Manchester City FC have confirmed their 23-man list for the opening league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2026-27, with head coach Enzo Maresca handing places to several fresh faces ahead of a demanding European campaign. The major highlights among the new inclusions are goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, teenage custodian Max Chabot and Brazilian defender Vitor Reis, all of whom have been registered for the UCL tournament.
Erling Haaland, Phil Foden Lead a Star-Studded Man City Frontline
Rulli’s inclusion was widely anticipated after his summer arrival as cover following James Trafford’s departure, but it is Chabot’s presence that has raised eyebrows. The 18-year-old, signed from Angers, travelled with the group on their pre-season tour of Asia even before his switch was finalised.
He has yet to feature in a competitive fixture, and City had reportedly weighed sending him out on loan before the transfer deadline passed. Instead, the young Frenchman remains at the Etihad and features among 16 overseas players named in List A.
Erling Haaland spearheads the Man City attack once again, flanked by Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, giving the Manchester City Squad a formidable edge heading into Europe’s premier club competition.
Reis, who spent last season on loan at Girona, is one of eight new additions, joining midfield recruits Enzo Fernandez, Allan, Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, and forward Iliman Ndiaye.
Man City UCL Squad: Homegrown Names and The Road Ahead in Europe
The Man City Champions League Squad includes academy products Rico Lewis and Foden as club-trained entries, alongside four association-trained players. As City could not name four genuine homegrown graduates, their List A falls short of the maximum 25-player allowance.
However, List B eligibility, covering players aged 21 or under with two years’ club tenure, means Nico O’Reilly and Ryan McAidoo remain available despite missing the senior list.
Maresca’s squad now faces a gruelling Champions League league-phase schedule comprising eight fixtures. The campaign opens with a trip to FC Porto before back-to-back Etihad Stadium meetings against Paris Saint-Germain and AEK Athens.
A testing away day at RB Leipzig follows, before City return home to face Kevin De Bruyne’s Napoli in an emotionally charged reunion.
