New Delhi: 

The year 2025 so far has been the year of undergoes and will surely be remembered for underdog stories both in cricket and football. So many teams that have either never won a trophy or won it years ago ended their trophy droughts this year, making it a memorable sporting year. The latest to join this inspiring list is South Africa, which clinched the World Test Championship by defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets.

Paris Saint-Germain- First UEFA Champions League Title

Paris Saint-Germain delivered a night to remember in Munich as they thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 to finally lift their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.

From the first whistle, PSG were electric, with 19-year-old Desire Doue running the show as he scored a brace and provided one crucial assist just before the hour mark. Goals from Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, and teenage sensation Mayulu, who became the club’s youngest scorer in a UCL final, helped seal a historic win for the club that saw Neymar roll, Messi wander, and Mbappe run.

Inter simply had no answers as PSG under Luis Enrique’s fresh vision completely dismantled them in every department. It wasn’t just a victory; rather, it was a statement on the biggest stage of all as they are no longer the bloated cartoon villain of European football.

Tottenham Hotspur- Europa League (17 years)

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final in Bilbao. The victory got their hands on the first major silverware in 17 years, their first ever European trophy since 1984. They achieved the feat while finishing 17th in the Premier League points table. After the triumph, Ange Postecoglou was sacked by the club authorities, but he has finally got Spurs back in the game. The title also represented a historical achievement for Spurs star Son Heung-min, who became the first club captain from South Korea to lead his team to a major European trophy.

Bologna FC – Coppa Italia (51 years)

Bologna FC added a Coppa Italia title to their impressive campaign, ending a 51-year wait for silverware. The club, which shocked many by securing Champions League football last season and then changing their manager and key players, found new strength under Vincenzo Italiano. Dan Ndoye scored the decisive goal against AC Milan in the 53rd minute at Rome, helping Italiano finally taste glory after near misses with Fiorentina in previous European and domestic finals.

Newcastle United – Carabao Cup (70 years)

Newcastle United finally ended their 70-year trophy drought as they defeated Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley. In a sea of black and white, the Toon Army watched Dan Burn and Alexander Isak seal a historic victory. VAR drama ensued in the final moments as Chiesa’s equaliser for Liverpool was ruled offside after a lengthy review. Manager Eddie Howe’s side were superior throughout, and now, having secured Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons, they look ready to shake off their ‘sleeping giant’ tag.

Go Ahead Eagles – KNVB Cup (92 years)

Go Ahead Eagles pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the season by winning the KNVB Cup for the first time in their history and ended a 92-year wait for a major trophy. After stunning PSV in the semi-finals, they held their nerve against AZ Alkmaar in a tense final. AZ took the lead with a penalty, but Mats Deijl equalised in the 99th minute, forcing a shootout. The decisive moment came when AZ’s Mayckel Lahdo missed his penalty, sending the Go Ahead Eagles into jubilation and marking their first major success since their 1933 league title.

Crystal Palace – FA Cup (119 years):

Crystal Palace produced a fairy-tale ending by defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final to lift their first major trophy in 119 years.

The well-known underdogs, Oliver Glasner’s men, capitalised on a counter-attack where Daniel Munoz set up Eberechi Eze for the winner. Despite City dominating possession, Palace defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson playing a key role, including a crucial penalty save. 

The victory, full of drama and resilience, also earned Palace a maiden berth in European competition and made them only the fourth different FA Cup winner since 2000.

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