One of the most notable guests during the 2025 Europa League Final at San Mamés was former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid player Gareth Bale, who was at the center of one of the most talked-about moments of the match, where the Spurs were crowned Europa League champions.

In a viral video circulating on social media, you can see Rio Ferdinand reacting with disappointment, while Gareth Bale celebrates ecstatically the goal that decided the match. The goal came from Brennan Johnson, following a play that ended in an own goal by Luke Shaw, securing Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Gareth Bale celebrates while Rio Ferdinand is left speechless

Gareth Bale put golf aside for one night to attend the match that could finally mark Tottenham’s return to European glory after 17 years—and he witnessed it happen. The key moment came with the goal that left Rio Ferdinand, former Red Devils defender, speechless, while Bale was captured applauding and smiling from the stands.

Tottenham crowned Europa League champions for the third time

With this win, Tottenham Hotspur claimed their third Europa League title, having previously won the first edition of the tournament in the 1971–72 season and again in 1983–84. This latest triumph, earned in San Mamés against a tough opponent like Manchester United, places the London club among the historical elites of the competition.

Tottenham secures its place in Europa League history

Sevilla FC still leads the Europa League all-time winners list with seven titles, followed now by a group of clubs with three trophies each, including Tottenham, Inter Milan, Juventus, Liverpool, and Atlético Madrid. With this new championship, England ties Italy with ten Europa League titles, both trailing Spain, which remains at the top.