RB Leipzig Miss Out on European Football for First Time Since 2016

RB Leipzig will not play in any European competitions next season. This ends a run of qualifying every year since 2016. Key players like Xavi Simons and Benjamin Šeško are now expected to leave in the summer transfer window.

WHAT HAPPENED?

RB Leipzig had a poor season in all competitions and did not qualify for Europe in the 2025/26 campaign. In the Bundesliga, their form collapsed as they did not win any of their last four matches since April. They drew with Holstein Kiel and Bayern Munich, lost heavily to Eintracht Frankfurt, and ended with a goalless draw against Werder Bremen. These results saw Leipzig drop to seventh, with Mainz 05 in sixth ahead on goal difference. Borussia Dortmund held fifth, out of reach. Leipzig also lost seven of their eight Champions League matches during a disastrous campaign.

IMPACT ON CLUB AND PLAYERS

RB Leipzig will face significant consequences this season.

For the first time since joining the Bundesliga, they will not play in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League. This could trigger an exodus of star players. Standout midfielder Simons and striker Šeško both want top-level football elsewhere. The club was founded in 2009 and quickly ushered in a golden era. They had established themselves in European competition, even reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2020.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR RB LEIPZIG?

RB Leipzig must prepare for significant change as they look to rebuild a squad capable of returning to European qualification. Their first test will come at the start of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, with scouts already monitoring players up for grabs after passing on a number of deals in the transfer window. The strength of Germany’s elite means the challenge will be harder than ever.