UCL Fantasy 2025/26: Best Budget Options So Far

UCL Fantasy 2025/26: Best Budget Options So Far is the focus of this article, as managers search for the best value players to maximise points without breaking the bank.

Budget picks are often the difference between fitting in an extra premium and building a balanced squad, and this season has already produced some standout cheap options. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top budget performers so far and explain why they could be key to your success going forward.

Jonathan Burkardt – 21 Points

UCL Fantasy 2025/26: Best Budget Options So Far

It’s safe to say that Frankfurt have had a mixed start to the new campaign – impressively beating Galatasaray 5-1, but then collapsing to a 5-1 defeat in their clash with Atleti.

That may be the case but budget forward Jonathan Burkardt (€5.1m) has stayed consistent. 15 of his 21 points came from an explosive haul in Matchday 1 – scoring two goals, registering an assist and picking up a player of the match award.

His potential could well be limited moving forward though. The German striker faces Liverpool and Napoli in his next two games, with the likes of Atalanta and Barcelona following that.

El Hadji Mbodji – 19 Points

Slavia Praha left-back El Hadji Mbodji (€4.1m) was involved in an eventful opening clash with Bodo/Glimt. Although picking up a yellow card and conceding a penalty, the Senegalese international bagged a brace and was subbed off before his side lost their clean sheet.

UCL Fantasy managers may want to think twice though before investing. Slavia Praha have a challenging schedule ahead – with meetings against Atalanta, Arsenal, Athletic Club, Tottenham and Barcelona in their next five.

Hans Vanaken – 16 points

Club Brugge kicked off their 2025/26 campaign with a 5-1 win over French side Monaco. Heavily involved in that win was midfielder Hans Vanaken (€5.1m). The Brugge talisman bagged a goal, assist and a player of the match award, which helped him secure a 14-point haul.

His blank against Atalanta could be a sign of things to come though. Club Brugge now go onto face heavyweights Bayern and Barcelona in their next two outings. So, avoiding him for now could be the right move.

Start planning for the rounds ahead with our new UCL Fantasy Matchdays 3-8 fixture ticker!

Anouar El Hadj – 15 points

Union Saint Gilloise are another side who took many by surprise in Matchday 1. The Belgian side swept aside Dutch giants PSV in a 3-1 win away from home. Helping them achieve that was midfielder was 23-year-old Anouar El Hadj (€5.1m) who scored and picked up the player of the match award.

Like many of the names already mentioned though, we might not see that type of form from him again for a while. USG also have a gruelling set of fixtures ahead – playing Inter and Atleti in the next two games. Fixtures against Galatasaray and Marseille after that though may hold potential.

Pedro Bicalho – 15 points

Believe it or not, Qatar are one of just six sides who have won both of their first two Champions League matches so far. The Azerbaijan side edged a good Benfica team 3-2 in the opening round, and then went onto beat Copenhagen 2-0 at home.

That success could continue in Matchday 3 as they go head-to-head with a hit-and-miss Athletic Club next. Hoping to continue his consistency in the Champions League is Pedro Bicalho (€5m) who produced a player of the match award in Matchday 1, and then an assist and nine ball recoveries in Matchday 2.