Year-Ender 2025: Sport has always thrived on stories of redemption, resilience and quiet defiance, and 2025 delivered those narratives in abundance. It
was a year when long-standing labels were finally shed, careers written off were spectacularly revived, and underdogs rose to conquer the biggest stages.
Across continents and disciplines, athletes pushed through years of criticism, injury setbacks, physical limitations and systemic neglect to claim moments that redefined their legacies. These were not just victories measured in trophies or medals, but triumphs of belief - earned after enduring doubt, pressure and prolonged struggle.
From football and cricket to para-sport and shooting, 2025 reminded the sporting world that perseverance often finds its reward, even if it arrives later than expected.
1) Harry Kane: Few modern footballers have carried an unwanted label as heavily as Harry Kane. Despite being among the most lethal strikers of his generation, trophies stubbornly eluded him during his Premier League years. The jokes, criticism and sympathy followed relentlessly. That long wait finally ended in 2025 when Kane lifted his first major silverware as Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga. The sight of Kane celebrating with the trophy was more than just a title win - it was a moment of vindication that silenced years of scepticism and reframed his legacy.
2) Shafali Verma: In cricket, Shafali Verma scripted one of the year's most dramatic turnarounds. Initially sidelined from India's World Cup plans, but later came as an injury replacement to seize the biggest stage. Shafali emerged as a World Cup hero, earning Player of the Match honours in the final against South Africa with a commanding 87 while also contributing with the ball as India clinched their maiden ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title. Her year was further embellished by an ICC Player of the Month award, a historic Test double century and explosive T20 performances, reaffirming her place as India's premier aggressor.
3) Ousmane Dembele: Football witnessed another remarkable revival through Ousmane Dembele. Once plagued by injuries and inconsistency, the French winger's perseverance culminated in the ultimate individual honour - the 2025 Ballon d'Or. For a player written off multiple times, the award symbolised resilience and redemption, marking one of sport's most uplifting moments of the year. He also won the UEFA Champions League with PSG as well.
4) Sheetal Devi: India's para-sport movement reached new heights through Sheetal Devi, who created history by becoming the first female armless world champion. Her gold medal at the Para World Archery Championships in Gwangju, achieved by defeating world number one Oznur Cure, was a defining statement of courage and excellence.
5) Samrat Rana: Completing the list is shooter Samrat Rana, whose journey from a backyard training range to global glory stunned the sporting world. The 20-year-old became India's first individual world champion in an Olympic pistol event, winning gold in the men's 10m air pistol at the ISSF World Championships after defeating the world number one.
Together, these stories defined 2025 - a year when belief conquered adversity and champions rose against all odds.
