Best Captains for UCL Fantasy Matchday 1 (2025/26) | Top Captain Picks
Choosing the best captains for UCL Fantasy Matchday 1 is one of the most important calls of the week. With the season just getting underway, a strong captaincy pick can give you the perfect start and set the tone for your campaign.
In this article, we’ll run through the standout options for Matchday 1, from the reliable favourites to the riskier differentials that could give you an edge.
Tuesday 16th September
Real Madrid will likely gain the most appeal in regards to captaincy on Tuesday. The Catalans have started the season in great form – winning all three of their La Liga matches. Vital to their good run is penalty taker and forward Kylian Mbappe (€10.5m) who scored three goals.
The Frenchman also scored two and registered an assist in his previous two international fixtures. The opening round sees Real Madrid face a ropey Marseille backline at home. This could be a fantastic opening for Mbappe to continue his form.
Whilst Mbappe will likely be the standout, there are lots of great alternatives for UCL Fantasy managers. Arsenal’ away fixture against Athletic Club could make for Viktor Gyokeres (€9m) a great differential. Tottenham’ home match against Villarreal could also give the likes of defender Pedro Porro (€5m) and midfielder Mohamed Kudus (€7m) potential.
Wednesday 17th September
Looking to gain an early edge in UCL Fantasy? Check out our best differentials for Matchday 1.
Wednesday could be wide open for captaincy options. There doesn’t seem to be a popular pick due to the awkward fixtures. One player who should be on many UCL Fantasy manager captaincy shortlists though is defender Denzel Dumfries (€6m).
The Dutchman continues to play in a wing-back role for Inter, a role he has already managed two goals and one assist in his previous three matches for club and country. Ajax up next could be the opportunity he needs to display both his defensive and attacking potential.
Liverpool’ relentless form and Atleti’ defensive shaky start to the season could make their fixture one to target. For that reason, penalty taker Mohamed Salah (€10.5m), who racked up 40+ attacking returns last season, could be an excellent option.
Differential options could include the likes of Inter forward Marcus Thuram (€8m), Bayern striker and penalty taker Harry Kane (€10.5m) up against Chelsea at home, and PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi (€6m) at home to Atalanta.
Thursday 18th September
If all fails on Tuesday and Wednesday, then there are plenty of options to pick from. Sporting CP appear to have the most favourable fixture on paper. The Portuguese side host Champions League newcomers Kairat in Matchday 1.
Sporting head into the game after netting 13 goals during their first four league fixtures. Several of their assets could be great picks, including talisman and set piece taker Pedro Goncalves (€6.5m), who recently produced three goals and one assist in a game.
Leading the line though is Luis Suarez (€5m). As well as managing two goals and two assists in four league games, he also hit four goals for country in his previous outing.
Outside of Sporting’ clash with Kairat, Manchester City Erling Haaland (€10.5m) could have home potential against Napoli, whilst fellow striker and penalty taker Victor Osimhen (€7.5m) v Frankfurt away from home could be a good opportunity for him. You also can’t rule out set-play taker Raphinha (€9.5m) who meets with Newcastle away from home.
