2024/25: A season of ending football droughts in European football
The 2024/25 football season will be remembered as a historic campaign where long-suffering clubs and players finally ended their trophy droughts, delivering unforgettable moments across Europe.
Bologna ends 51-year wait for silverware
Bologna lifted the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1974 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AC Milan at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Swiss forward Dan Ndoye became the hero, capitalising on a loose ball in the box to fire home the decisive goal. Captain Lewis Ferguson, formerly of Aberdeen, led a resilient performance, while goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski made crucial saves to deny Milan.
"We deserved this, especially as we played great tonight. It was a fantastic performance," said manager Vincenzo Italiano, who secured his first major honour after three final defeats with Fiorentina. The triumph also earned Bologna a Europa League spot, marking a fairytale end to their season.
Crystal Palace’s maiden major trophy
Crystal Palace made history by winning their first-ever major trophy, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute strike sealed the victory, though controversy surrounded goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who escaped a red card before saving Omar Marmoush’s penalty.
Fans celebrated wildly across south London, with one lifelong supporter telling BBC London: "I've supported Palace for 46 years and I don't know if I ever thought I'd see this. Genuinely the best day of my sporting life." Manager Oliver Glasner, who previously led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory, completed his transformation of the Eagles into cup winners.
Newcastle’s 56-year wait over
Newcastle United ended decades of frustration by claiming their first League Cup with a 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool. Dan Burn, a boyhood Magpies fan, headed in the opener before Alexander Isak doubled the lead. Despite a late Liverpool consolation, Eddie Howe’s side held firm to secure their first major domestic trophy since 1955.
"We couldn't believe Dan Burn scored – he didn't train like that! He was a colossus for us," Howe joked post-match. Isak, reflecting on the victory, said: "When you have been without a trophy for so long, it can be in the back of your head. Hopefully, it is brighter days ahead."
Kane’s first career trophy
Harry Kane finally shed his "nearly man" tag as Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga triumph delivered his first major honour. The England captain, who also claimed the Golden Boot, described the moment as "a switch going off," unleashing years of pent-up emotion.
"It was almost like a switch went off, and all of a sudden it was just a lot of emotion, a lot of joy," Kane told BBC Sport. "To have [the Golden Boot] plus the title was just a perfect way to finish the season."
Spurs end 17-year trophy drought
Tottenham Hotspur banished their "nearly men" reputation by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final. Brennan Johnson’s scrappy first-half goal proved decisive, while Micky van de Ven’s acrobatic clearance and Guglielmo Vicario’s late saves sealed the win.
"I’m so happy right now. Honestly, this season hasn’t been good at all but I swear, not one of us players right now care about that," Johnson exclaimed. Manager Ange Postecoglou, who had boldly predicted the triumph, said: "The only thing that would change this football club is us winning something."
From Bologna’s Coppa Italia glory to Kane’s long-awaited medal, the 2024/25 season will forever be etched in football history as a year where droughts were finally broken.
