The 2024/25 football season will forever be etched in the annals of history as a period of profound redemption and long-awaited glory. From the thunderous roar of Wembley to the ecstatic celebrations across Europe, several clubs and prominent players finally broke enduring trophy droughts, delivering moments that will be cherished for generations. This wasn’t just about winning silverware; it was about overcoming decades of near-misses, heartbreaking defeats, and unfulfilled dreams.
Clubs That Ended Long Trophy Droughts
1. Newcastle United – Carabao Cup (First Domestic Trophy in 70 Years)
The Magpies, affectionately known as the Toon Army, brought an end to an agonizing 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy, securing the Carabao Cup. Under the astute guidance of Eddie Howe, Newcastle triumphed over formidable opponents Liverpool with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the final at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025.
The atmosphere at St. James’ Park, even from afar, crackled with anticipation and belief throughout their cup run. The final itself was a nail-biting affair. Newcastle took the lead through a powerful header from local hero Dan Burn in the final minute of the first half, off a Kieran Trippier corner. Just after the break, Alexander Isak doubled their advantage with a precise half-volley, sending the black and white half of Wembley into delirium. Despite a late consolation goal from Federico Chiesa for Liverpool in added time, Newcastle held firm, clinching their first domestic silverware since the 1954-55 FA Cup. This victory ignited fervent celebrations across Tyneside, signaling a new era of ambition and success for the club under its recent ownership. Their journey to the final included impressive wins over Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, showcasing their growing prowess.
2. Crystal Palace – FA Cup (First Major Trophy in 119 Years)
In arguably the most romantic story of the season, Crystal Palace etched their name into football folklore by winning their first-ever major trophy in their 119-year history. They achieved this by stunning the mighty Manchester City with a sensational 1-0 victory in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 17, 2025.
The Eagles, led by tactical mastermind Oliver Glasner, executed a defensive masterclass combined with clinical counter-attacking. The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Eberechi Eze produced a moment of magic, sweeping home Daniel Munoz’s cross to give Palace a shock lead. While City pressed relentlessly, their efforts were repeatedly thwarted, most notably by the heroics of Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who not only made several crucial saves but also famously stopped an Omar Marmoush penalty in the first half after Haaland surprisingly handed over spot-kick duties. This penalty save was arguably as celebrated as Eze’s goal, cementing Henderson’s place in Palace lore. The victory was a culmination of a brilliant FA Cup campaign where Palace overcame several strong teams, including Aston Villa in the semi-finals. This triumph not only brought long-awaited silverware to Selhurst Park but also secured Palace’s first-ever qualification for European competition, marking a phenomenal turning point for the South London club.
3. Bologna – Coppa Italia (First Trophy in 51 Years)
In Italy, Bologna ended their 51-year wait for a major trophy, securing the Coppa Italia by defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final on May 14, 2025, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This marked their third Coppa Italia title, and their first national title since 1974.
The Rossoblù, traditionally a proud club with a rich history, had endured decades of underperformance and instability. Their Coppa Italia triumph was a testament to their resurgence. The winning goal came in the 53rd minute from Dan Ndoye, who skillfully evaded defenders to strike the ball into the net. The match was a tightly contested affair, with both sides creating chances, but Bologna’s resilience and clinical finishing proved to be the difference. The victory sparked emotional celebrations among the Bologna faithful, who had patiently waited for over half a century to see their club lift silverware again. This win not only brought a trophy but also signaled Bologna’s return to prominence in Italian football.
Players Who Won Their First Major Trophy
1. Harry Kane – Bundesliga Title with Bayern Munich
After years of near misses and the unfortunate label of being one of football’s greatest players without a major team trophy, Harry Kane finally broke his duck. Following his high-profile move from Tottenham Hotspur, Kane immediately made an impact, helping Bayern Munich clinch the Bundesliga title in the 2024/25 season.
Kane’s influence was undeniable. He finished the season as the Bundesliga’s top scorer, securing the Torjägerkanone for the second consecutive season in Germany, a historic feat as the first player to do so in his first two Bundesliga campaigns. His prolific goal-scoring — contributing 26 goals to Bayern’s title triumph — provided the cutting edge that led to his long-awaited team success. The sight of Kane lifting the Bundesliga Meisterschale was a moment of immense satisfaction for the England captain and football fans worldwide, finally validating his individual brilliance with collective glory.
2. Victor Osimhen – Turkish Cup with Galatasaray
Nigerian powerhouse striker Victor Osimhen also celebrated his first major club trophy, leading Galatasaray to their Turkish Cup title since 2019. On loan from Napoli, Osimhen proved to be a sensational acquisition, particularly in the final against Trabzonspor, where he scored a crucial brace.
Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray, after a challenging period at Napoli, was seen by some as a career reset. However, he exploded onto the Turkish football scene, becoming a symbol of Galatasaray’s double-winning campaign (they also won the Super Lig). His 36 goals across all competitions, including 5 in the Turkish Cup, highlighted his incredible impact. His two goals in the Turkish Cup final against Trabzonspor were instrumental in securing the trophy, earning him instant cult status among the passionate Galatasaray fans and marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Other Notable Trophy Wins
- Stuttgart – German Cup (First Trophy Since 2007): VfB Stuttgart ended their 18-year wait for silverware by clinching the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). Their journey to the final was impressive, culminating in a victory over 3. Liga side Arminia Bielefeld at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. This success marked their first major trophy since their Bundesliga triumph in 2007, solidifying their resurgence in German football.
- Arminia Bielefeld – German Cup Finalists (First-Ever Major Trophy Final): While not lifting the trophy, Arminia Bielefeld made history by reaching their first-ever DFB-Pokal final. As a 3. Liga side, their fairytale run to the final, which included giant-killing victories over several Bundesliga teams like Bayer Leverkusen (the reigning champions), Werder Bremen, and Freiburg, captivated German football. Their achievement of reaching the final was a monumental success in itself, showcasing the magic of cup competitions.
- Tottenham Hotspur – Europa League (First Trophy in 17 Years): In a monumental moment for the North London club, Tottenham Hotspur finally ended their 17-year trophy drought, clinching the UEFA Europa League. In a dramatic final, Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0. Brennan Johnson’s crucial goal three minutes before halftime secured their first major trophy since the 2008 League Cup. This victory was particularly sweet for the long-suffering Spurs faithful, as it not only brought silverware but also secured a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, despite their domestic league struggles.
Conclusion: A Season of Unforgettable Redemption
The 2024/25 football season has truly been one for the history books, defined by monumental achievements and the joyous end to protracted trophy droughts. From the sustained brilliance of Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in England to the resurgence of Bologna in Italy, and the individual triumphs of perennial winners like Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, this season has underscored the enduring appeal of football’s unpredictable narrative. These historic wins are not just about the trophies themselves, but the incredible stories of perseverance, tactical innovation, and the unwavering hope of fans that ultimately led to unforgettable moments of redemption.
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