What football fans will never forget in 2025

As the 2024/25 season wraps up, football fans across the globe can agree on one thing: 2025 will not be forgotten. This year has been a surprising shift in the sport’s narrative, breaking long-standing curses, defying the dominance of traditional powerhouses, and delivering moments of pure drama that will echo through history. From underdogs lifting silverware to unexpected title races, 2025 has proven that football remains a game of miracles. This piece is set to explore why this year stands out, with real examples.

The underdog revolution: Breaking decades of trophy drought

2025 has been the year of the underdog, with clubs long starved of success finally tasting glory. Crystal Palace, a club with a 119-year history, claimed their first major trophy in the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City by a line goal from Eberechi Eze in a tense final at Wembley. Under Oliver Glasner’s fearless tactics, Eberechi Eze’s mesmerizing runs and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s decisive strike turned chaos into triumph, ending a legacy of mid-table mediocrity. Meanwhile, Newcastle United, dormant since 1955, lifted the Carabao Cup after a 2-1 victory over Liverpool, with Alexander Isak’s clinical half-volley silencing Wembley. This 70-year wait ended with Eddie Howe’s high-energy setup suffocating Arne Slot’s rhythm, a moment that had fans in tears.

Away from England and into Europe, Go Ahead Eagles ended a 93-year drought by winning the Dutch Cup, overcoming AZ Alkmaar in a penalty shootout. Bologna, defying odds in Serie A, clinched the Coppa Italia after 51 years, their dogged defense and counter-attacks outlasting AC Milan. These victories weren’t just results, they were revolutions against the predictable dominance of oil-rich giants, reminding fans that football’s soul lies in hope, not wealth.

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Harry Kane’s redemption

For Harry Kane, 2025 marked the end of a 31-year personal drought, a narrative that had followed the England captain despite his prolific goal-scoring. Leading Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title, Kane’s 28 goals and 12 assists in the 2024/25 season silenced critics who labeled him a “trophy-less wonder.” The decisive 4-0 win over Hoffeinham on the final day, was a great moment, celebrated by fans on social media as a “fairytale ending.” This triumph not only elevated Kane’s legacy but also underscored 2025 as a year where individual perseverance rewrote personal histories.

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PSG as 2025 European champions

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), long criticized for their inability to conquer Europe despite their financial might, finally claimed the UEFA Champions League title in 2025. In a dramatic final against Inter Milan, PSG staged a 5-0 humiliation, with goals from Hakimi, Desire Doue and kvaratskhelia, securing their first Champions League crown. This victory ended a decade of near-misses, including the 2020 final loss to Bayern Munich, and marked a tactical evolution under Luis Enrique, blending Ousmane Dembele’s pace with a more disciplined defense. For a club once mocked for its reliance on superstars, this triumph signaled a new era, making 2025 unforgettable for French football.

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Tottenham’s revival

Tottenham Hotspur, synonymous with heartbreak since their last trophy in 2008, ended a 17-year drought by winning the Europa League. A 1-0 victory over Manchester United, showcased Ange Postecoglou’s high-pressing philosophy finally getting the rewards. The win, coupled with a qualification for the next champions league season, transformed Spurs from seasonal bridesmaids to contenders. Fans flooded social media with chants of “Spurs are on their way,” reflecting a resurgence that has redefined the club’s identity and cemented 2025 as a turning point.

Why 2025 won’t be forgotten What makes 2025 unforgettable is its rejection of football’s established order. The dominance of Real Madrid and Manchester City waned, with both clubs trophyless, something that is uncommon and has fueled debates on social media about the sport’s evolving competitiveness. These moments, from Kane’s redemption to PSG’s breakthrough, highlight a year where tactics, talent, and tenacity overturned expectations.

Critics might argue that financial investment was a big catalyst for these successes: PSG’s squad cost €800 million, and Newcastle’s backing from Saudi PIF played a role. Yet, the emotional weight of ending decades-long wait for silverwares often against richer and superior teams, suggests a deeper narrative.

Conclusion

2025 will not be forgotten in football history because it was a year of redemption, revolution, and raw emotion. From Crystal Palace’s first trophy to PSG’s European victory, from Kane’s personal triumph to Tottenham’s revival, the season delivered moments that were beyond statistics. As fans reflect on these moments, 2025 stands as a testament to football’s ability to surprise, unite, and inspire. This year has not just rewritten records, it has rekindled the belief that, on any given day, anyone can make history