As we approach the dawn of a new year, it's time to reflect on how 2025 will be remembered in the world of football. This past year brought unforgettable moments for players, coaches, and clubs alike. Notably, Paris Saint-Germain finally secured their long-awaited Champions League title, marking a significant shift in their recruitment strategy that prioritized youth over established superstars. Meanwhile, Barcelona showcased their resurgence as a powerhouse, despite narrowly missing out on the Champions League title against Inter in what was hailed as one of the greatest semi-final matches in history. Other highlights included Flamengo's domination in South America, Lionel Messi's mastery in Major League Soccer, and England's women's team successfully defending their European Championship crown through remarkable comebacks.
Liverpool celebrated their record-equalling 20th English championship with relative ease, while Bayern Munich reasserted their dominance in Germany after a disappointing season the year before. Antonio Conte's impact at Napoli was undeniable, leading the club to its fourth Scudetto. Still, 2025 had its share of controversies and challenges. The question remains: who were the standout winners and losers in both the men's and women's games this year? Let’s delve deeper into the key narratives of the season.
Winner: Harry Kane - A Champion at Last
Just moments after Bayern Munich clinched the 2024-25 Bundesliga title on May 4, Harry Kane took to social media to celebrate with a simple trophy emoji against a black backdrop. This iconic post signified the end of a long wait for silverware, allowing Kane to finally call himself a champion after 694 matches for club and country. "It feels amazing," Kane expressed on the club's official website. "We worked hard all season and dedicated ourselves physically and mentally. It's a special group – the players and the staff. This being my first trophy makes it feel even sweeter."
Kane played a pivotal role in Bayern's success, scoring 26 goals in 31 matches and demonstrating an impressive performance level. In the current season, he has maintained this momentum, averaging over a goal per game across all competitions. The 32-year-old striker now carries himself with newfound confidence and less pressure, which bodes well for the future. With Bayern's strong start to their title defense and their serious chances in the Champions League, Kane looks poised for more success. As England also emerges as a contender for the upcoming World Cup, 2026 could be a landmark year for the forward who once faced relentless criticism for his lack of trophies.
Loser: Enduring Trophy Droughts
While some celebrated their victories, others continued to grapple with lengthy waits for silverware in 2025. Several clubs broke their trophy droughts, though the stories varied in sentiment. Newcastle United, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, claimed their first domestic trophy in 70 years by stunning Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. This triumph marked a significant milestone for the Magpies and their loyal fans.
In a striking upset, Crystal Palace secured their first-ever trophy by defeating Manchester City at Wembley, thanks to a lone goal from Eberechi Eze. Club chairman Steve Parish encapsulated the moment, stating, "We deserved it for how incredible this group is: the fans, the history, the times we've been denied. It was our time." Additionally, Tottenham managed to shed their 'Spursy' reputation, winning the Europa League by overcoming Manchester United in a thrilling final.
Across Europe, clubs like Union Saint-Gilloise and Go Ahead Eagles achieved historic wins, ending their own droughts after decades of waiting. However, not all underdogs found success; Arminia Bielefeld fell short in the DFB-Pokal final, losing to Stuttgart, who ended their own 18-year title dry spell. In Italy, Bologna earned the Coppa Italia with a hard-fought victory over AC Milan, marking their first trophy since 1974.
Winner: Sarina Wiegman and the Lionesses
Sarina Wiegman, the manager of England’s women's national team, led her players through a rollercoaster Euro 2025 campaign that culminated in another stunning title win. Following a disheartening loss to France in their opening match, the Lionesses rallied heroically to defend their championship. Wiegman’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen were pivotal in transforming the team into champions who refused to back down, even in the face of adversity.
As midfielder Keira Walsh pointed out, Wiegman's composure during tense moments inspired confidence among the players, particularly when they were trailing late in matches. The Lionesses' triumphant journey was filled with drama, showcasing their resilience and determination. Wiegman's leadership undoubtedly played a crucial role in their success, making them a formidable force in women’s football.
Loser: Italy's World Cup Aspirations
Italy's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup faced significant challenges in 2025, as highlighted by coach Gennaro Gattuso’s frustrations leading up to their critical qualifier against Norway. Despite accumulating 18 points and winning six matches, the Azzurri found themselves needing additional play-off matches to secure a place in the tournament. Gattuso expressed his dissatisfaction with the qualification process, underscoring the difficulties faced by teams in Europe.
Unfortunately for Italy, consecutive defeats to Norway underscored their struggles, leaving their World Cup ambitions hanging by a thread. As the national team grapples with these setbacks, questions arise about the path ahead, and whether they can regroup in time to compete on the global stage.
As we bid farewell to 2025, it’s clear that the year left an indelible mark on the football landscape, filled with highs and lows that will be remembered for years to come.
