A Historic Victory for Tottenham Hotspur
After a 41-year wait, Tottenham Hotspur has reclaimed its place on the European football throne. The London-based club triumphed over Manchester United in the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, held in Spain, marking their third title in this competition.
The Match Details
The final, played at the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao before 49,224 spectators, was the third all-English final in Europa League history. The previous ones were in 1972 (Tottenham vs Wolverhampton) and 2019 (Chelsea vs Arsenal).
Tottenham’s Path to Victory
Tottenham secured their 1-0 victory with a goal from English winger Brennan Johnson in the 42nd minute, leaving Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana helpless.
Despite Manchester United’s persistent attacks, including a last-minute near-post volley from Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, they couldn’t breach Tottenham’s defense, tended by Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Breaking the 41-Year Drought
The narrow margin was enough for Tottenham to break over four decades without a continental title, with their last one coming in the 1983-84 season when they defeated Belgian side Anderlecht in the Copa UEFA, now known as the Europa League.
Post-Match Reactions
Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s head coach, expressed his emotions post-victory: “I’m still trying to take it all in because I know what this means for the club. It’s hard to break a cycle, and everyone has been feeling the pressure. Only when you lift that weight off your shoulders do you truly understand the feeling.”
Son Heung-Min, Tottenham’s captain and South Korean striker, shared his joy: “No one had achieved this in 17 years. Today is the day; I guess that makes me a legend. Let’s enjoy and celebrate it, as this is what I’ve always dreamed of. Today is the day when my dream becomes a reality, and I’m the happiest man in the world.”
Financial and League Implications
According to the UEFA competition standings, Tottenham earned over 130 million USD in prize money during the 2024-25 international season, culminating with this victory.
In the regular Europa League table, Tottenham finished 4th with 17 points from 24 possible, behind Lazio (19), Athletic Bilbao (19), and Manchester United (18). They recorded five wins, two draws, and one loss.
This success contrasts sharply with Tottenham’s Premier League performance, where they sit 17th out of 20 teams with 38 points from 111 possible (34% efficiency). Even if they win their last match against Brighton, it will be their worst points tally since the 1980 season.
Manchester United, in a similar predicament, occupies 16th place in the English league. They aimed to win the Europa League to secure a Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season. Instead, Tottenham will take that spot.
Manchester United’s last continental title came in the 2016-17 Europa League, defeating Ajax in Estonia. Their most recent accolade is the 2023-24 FA Cup.
Tottenham last played in the Champions League during the 2022-23 season, reaching the round of 16 before being eliminated by AC Milan. They will return to Europe’s top competition in 2025-26, thanks to the Europa League triumph, despite their poor Premier League showing.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who won the 2025 UEFA Europa League? Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0.
- How long had it been since Tottenham’s last continental title? Over 41 years, with their previous victory in the 1983-84 Copa UEFA.
- What were the financial implications of Tottenham’s victory? The club earned more than 130 million USD in prize money for the 2024-25 international season.
- How did Tottenham perform in the Premier League during the same season? They finished 17th out of 20 teams with a 34% efficiency rate.
- What are Manchester United’s recent achievements in European competitions? Their last continental title was the 2016-17 Europa League, and their most recent accolade is the 2023-24 FA Cup.
