Confirmed relegated team across Europe’s top five leagues as 2025–26 season ends

The curtain has officially fallen on the 2025–26 European football season, with 13 clubs across Europe’s top five leagues confirmed relegated after difficult domestic campaigns.

While title celebrations erupted across the continent, several clubs were left facing the harsh financial and sporting consequences of dropping into their respective second divisions. Relegation is expected to trigger major squad overhauls, reduced broadcasting income, and uncertain futures for managers and players alike.

In the English Premier League, West Ham United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers were among the clubs unable to avoid the drop after spending much of the season in the relegation zone.

Spain’s LaLiga also produced major casualties. Girona FC suffered a dramatic fall after competing in European football in recent seasons, while RCD Mallorca and Real Oviedo were also relegated. Oviedo’s return to the top flight after a 24-year absence ended after just one season despite a late managerial push under Guillermo Almada.

In Italy, Serie A confirmed the relegation of Cremonese, Pisa SC, and Hellas Verona. Cremonese’s attempt to survive with the signing of veteran striker Jamie Vardy ultimately proved unsuccessful, while Verona failed to escape the bottom three after a decisive final-day defeat to AS Roma.

Germany’s Bundesliga saw and FC St. Pauli relegated automatically. Heidenheim endured a lengthy winless run during the second half of the campaign, while St. Pauli’s return to the Bundesliga lasted only one season.

In France, FC Nantes and FC Metz were relegated from Ligue 1 after disappointing campaigns. Nantes, one of France’s historic clubs, managed only a handful of league victories throughout the season, while Metz struggled defensively and finished with one of the division’s worst goal differences.

The financial impact of relegation is expected to be severe for many of the affected clubs, with losses from television rights, sponsorships, and matchday revenue estimated to reach tens of millions of pounds. Several top-flight clubs across Europe are already monitoring standout players from the relegated sides ahead of the summer transfer window.

Among the names attracting interest is Burnley defender Maxime Estève, who has reportedly been linked with moves to leading German clubs following Burnley’s demotion.