Bundesliga 2024/25 Preview: Favourites, Fixtures, and Predictions

Is Bayer Leverkusen truly a "one-season wonder"? will this finally be the season Harry Kane lifts a trophy?

The Bundesliga is back, and with it, a list of intriguing questions. Can Bayer Leverkusen prove that last season was no fluke? Will Harry Kane, one of football's most lethal strikers, finally get his hands on a major trophy? And what about Borussia Dortmund — can they mount a serious title challenge with their new squad led by new coach?

As the new season unfolds, tether.bet provides you with a complete preview, including the biggest summer transfers and the top contenders for the title.

When Does the Bundesliga Start?

The 2024/25 Bundesliga season kicks off on Friday, 23rd August at Borussia Park, where Borussia Mönchengladbach will host last season's champions, Bayer Leverkusen.

This will be first test for Xabi Alonso's side which dominated German football last season, and has just won Super Cup!

Who Won and Why Was Last Season Special?

Last season in the Bundesliga was defined by two major stories: Bayer Leverkusen’s remarkable campaign and the ongoing struggles of Harry Kane to win a major trophy.

Leverkusen not only clinched the Bundesliga title but also won the DFB-Pokal, remaining unbeaten across 40 domestic matches — a historic achievement. The burning question now is, can Leverkusen replicate their success, or will Bayern Munich reclaim the throne?

Motivated by last season’s disappointments, Bayern Munich has appointed Vincent Kompany as their new head coach.

Despite Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, Kompany’s tactical ideas and set-up impressed Bayern’s bosses.

Alongside him, Premier League stars Michael Olise and João Palhinha have joined the squad. This season feels pivotal for Harry Kane, who is under pressure to deliver silverware after a good individual, but disappointing debut season in Germany looking at the results of the Munich giants.

Why Is the Bundesliga So Popular and What Is the 50+1 Rule?

German football is beloved for many reasons. The Bundesliga is known for its high-quality play, the highest average attendance in world football, affordable ticket prices, and a rich fan culture.

Whether supporting local clubs or European giants like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, fans are deeply engaged.

Another distinctive feature of the Bundesliga is the 50+1 rule. This regulation ensures that fans maintain a significant voice in the management of their clubs, preventing external investors or owners from seizing full control for purely profit-driven purposes.

The rule mandates that club members hold 50% plus one of the voting rights, ensuring that clubs — and by extension, their fans—retain ultimate authority.

This helps keep the bond between the fans and the club.

Which Bundesliga Teams Will Compete in Europe Next Season?

This season, the Bundesliga will be represented in European competitions with eight teams - almost half of the league will participate in the UEFA competitions.

Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund will compete in the Champions League.

Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim have secured their spots in the Europa League, and Heidenheim could join them in the Europa Conference League if they pass the play-offs.

Who Will Win the Bundesliga 2024/25?

Expectations are high for the upcoming season and interesting season is expected by fans and pundits.

While Bayern Munich remains the favourite (tether.bet offers odds of 1.50 for a Bayern title), many believe the trophy could stay in Leverkusen. The club has managed to keep Xabi Alonso and Germany’s rising star Florian Wirtz, with odds of 3.50 on tether.bet for Leverkusen to defend their title.

Dortmund, under the new leadership of club legend Nuri Sahin, are also eyeing the title. With Marco Reus and Mats Hummels having departed, Dortmund is entering a new era with a younger team, hoping to bring the championship back to Westphalia.

RB Leipzig, who signed Xavi Simons after his stellar EURO 2024 performance, are always contenders for the top spots.

Who Will Be the Top Scorer in the Bundesliga 2024/25?

Harry Kane is the clear favourite to win the Golden Boot or Kicker-Torjägerkanone as it is called in Germany.

Last season, the English superstar netted 36 goals in the Bundesliga, eight more than his closest competitor, Serhou Guirassy of Stuttgart. Despite Bayern's disappointing season, they still managed to score 94 goals, five more than champions Leverkusen and 16 more than Stuttgart.

Kompany’s idea and love for attacking football was a key factor in his hiring by Bayern, and Kane seems ready and eager to start another standout season.

Whether he can cap it with a trophy remains to be seen.

Bundesliga Schedule 2024/25

The Bundesliga season begins on Friday, 23rd August, with 34 thrilling rounds of football culminating on 17th May 2025.

Like last season, 18 clubs will compete in German top tier, with St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel joining the Bundesliga ranks.

You can check the full schedule HERE.

Don’t miss the action - bet on the complete Bundesliga season at tether.bet!