UEFA runs an official game in which managers build a 15-player squad, compete in private leagues and score points throughout the league phase and knockout rounds.
So, does the Champions League have Fantasy Football? The basic setup resembles FPL, but manual substitutions, captain changes and the Limitless chip give the game its own rhythm.
1. What Is Champions League Fantasy?
UEFA Champions League Fantasy is the competition’s free official fantasy game. Managers select players from clubs across the tournament and receive points according to their performances in real Champions League matches.
The 2026/27 game contains 17 matchdays covering the league phase, knockout rounds and final.
It is one of the closest alternatives to Fantasy Premier League. Our guide to football leagues with official fantasy games also covers the different formats used in Spain, Germany, France and elsewhere.
2. How Do You Build a Champions League Fantasy Squad?
Managers start with a budget of €100m and must select 15 players:
- Two goalkeepers
- Five defenders
- Five midfielders
- Three forwards
During the league phase, no more than three players can come from one club. That limit rises in later rounds, while the budget increases to €105m after the league phase.
Each XI must contain one goalkeeper, at least three defenders, two midfielders and one forward. Every bench place can matter because changes are allowed during a matchday.
3. How Are Points Scored?
The familiar returns remain important. An assist earns three points, while goals are worth six for goalkeepers and defenders, five for midfielders and four for forwards. Goalkeepers and defenders receive four points for a clean sheet after playing at least 60 minutes.
Champions League Fantasy also rewards actions that FPL does not. Players receive one point for every three balls recovered, an additional point for a goal from outside the box and three points for winning UEFA’s Player of the Match award. A player who wins a penalty can earn two points, unless it was awarded for handball.
This broader system makes defensive midfielders and centre-backs more useful, even without goals or assists.
4. Can You Change Substitutes and Captain?
Yes, and this is the game’s biggest tactical difference from FPL. Most Champions League matchdays are spread across at least two days. Once the first day has ended, a manager can replace up to four players with substitutes whose clubs have not yet played.
The decision carries a risk: the removed player loses all his points for that matchday, and a confirmed change cannot be reversed.
If Tuesday’s captain disappoints, the armband can be moved to a player competing later. The first captain’s doubled score is lost, so the second chance still carries a risk.
5. How Do Transfers Work?
Managers have unlimited transfers before the opening deadline and receive two free transfers per league-phase matchday. One unused transfer can be carried into the next round.
Extra transfers cost four points each. UEFA also provides unlimited transfers before the knockout phase play-offs and again before the round of 16, helping managers remove eliminated players and rebuild around the remaining clubs.
Prices remain fixed until the Matchday 2 deadline. From Matchday 3, values may rise or fall according to performance.
6. What Are the Wildcard and Limitless Chips?
Each manager receives one Wildcard and one Limitless chip. The Wildcard permits unlimited transfers within the normal budget, and the new squad remains in place after the matchday.
Limitless removes the budget restriction for one matchday. Managers can temporarily select a squad packed with premium players, but the team returns to its previous form when the round ends.
Neither chip can be played on a matchday where every manager already receives unlimited transfers.
7. Champions League Fantasy vs FPL
The squad sizes, fixed budgets, captains and transfer penalties are broadly similar. The important difference is that FPL usually asks managers to live with their decisions until the Gameweek ends, while Champions League Fantasy rewards attention between playing days.
Squad depth is consequently more valuable. A cheap substitute who plays on Wednesday can replace an unsuccessful Tuesday starter. Ball-recovery points also widen the pool of viable players beyond the most obvious scorers.
Other official games take a different approach again. LALIGA Fantasy emphasises its transfer market, while Bundesliga Fantasy Manager uses an automatic Top 11 and three star players.
8. Is Champions League Fantasy Worth Playing?
For an FPL manager who wants another official game without learning a completely unfamiliar system, it is an accessible choice. Registration is free, private leagues are available and UEFA offers prizes across individual matchdays, the league phase, the knockout stage and the overall season.
The main demand is timing. Managers need to follow the schedule, arrange their benches carefully and return between match nights to consider substitutions and captaincy changes.
So, does the Champions League have fantasy football? Yes. UEFA’s official game keeps the recognisable foundations of FPL but adds enough matchday management to make European nights feel different.
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