2025 will be remembered as the year of Firsts in two of the most-watched sports in the world: Football And Cricket
A year where curses ended, underdogs rose, and decades-long droughts finally found water. From football to cricket, from domestic leagues to international competitions, the sports world in 2025 decided it had had enough of tradition and shook things up in ways no one saw coming.
Harry Kane Ends a 16-Year Trophy Drought
For over a decade, Harry Kane’s legacy was haunted by a single line: “World-class striker, no trophies.” All of that changed in 2025 as Kane led Bayern Munich to their 33rd and his first ever Bundesliga title, firing in 39 goals across all competitions, and silencing critics once and for all. After 16 years as a professional, the man who once stood as the poster child for “almost” is now a champion.
Spurs Lift First European Trophy in 36 Years
Yes, you read that right.
Tottenham Hotspur, the club synonymous with near-misses and heartbreaks, lifted the Europa League trophy in dramatic fashion. With Ange Postecoglou steering the ship and a young squad peaking at the right time, Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in a cagey final. It marked their first European title since 1989—breaking a 36-year drought and, perhaps more importantly, shattering the “Spursy” stereotype that’s followed them for decades.
Newcastle United Win First Major Trophy in 69 Years
After decades in the wilderness, Newcastle returned not just to the top four but to center stage. Under Eddie Howe’s structured leadership — and smart investments in Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimarães — they defeated heavy favorites Liverpool to lift the Carabao Cup, their first major trophy since 1955. Champions League qualification, secured dramatically on the final day, capped a season that has turned St. James’ Park from a sleeping giant into a fortress reborn.
PSG Finally Win the Champions League — After 55 Years
In a twist few saw coming, Paris Saint-Germain captured their first-ever Champions League title in 2025 — just a year after parting ways with their last Galactico, Kylian Mbappé. Founded in 1970, PSG had spent 55 years chasing this elusive crown. This time, a new-look side built on grit over glitz dismantled Inter Milan 5-0 in the final, delivering a tactical masterclass that echoed across Europe.
Crystal Palace End 119 Year Wait
Another fairy-tale unfolded in South London. Crystal Palace, a team many tipped for a relegation battle, defied the odds by upsetting Manchester City in a stunning FA Cup final victory — their first major trophy since being founded in 1905. The win not only ended a 119-year wait but also secured Palace a place in European competition for the first time ever. Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta became household names, while Oliver Glasner’s fearless, high-energy style earned admiration across England and Europe.
Bologna End 51-Year Wait with Historic Coppa Italia Triumph
A new chapter was written in Italian football. Bologna, long overshadowed by Serie A’s giants, stunned the establishment by clinching the Coppa Italia — their first major trophy since 1974. Dan Ndoye’s decisive goal secured a 1–0 victory over AC Milan in the final, marking a remarkable turnaround under manager Vincenzo Italiano. The triumph not only ended a 51-year wait but also secured Bologna a place in European competition, igniting celebrations across the city.
IPL 2025: A 17-Year Drought Set to End
Switching to cricket — 2025 is set to rewrite Indian Premier League history. Punjab Kings, after beating Mumbai Indians, are set to face Royal Challengers Bangalore. And it guarantees one thing: the IPL will have a new champion.
RCB, often ridiculed for having superstars but no titles, have never lifted the IPL trophy since the league’s inception in 2008 — a 17-year wait. Punjab Kings, last finalists in 2014 and still without a title, are equally desperate for glory.
Fans are calling it “The Final of Redemption.” One way or another, history will be made.
A Pattern of Power Shift
So, what’s driving this storm of firsts?
- Managerial revolutions: Smart coaching hires like Enzo Maresca, Ange, and Glasner are redefining tactics.
- Youth over stars: Teams investing in development (like PSG or Palace) are finally getting returns.
- Mentality shift: These teams are no longer afraid of history—they’re rewriting it.
2025 feels like a turning point. It’s less about heritage and more about hunger. Less about name value and more about structure, belief, and timing.
2025 is the Year of Firsts: PSG, Spurs, Kane, RCB
Whether it’s Harry Kane hoisting silverware, Spurs celebrating in Europe, or Crystal Palace dancing into the Europa League, this is not just a fluke year—it’s a message.
Legacy can be built.
Curses can end.
And sometimes, all it takes is one year—like 2025—for the impossible to finally become reality.
