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From Champions League glory to Ballon d’Or brilliance: Five moments that defined football in 2025

Historic titles, global dominance, individual brilliance, and record-breaking milestones defined football’s most memorable moments in 2025

By Aritra Chatterjee

Dec 30, 2025 19:39 IST

2025 belongs to the firsts, and fairy tales. This year stood out for fairy tale achievements and Long-standing waits ended, new global champions emerged and individual brilliance reached historic heights.

These are the five moments that defined the footballing narrative of the year

PSG finally lift the UEFA Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain achieved the ultimate European championship by winning their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. After years of near misses, PSG delivered a standout campaign and it turned out to be the club’s European identity.

Chelsea won the first-ever Club World Cup

Chelsea became the first champions of FIFA Club World Cup. The victory showed their sustained dominance beyond Europe and established an early benchmark in the tournament’s new global format.

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Ousmane Dembélé wins the Ballon d’Or

Ousmane Dembélé claimed the Ballon d’Or, for the first time after a career-defining season. His winning role for PSG and consistency at the highest level made him football’s standout individual performer of 2025.

Portugal reaffirms international supremacy

Portugal’s national football team lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy, which marks their return to international dominance. Their hero Cristiano Ronaldo continued rewriting history by pushing his career tally beyond 950 goals. His scoring longevity remained one of the most extraordinary records in modern football.

Messi won the MLS Cup

After a decisive campaign, Inter Miami FC won the MLS cup and Messi scored 29 goals in total throughout the season. He appeared 28 times and was involved in 48 attempts. Inter Miami won the final defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a 3-1 scoreline.

ALSO READ | Five times controversy overshadowed football and shook the global game in 2025

As 2025 comes to an end, 2026 will surely be an exciting year for football, with the World Cup ahead,2026 is all set to bring extravaganza and excitement.

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Five times controversy overshadowed football and shook the global game in 2025

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