When the Bundesliga started the 2025-2026 season with a trip to the Allianz Arena by RB Leipzig, the familiar image of the "Gray Tigers"' dominance was mentioned.
Bayern Munich have won 12 of their last 13 national championships, before letting Bayer Leverkusen break their monopoly in 2024. Now, they are entering the new season in a context where their competitors are all showing weakness. Above all, they still possess a solid foundation of enduring strength as a fulcrum.
Vincent Kompany's coaching career has a special mark. In the last 3 seasons, he has successfully conquered the Belgian and German national championships, interspersed with a relegation shock with Burnley in the Premier League.
From doubts about his ability, Kompany is gradually proving that Bayern Munich's bold choice turns out to be a success. With a huge budget and the best squad in Germany, his Bayern won the Bundesliga last season with a gap of 13 points.
This season, the "Gray Tigers" started with the German Super Cup championship - the second title in Harry Kane's career. In his first two seasons in Germany, the England captain scored 85 goals, turning the Bundesliga top-flight race into his own playground, following in the footsteps of Robert Lewandowski.
However, Kane's responsibility in the new season is expected to be much heavier. Jamal Musiala is absent for a long time after being injured at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, while Thomas Muller has also said goodbye to Allianz Arena.
Leroy Sane has moved to Galatasaray, giving way to Luis Diaz - a £65 million contract from Liverpool. In the Super Cup match, the Colombian rookie scored, affirming Bayern's special appeal to stars from top European clubs.
However, the turning point transfer deal of the summer of 2025 became a heavy blow to Bayern. Diaz may have been purchased with capital for Florian Wirtz. And Musiala's long-term injury should have been alleviated if the "Gray Tigers" had been able to recruit the Bundesliga Best Player for 2023-2024.
Instead of joining the Allianz Arena, Wirtz chose Liverpool with a £116 million contract. The German international has decided to leave his homeland in search of a new challenge, despite Bayern's promise for the title.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen - Bundesliga champions 2024 - have never created a feeling of lasting power. Xabi Alonso only stayed for one more season before entering the seemingly pre-determined scenario: replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Alonso's Bundesliga winning squad also quickly disbanded. Jeremie Frimpong joined Wirtz at Anfield, while Tah Jonathan followed the familiar path of Bundesliga stars when he was lured by Bayern.
Erik ten Hag's assertions that Leverkusen will not sell any key players have become more bitter, as they let Granit Xhaka join Sunderland and sold captain Lukas Hradecky to Monaco.
Ten Hag is an interesting choice to succeed the man who is considered the greatest manager in Leverkusen's history. In the eyes of England fans, his image was tarnished by the turbulent last 14 months at Manchester United.
But in Germany, Ten Hag's reputation is in another position, enough for him to sit in one of the most attractive seats in the Bundesliga.
The biggest reason lies in the ability to work with young players - which coincides with Leverkusen's recruitment policy. It is no surprise that the list of new players at BayArena bears Ten Hag's mark. They are Dutch players such as Mark Flekken and Ernest Poku, or Malik Tillman from Eredivisie.
However, this season will likely be a transitional period for them. Leverkusen's strength has declined significantly.
Frankfurt was in a similar situation. The team, which finished third in the Bundesliga last season, sold Omar Marmoush in January and Hugo Ekitike in July.
In that context, Dortmund - the 2024 Champions League runner-up - has the opportunity to continue to play a familiar role. That is to play the role of Bayern chasing in the Bundesliga championship race.
The appearance of former Bayern captain Niko Kovac has brought a new vitality. From 11th place with 8 rounds left, Dortmund had time to break away to finish in fourth place last season.
This summer, despite losing Jamie Gittens to Chelsea, Dortmund still managed to add a notable name. That is Jobe Bellingham, Jude Bellingham's younger brother.
With Serhou Guirassy - the only striker capable of competing with Kane in the goalscoring race - Dortmund can set a higher target. After two seasons of performing better in the European arena than the Bundesliga, the runner-up position is enough to be considered a solid step forward for Dortmund.
