2025 emerged as the year of redemption in global sports, where long-suffering teams finally quenched their trophy thirsts, turning perennial underdogs into champions.
From football pitches to cricket ovals, these breakthroughs weren't mere wins; they were emotional odysseys, shattering curses and inspiring underachievers worldwide. As we reflect, it's clear: persistence, strategic overhauls, and a dash of destiny ended eras of heartbreak.
PSG winning UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won their first UEFA Champions League (UCL) title in the 2024-25 season. They achieved a historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final held at Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025, marking the largest margin in a UCL final since 1956. This triumph completed a treble, including
Ligue 1 and Coupe de France, under coach Luis Enrique.
Goals came from Achraf Hakimi (12'), Desire Doue (twice, 20' and 63'), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (73'), and Senny Mayulu (86'), with the 19-year-old Doue becoming the first teenager to score twice in a final since Eusebio in 1962.
RCB winning IPL
In a fairy tale finish after years of suffering, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted their first IPL title in 2025. The team, led by Rajat Patidar, beat Punjab Kings in the final by 6 runs to cap off a stunning night. Virat Kohli also got his hands on the IPL trophy for the first time, but the next day turned horrendous at the Chinnaswamy Stadium as chaos led to stampede, which killed many fans.
Crystal Palace winning FA Cup
Crystal Palace won the FA Cup in 2025, securing their first major trophy in 120 years with a historic 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the final at Wembley Stadium on May 17. Eberechi Eze scored the decisive goal in the 16th minute, volleying in a cross from Daniel MuÑoz after a swift counterattack, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson starred by saving an Omar Marmoush penalty and making crucial stops against Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
South Africa win World Test Championship
South Africa clinched their first ICC title in 27 years by defeating Australia by five wickets in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's on June 14. Aiden Markram's masterful 136 guided the chase of 282, partnering with captain Temba Bavuma's gritty 66 despite injury, in a 147-run stand that steadied nerves. Kagiso Rabada dominated with 9/110 across both innings, including a first-innings 5/51 that rattled Australia.
India win Hockey Asia Cup
India clinched the Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 title by defeating South Korea 4-1 in the final at Rajgir Sports Complex, thus ending their 8-year-wait for the silverware. Sukhjeet Singh scored early, Dilpreet Singh netted a brace, and Amit Rohidas added one, ending an eight-year drought for their fourth championship. This victory secured direct qualification for the Hockey World Cup 2026 as well.
India topped the Super 4 stage with wins over Malaysia (4-1) and China, after a 2-2 draw with South Korea. Captain Harmanpreet Singh orchestrated key plays, marking his 250th cap against Malaysia.
A Champions Trophy after 12 Years
After the T20 World Cup 2024 victory, the Indian men's Cricket team continued their brilliance by winning the Champions Trophy in 2025, thus ending their wait for the crown of 12 years. Rohit Sharma-led India beat New Zealand by 4 wickets in the final as they secured an unbeaten campaign in UAE. Virat Kohli was the star of the tournament with multiple centuries, while Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy shone with the ball.
India Women's win ODI World Cup
India's women's cricket team achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever ICC Women's ODI World Cup in 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Batting first, India posted 298/7, powered by Shafali Verma's explosive 87 and Deepti Sharma's composed 58, setting a challenging target. South Africa, chasing 299, crumbled from 209/5 to 246 all out, with Deepti Sharma's match-winning 5/39 dismantling their middle order despite Laura Wolvaardt's valiant knock.
Shafali Verma, who was picked for the tournament after an injury to Pratika Rawal, was the Player of the Match in the final. Deepti Sharma became the Player of the Tournament.
