Football Review: The Biggest Moments of 2025
As 2025 comes to an end, it is time to look back on another memorable year in world football. SportsRation reports.
It was a season full of surprises. Liverpool ended Manchester City’s long dominance in the Premier League, underdogs lifted both domestic cup trophies, and Sunderland returned to the top level of English football. Beyond the domestic game, fans also enjoyed unforgettable moments on the international and European stage.
Here are some of the standout stories of 2025.
Chelsea Crowned World Champions
FIFA introduced a new-look Club World Cup in 2025, turning it into a major summer tournament with 32 teams. Clubs from across the world competed in the United States, creating a festival of football.
Chelsea emerged as champions after beating European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final. It was their second trophy in a month, following their Europa Conference League success. The Blues lifted the Club World Cup trophy to confirm themselves as world champions.
Lionesses Defend Euro Title
England’s Lionesses successfully defended their European Championship crown, though it was far from easy. They lost their opening match to France and needed late goals and penalty shoot-outs to survive the knockout rounds.
Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly played key roles as England reached the final, where they faced world champions Spain. Another penalty shoot-out followed, with Hannah Hampton starring in goal and Kelly scoring again to secure back-to-back European titles.
PSG Finally Win the Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain finally won their first-ever Champions League title in 2025. After years of disappointment, the French side delivered under manager Luis Enrique.
PSG dominated the competition and saved their best performance for the final, thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich. It was one of the most one-sided finals in the tournament’s history and marked PSG’s long-awaited moment on Europe’s biggest stage.
Harry Kane Ends Trophy Drought
Harry Kane finally lifted major silverware in 2025 as he helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga title. The England captain scored 41 goals in all competitions and played a leading role in Bayern’s success.
After years of criticism for not winning trophies, Kane’s long wait finally came to an end.
Conte Delivers Again with Napoli
Antonio Conte continued his reputation as a serial winner by leading Napoli to the Serie A title. It was Napoli’s second league win in three seasons and Conte’s sixth league title as a manager.
Romelu Lukaku scored key goals, while Scott McTominay became a fan favourite as Napoli finished ahead of Inter to claim the Scudetto.
Perfect Start for Tuchel’s England
England began a new era under Thomas Tuchel after Gareth Southgate stepped down. Tuchel enjoyed a perfect start, guiding England through World Cup qualification without dropping a point or conceding a goal.
With strong attacking options and a disciplined approach, England head into 2026 full of confidence ahead of the World Cup.
Scotland Qualify for World Cup
Scotland booked their place at the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Steve Clarke’s side secured qualification in dramatic fashion with a thrilling win over Denmark at Hampden Park.
Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean scored crucial goals to send the Tartan Army into celebration and confirm their return to the global stage.
Jamie Vardy Shines in Italy
One of the year’s biggest surprises was Jamie Vardy’s move to Italy. After leaving Leicester City, many expected him to head to the MLS, but he instead joined newly promoted Cremonese.
Vardy quickly settled, scoring four goals in his first 11 games and becoming the first English player to win Serie A Player of the Month. His remarkable career continues to defy expectations.
As the curtain falls on 2025, football fans can reflect on a year full of drama, success and unforgettable moments, with even more excitement expected in 2026.
