The controversial European Super League (ESL), championed by Real Madrid and Barcelona, has returned to the spotlight. According to El Mundo Deportivo, one of Spain’s most reputable outlets, the project is not only alive but actively progressing toward a potential launch.

A Revival in Progress

The ESL organizers are aiming to debut the competition either in autumn 2025 or 2026. Officially, only the two Spanish giants are confirmed participants. However, sources cited by the Spanish publication claim that around 60 clubs have already agreed to join the venture, out of approximately 100 clubs approached during preliminary discussions.

Legal Clearance and a New Approach

The ESL’s legal standing was solidified after a court ruling against UEFA affirmed its right to organize competitions. With this obstacle out of the way, organizers have shifted their focus to overhauling the league's initial format. The earlier iteration faced widespread criticism for being overly elitist and exclusive.

In response, the league's architects are working on a more inclusive structure that incorporates rotation and opens the competition to a broader range of clubs. This approach aims to soften opposition and present the ESL as a more democratic alternative to UEFA’s tournaments.

The project’s progression continues to divide opinions across the football world, promising further debates as its launch edges closer.