stars and emerging talent delivering in equal measure, Ireland’s squad is shaping into a serious force heading into a packed summer schedule.

Competition continues through to Sunday, with further qualification times expected as swimmers chase places on the international stage.

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The win, completed a near 15/1 double for the Cullentra House team as Brighterdaysahead won the two and a half mile contest by defeating The New Lion (9/4) by two and a quarter lengths.

The winning hander, Gordon Elliott, admitted post-race:

“This is probably her trip and she was awesome. I was nervous but it was kind of easy to watch and Jack was brilliant on her. It’s great for everyone at Gigginstown who have been massive supporters of mine, through thick and thin.

“She’s a good mare and that’s why she wins over two miles, but I think two and a half is probably her trip. I’d imagine she’s going to go chasing. She was supposed to go this year but she pulled a muscle and that’s why she didn’t. She hasn’t won at Cheltenham but she ran a great race there this year.”

The winning rider, Kerryman, Jack Kennedy, was very please with the result, stating:

“Unreal. I think that could be as good as she’s been. The extra half a mile suited her, a little bit of juice in the ground suited her and she was brilliant. I was happy the whole way – I was actually having to take her back everywhere, and she’s one that when you don’t have her fully switched off she can run with you a bit, but she was just doing everything so easy and I let her on at the back of the fourth last. Potters Corner had a slow jump and I winged it, and I was happy to take up the running there and she was good. She’s a great mare.”

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Ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe, the Henry de Bromhead-handled horse was a two and a quarter length winner over Blueking D’Oroux (22/1) in the Manifesto Novices’ Chase

The 1-2 favourite Lulamba, owned by Cork’s Joe and Marie Donnelly, unseated his rider Nico de Boinville at the 10th fence in the two and a half mile contest.

County Waterford winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said of his Grade 1 win this afternoon:

“It’s a great start to the meeting for us, I am delighted. Darragh was brilliant on him. I thought they went a real good gallop and our lad jumps amazing. I’m delighted for the Moloneys, who are great supporters of ours. It’s so good to get one here.

“I started to get a bit worried for a second (when the second came back at him) but it looks as if he was idling and he picked up again. It was relentless the whole way and they were all jumping so well. I’m delighted for everyone and it’s great for the horse.”

The victorious jockey, Darragh O’Keeffe, racing in Barry Moloney colours, gave a good insight following the race, admitting:

“We always felt he was up to Grade One standard, and it just took us a couple of runs to figure him out. He was very impressive at Leopardstown, we gave the Grade One at Cheltenham a go and we learned plenty about him that day. I think it was huge credit to the horse to come back today after having a grueler in the Brown Advisory. It was a good performance, and his jumping was superb again today.

“I jumped out nice and handy away and I said, wherever I am, I’m just going to get into a rhythm. I couldn’t really hear a whole lot going round, but I could just hear the commentators saying – there was gasp or something – and I knew Lulumba was disappearing from my inside. He was following Harry, so I just kept my horse in a rhythm.

“He was a bit idle even when he jumped the second last, which showed he’s still a bit raw. As soon as he heard the other horse coming to him again, I could feel him picking up. I’m delighted to get a Grade One winner here at Aintree – it’s a special meeting and it’s great for the owners, the Maloneys, and I’m very grateful to everyone.”

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Mange Tout (Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy, 5-1) and Selma De Vary (Willie Mullins/Paul Townend, 9-4 favourite) fought out the finish if the two miles and one furlong contest, with the former prevailing by three-quarters of a length.

Successful trainer Gordon Elliott said of his filly:

“I thought he gave her a great ride. I thought winning or the losing of the race was done from the third-, fourth-last to the turn in. Jack had to ride to settle her – she was very keen at Leopardstown and he rode her to win rather than to settle her there, and it took its toll.

“It was hard not taking her to Cheltenham, because you want as many bullets as you can have, but now Cheltenham’s over I’m glad we kept her for here. Just the flatter track would suit her and she’s just got a bit of boot. Jack said she didn’t do a stroke in front, she was very idle.

