Football’s Biggest Winners and Losers of 2025
From long-awaited triumphs to painful collapses, 2025 reshaped the global game with defining moments that crowned new heroes and exposed harsh realities.
A year of long-awaited redemption
2025 will be remembered as the season when unfinished business was finally settled. Harry Kane lifted the first major trophy of his career with Bayern Munich, playing a decisive role in reclaiming the Bundesliga. Goals, leadership and freedom from pressure turned a long-running narrative into one of fulfillment.
On a collective level, Paris Saint-Germain finally conquered the UEFA Champions League, validating a shift in philosophy built on structure rather than stardom. In England, Liverpool reached a historic 20th league title, while Napoli, led by Antonio Conte, reclaimed the Scudetto, adding another chapter to the club’s modern resurgence.
Clubs that ended historic droughts
Across Europe, patience was rewarded. Newcastle United ended a 70-year wait for domestic silverware by winning the Carabao Cup, while Crystal Palace stunned Manchester City at Wembley to claim the first major trophy in their history.
Elsewhere, Union Saint-Gilloise were crowned champions of Belgium for the first time in 90 years. Bologna lifted the Coppa Italia after five decades, and Stuttgart returned to glory with a DFB-Pokal triumph. Different leagues, same theme: belief finally paying off.
Leadership that defined championships
On the international stage, Sarina Wiegman once again reinforced her status as one of football’s elite managers. England defended their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title in a campaign marked by chaos, resilience and character.
Individually, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered another statement moment. Captaining Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title, he reaffirmed his competitive edge and kept alive the ambition of ending his international career on the biggest stage of all.
The collapses that left scars
Not everyone found redemption. Italy endured another damaging setback on the road to the 2026 World Cup, a reminder of a structure still searching for identity. Ajax suffered one of the most painful implosions in recent memory, surrendering a commanding lead in the Eredivisie title race.
In Spain, Vinícius Jr. went from Ballon d’Or contender to symbol of frustration as Real Madrid failed to sustain momentum. His on-field struggles, and his evolving dynamic under Xabi Alonso, became one of the season’s most scrutinized storylines.
Careers and projects under pressure
Decisions off the pitch also carried consequences. Alexander Isak endured a difficult first year at Liverpool after a turbulent exit from Newcastle, while Manchester United once again proved an unforgiving environment for managers trying to build long-term stability.
Institutional turmoil at clubs like Fiorentina, combined with Ajax’s sporting collapse, underscored a harsh truth: history provides prestige, not protection.
