As January comes to a close, the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League are also winding down.
This season, stadiums across Europe have transformed into vibrant arenas filled with excitement and energy, thanks to passionate fans who have created enormous tifos to enhance the pre-match atmosphere.
From stunning visual displays to thrilling pyrotechnics, home supporters have left a lasting impression during their European home games. We’ve witnessed expansive banners, historical tributes, and commendable comebacks from clubs making their return to the spotlight.
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Particularly noteworthy is the impressive effort from Marseille, which has significantly elevated their tifo presentations, possibly becoming the standout performers of recent UEFA competitions.
Here’s a compilation of some of the most remarkable tifos featured during the opening matches of this European season.
Olympique Marseille supporters shine bright
Every year introduces new competitors for the tifo title, and so far, Marseille stands out as the champions for the 2025-26 season. The French club has truly excelled, showcasing elaborate displays for every home match.
Marseille vs. Ajax (Champions League, Sept. 30, 2025)
(Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
In an attempt to intimidate their rivals, L’OM fans showcased a tifo depicting defender Jules Zvunka confronting Ajax legend Johan Cruyff in a historic 1971 European Cup encounter.
Marseille vs. Atalanta (Champions League, Nov. 5, 2025)
A large tifo featuring reggae legend Bob Marley appeared in the Virage Sud of the Stade Velodrome, complete with the lyrics to his famous song “Get Up, Stand Up.” The display transitioned from blue and white to the colors of the Jamaican flag, ending with a spectacular show of fireworks and flares.
Marseille vs. Newcastle United (Champions League, Nov. 25, 2025)
During Newcastle’s visit to Stade Velodrome, Marseille fans displayed a heartwarming tifo featuring vintage L’OM jerseys on a clothesline, accompanied by a message reading, “For my city, for my club.”
Marseille vs. Liverpool (Champions League, Jan. 21, 2026)
When the Premier League champions visited, Marseille’s supporters opted for a Beatles-themed tifo featuring the iconic Fab Four engrossed in a newspaper with a headline warning of “History repeating itself,” referencing L’OM’s previous victory against Liverpool in the 2003-04 UEFA Cup. Below, the famous lyrics of a Beatles song were creatively adjusted, changing “Michelle” to “Marseille.”
The opposite side of the stadium featured another vibrant tifo displaying a samurai warrior scene with the dramatic phrase “Ready to die for the glory of my banner,” along with a tribute to former manager Rolland Courbis, who passed away earlier in the year.
Historical representations in tifos
Fans have long used historical references in their tifos to inspire their teams. This season has seen a variety of historical moments and figures depicted in pre-match displays.
Manchester City vs. Borussia Dortmund (Champions League, Nov. 5, 2025)
A tribute to “Erling the Great” featured at the Etihad Stadium, showcasing City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland donned in Viking attire, preparing to face his former team. While he didn’t take the field wearing a horned helmet, Haaland secured a goal in a 4-1 victory.
Rangers vs. AS Roma (Europa League, Nov. 6, 2025)
Rangers fans welcomed their Roman opponents with a striking tifo of a gladiator in full armor, enhancing the atmosphere in Glasgow’s version of the Colosseum.
Rapid Vienna vs. CSU Craiova (Conference League, Nov. 6, 2025)
The Weststadion in Vienna showcased beautiful displays as Rapid fans honored their city with a loving tribute entitled “Vienna, city of my dreams.”
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City (Champions League, Dec. 10, 2025)
A spectacular scene was presented across the Bernabéu Stadium, portraying a fleet of Spanish galleons in pursuit of the three-masted ship featured on City’s crest, captured through the lens of the captain’s telescope.
Celebrating past achievements
The Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League feature numerous clubs with rich histories of success in European football, eager to remind their opponents of their illustrious records.
Chelsea vs. Benfica (Champions League, Sept. 30, 2025)
At Stamford Bridge, fans witnessed a portrayal of the club’s formidable security in the trophy room, featuring Chelsea’s iconic lion guarding the team’s collection of European and international trophies.
Real Madrid vs. Juventus (Champions League, Oct. 22, 2025)
An enthusiastic young supporter held up a scarf above a backdrop stating, “To see the Bernabéu is to see the Champions,” emphasizing Real Madrid’s status as the club with the most European Cup victories in history.
Manchester City vs. Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League, Nov. 25, 2025)
While City may not have the same European reputation as Real Madrid, they celebrated their triumph, particularly the magical night in Istanbul in 2023, by displaying a banner featuring coach Pep Guardiola kissing the Champions League trophy alongside a phrase inspired by The Stone Roses.
Liverpool vs. PSV Eindhoven (Champions League, Nov. 26, 2025)
Anfield saw fans unfurl a massive banner adorned with hand-drawn illustrations of iconic players and coaches who have been instrumental in Liverpool’s numerous European accolades.
Magical European nights
Numerous clubs returned to the European stage this season after long absences or celebrated what might be a rare appearance in UEFA competitions.
Newcastle United vs. Barcelona (Champions League, Sept. 18, 2025)
Remembering their historic 1997 victory over Barcelona, Newcastle adopted a rock theme reminiscent of AC/DC, boldly announcing that they were “Back in black and white,” with the club’s Magpie mascot positioned among stacks of amplifiers.
Aston Villa vs. Bologna (Europa League, Sept. 25, 2025)
Aston Villa has made the most of its recent return to European competition with elaborate tifos. During their match against Bologna, the Holte End illuminated the stadium with a tifo featuring a vintage Polaroid camera that highlighted memories from last season’s Champions League battles against top teams.
Nottingham Forest vs. FC Midtjylland (Europa League, Oct. 2, 2025)
Nottingham Forest fans set off on their first European adventure in nearly three decades during a home match against Midtjylland, marking a monumental occasion at the City Ground since their last European game in 1996.
Racing Genk vs. Ferencvaros (Europa League, Oct. 2, 2025)
Welcoming their return to the Europa League, Genk fans presented a stylish “Dragon Ball Z” themed display featuring the character Vegeta instructing the visiting Hungarian team to “prepare themselves for oblivion,” though the Belgian team lost the match 1-0.
Crystal Palace vs. AEK Larnaca (Conference League, Oct. 23, 2025)
Crystal Palace fans honored the classic British sitcom “Dad’s Army” with a creative display as they prepared for their journey to Leipzig, where the 2025-26 Conference League final will take place in May.