“We thought we’d have her out early in the season for Down Royal – she was very keen there, but she’s a nice mare and she’ll jump a fence as well in time. That will be her for the year now – she’s not the biggest girl in the world.”

Winning jockey Jack Kennedy told ITV Racing:

“She was good. She can overrace a little bit, but I got a bit of cover on her today.

“She was still a bit keen but not as bad. She’s a big frame of a filly – she’s not small but she’s narrow, and I’d say bypassing Cheltenham helped.”

“She’ll definitely jump a fence and she probably has a bit of filling out to do, so she can be a nice mare.”

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The 2026 Connacht Senior Football Championship gets under way in Ruislip on Saturday afternoon as London welcome Mayo to McGovern Park, and all the early signs point towards the visitors making a winning start.

Mayo enter the championship in a strong place after finishing third in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League, winning five of their seven games. London, by contrast, finished sixth in Division 4, leaving a huge gulf between the teams heading into this Connacht quarter-final.

That gap is reflected in both the history of this fixture and in the betting market. Mayo have won each of the last five championship meetings between the counties, including the 2013 Connacht final and a 2016 quarter-final clash. London will hope that home surroundings and championship intensity keep them competitive for periods, but this is a very tall order.

London v Mayo recent championship meetings

• 2016: Mayo 2-16 London 0-9
• 2013: Mayo 5-11 London 0-10
• 2011: Mayo 0-19 London 2-10 aet
• 2006: Mayo 1-18 London 0-8
• 1996: Mayo 1-11 London 1-5

Mayo’s athleticism, pace through the middle and proven scoring ability should eventually make the difference. Even if London stay in touch for a while, the most likely outcome is Mayo pulling clear over the final 20 minutes.

Betting odds

• London: 25/1
• Draw: 35/1
• Mayo: 1/100

The outright market offers little value given how short Mayo are. The smarter betting angle is likely to be on the winning margin, with Mayo expected to cover a sizeable handicap.

Prediction

London should battle honestly, but Mayo are operating at a far higher level and anything other than an away win would be a major shock.

Prediction: Mayo to win comfortably

Predicted score: London 0-11 Mayo 1-22

Next up: The winners will play Roscommon or New York in the Connacht semi-final.

Team News

London – TBA

Mayo –

The 2026 Connacht championship throws-in on Saturday as Mayo travel to Ruislip to face London.

It will be Mayo’s first visit to the venue since 2016, when they recorded a 2-16 to 0-09 win over the hosts. Manager Andy Moran has named two championship debutants in Hugh O’Loughlin and Cian McHale. Notably, two members of the current matchday squad – Rob Hennelly and Cillian O’Connor – also made their debuts against London, in 2011. Throw-in at McGovern Park is scheduled for 2.30pm.

1. Rob Hennelly – Raheny
2. Jack Coyne (C) – Ballyhaunis
3. Rory Brickenden – Westport
4. Fenton Kelly – Davitts
5. Sam Callinan – Ballina Stephenites
6. Michael Plunkett – Ballintubber
7. Paddy Durcan – Castlebar Mitchels
8. Bob Tuohy – Castlebar Mitchels
9. David McBrien – Ballaghaderreen
10. Jack Carney – Kilmeena
11. Ryan O’Donoghue – Belmullet
12. Hugh O’Loughlin – Kilmaine
13. Cian McHale – Moy Davitts
14. Aidan O’Shea – Breaffy
15. Paul Towey – Charlestown Sarsfields

16. Jack Livingstone – Breaffy
17. John MacMonagle – Castlebar Mitchels
18. Donnacha McHugh – Castlebar Mitchels
19. Stephen Coen – Hollymount/Carramore
20. Sean Morahan – Castlebar Mitchels
21. Jordan Flynn – Crossmolina Deel Rovers
22. Conal Dawson – Westport
23. Fergal Boland – Aghamore
24. Diarmuid O’Connor – Ballintubber
25. Tommy Conroy – The Neale
26. Cillian O’Connor – Ballintubber

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