Manchester City have officially confirmed their 23-man List A squad for the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, as Pep Guardiola’s men prepare to embark on another high-profile European campaign.The squad announcement comes just days before City open their Champions League journey against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, 18 September. With Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund also drawn in the league phase, Guardiola’s side face one of the most demanding schedules in recent memory.
UEFA Regulations and Squad Composition
Under UEFA regulations, clubs are allowed to submit a maximum of 25 players on List A, including at least two goalkeepers and a quota of eight ‘locally trained players.’ Manchester City have opted for 23 in this initial submission.
Additionally, List B enables the registration of under-21 players who have been at the club for at least two uninterrupted years. Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly have been named on this list, further underlining the role of City’s academy in Guardiola’s plans.
Manchester City’s 23-Man Champions League Squad (List A)
Goalkeepers:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- James Trafford
- Stefan Ortega Moreno
- Marcus Bettinelli
Defenders:
- Matheus Nunes
- John Stones
- Abdukodir Khusanov
- Ruben Dias
- Josko Gvardiol
- Nathan Ake
- Rayan Ait-Nouri
Midfielders:
- Rodri
- Mateo Kovacic
- Nico
- Tijjani Reijnders
- Bernardo Silva
- Phil Foden
- Rayan Cherki
Forwards:
- Savinho
- Jeremy Doku
- Oscar Bobb
- Omar Marmoush
- Erling Haaland
List B:
Key Talking Points
City’s attacking firepower remains a standout feature with Erling Haaland leading the line alongside new additions Omar Marmoush and Savinho. The creativity of Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Rayan Cherki adds further depth to the forward line.
Rodri continues as the anchor in midfield, supported by Mateo Kovacic and new signing Tijjani Reijnders. Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma earns his first Champions League squad inclusion for City following his headline-grabbing transfer from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.
Marcus Bettinelli’s presence helps City meet UEFA’s requirements for goalkeeper slots, alongside Stefan Ortega and James Trafford.
Looking Ahead
Guardiola will have the opportunity to make changes in February, when UEFA rules permit the registration of up to three new players for the knockout stages. Injuries, potential January arrivals, or squad rotation could influence those decisions.
For now, City’s attention shifts to their opening clash against Napoli before subsequent fixtures against Villarreal and Monaco. With eight league phase games packed between September and January, the importance of rotation and squad depth will be crucial.
FAQ
Q: How many players are allowed in a Champions League List A squad?
A: UEFA allows a maximum of 25 players, including at least two goalkeepers and eight locally trained players. Manchester City have registered 23 players.
Q: Who are Manchester City’s List B players?
A: Rico Lewis and Nico O’Reilly have been registered on List B.
Q: When is Manchester City’s first Champions League match this season?
A: City open their campaign against Napoli on Thursday, 18 September, at the Etihad Stadium.
Q: Can City add players later in the tournament?
A: Yes, clubs can register up to three new players before the knockout stages in February.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s 23-man Champions League squad reflects a balance of star power, depth, and youth integration. With the likes of Haaland, Foden, and Donnarumma at the forefront, Guardiola has assembled a group capable of making another deep run in Europe. The journey begins against Napoli, as City aim to assert themselves in the new league phase format.
