Le Mans Showdown: Inside the UEFA Futsal Champions League Final Four

From reigning giants to fearless debutants, Europe’s top clubs descend on France in pursuit of continental glory, legacy, and a place in futsal history.

The UEFA Futsal Champions League Final Four has arrived in Le Mans, bringing together four of Europe’s elite clubs in a weekend that promises drama, legacy, and high-stakes futsal. Reigning two-time champions Palma Futsal are chasing history with a potential third consecutive title—something no club has achieved in the competition’s 23-year history. Sporting CP, themselves two-time winners, return seeking redemption after falling to Palma in last year’s final.

(Main picture: Kairat Almaty’s Alisson, hero in the semi-final against Jimbee Cartagena – source of the image: UEFA Futsal Twitter page)

From Kazakhstan, Kairat Almaty return to the semi-finals with continental pedigree and a squad built for big moments. Joining them for the first time is Cartagena Costa Cálida, the rising force from Spain looking to upset the hierarchy and cap their debut campaign with glory.

Hosted at the Antarès Arena in France, this year’s edition is more than just a culmination of the European season—it’s a statement about the growth and globalisation of club futsal. With UEFA preparing structural reforms for next season and the competition gaining greater international visibility, Le Mans marks a pivotal chapter in the sport’s evolution.

Antarès Arena in Le Mans, France – hosting the UEFA Futsal Champions League Final Four

Road to the Final Four

Each club earned their place with authority. Palma Futsal arrives as the two-time defending champion, boasting a remarkable 22-match unbeaten run in European play since October 2022. Portuguese powerhouse Sporting CP swept their elite group with equal confidence, determined to avenge last year’s shootout loss to Palma in the final.

Kairat Almaty, the most decorated Kazakh club, returned to form after a year of domestic dominance. Meanwhile, Jimbee Cartagena, the newcomers from Spain, stunned expectations by reaching their first ever Final Four, Spain’s first new finalist since 2020.

UEFA’s semi-final draw in February delivered two captivating pairings:

• Kairat Almaty vs Cartagena Costa Cálida
• Sporting CP vs Palma Futsal

Semi-final 1: Kairat 3–2 Cartagena

In a tense and technically rich opening semi-final, Kairat Almaty edged Cartagena 3–2 in a match that highlighted their pedigree and composure. Brazilian forward Alisson was the hero, netting twice, while veteran goalkeeper Dennis, a key figure in Kairat’s build-up play also scored.

Cartagena, despite their inexperience at this level, pushed hard in the second half, with Thai international Osamanmusa and Brazilian pivot Waltinho creating chances. But Kairat’s early control proved decisive.

Post-match, Kazakh media hailed the win as “a sensation,” and coach Marlon Velasco noted:

“Our players haven’t lifted this trophy yet. Now we have a real chance to make it happen.”

Cartagena coach Duda acknowledged the disappointment but reminded fans:

“We are here in our own right. This team has made history already, we’ll keep growing.”

Jimbee Cartagena Costa Calida fans at the semi-final in Le Mans – source of the image: UEFA>com

Semi-final 2 Preview: Sporting CP vs Palma

The second semi-final brings a heavyweight showdown: Sporting CP vs Palma, a rematch of the 2023 final that Palma won on penalties.

Sporting captain João Matos enters his 11th final tournament, and coach Nuno Dias is chasing a third title. Sporting’s core – Merlim, Rocha, Erick, and Zicky – features many from Portugal’s World Cup-winning squad.

Dias said ahead of the match:

“Palma may be the favourites. But we’re here to rewrite the story. Every player knows what’s at stake.”

Palma, meanwhile, aim for a historic three-peat, something no club has achieved in the competition’s 23-year history. With standout players like goalkeepers Luan Müller and Carlos Barrón, and midfield general Mario Rivillos, the Spanish side has the depth and belief.

2023-24 UEFA Futsal Champions League Fina Four winners, Palma Futsal – source of the image: UEFA.co,

Coach Antonio Vadillo was cautious but confident:

“Sporting wants revenge. But we’ve grown, we’ve evolved. We’re ready to defend our title.”

Star Players to Watch

• Kairat Almaty:
  • Alisson (6 goals in campaign)
  • Dennis (goalkeeper, tactical anchor)
  • Edson (young talent with 4 goals)
• Cartagena Costa Cálida:
  • Waltinho (experienced pivot)
  • Osamanmusa (dynamic finisher)
  • César Herrera (rising Spanish playmaker)
• Sporting CP:
  • João Matos (most appearances in UCL history)
  • Merlim, Vinícius Rocha, Zicky, Erick (Portugal internationals)
• Palma Futsal:
  • Fabinho (top scorer in 2025)
  • Rivillos (veteran leader)
  • Charruto (new signing at pivot)

UEFA’s Broadcast Push and Future Plans

UEFA has expanded visibility for the Final Four. Matches are streamed globally on UEFA.tv, and aired by local broadcasters including:
DAZN (Spain/Portugal), Canal 11 (Portugal), QazSport (Kazakhstan), Cosmote TV (Greece), The Sports Channel (Israel), and Quest Media (Central Asia).

For 2025–26, UEFA is reforming the competition format:

• The elite round will be replaced by home-and-away knockout ties in the Round of 16 and quarter-finals.
• Every club reaching the final 16 will host at least one match—intended to boost attendance and fan engagement.

What It All Means for European Club Futsal

More than a trophy, the UEFA Futsal Champions League has become a proving ground for elite-level club futsal. With multilingual media coverage, player development, and stronger cross-border rivalries, the tournament now plays a key role in the sport’s evolution.

Clubs like Cartagena are breaking new ground, while giants like Palma and Sporting battle for dynasty. Kairat remains a symbol of non-Western futsal excellence. And UEFA, despite futsal’s limited mainstream footprint, is steadily building infrastructure, access, and visibility.

As Nuno Dias summed up:

“We are among the four best teams in Europe but quality alone won’t win it. We have to prove it, minute by minute.”

Whatever happens next in Le Mans, the message is clear: European futsal is stepping up, and this Final Four is its global showcase.

Organ Donation

Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

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