The Biggest Winners & Losers of the 2024-25 European Football Season – Ranked
The 2024-25 European football season delivered unforgettable drama, remarkable turnarounds, and crushing disappointments. From long-awaited title triumphs to spectacular collapses, the year was filled with emotional highs and lows across the continent.
While some clubs rewrote their history with silverware and glory, others were left to reflect on wasted opportunities and failed ambitions. Here's a breakdown of the teams that rose to the occasion – and those that fell flat when it mattered most.
Barcelona – Winner
Despite all the off-field chaos, Barcelona delivered a spectacular season under Hansi Flick. With La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa trophies secured, and thrilling football throughout, the Catalans returned to their former glory.
Inter – Loser
Inter’s season unraveled dramatically. A crushing 5-0 loss in the Champions League final to PSG, coupled with surrendering the Serie A title and a Coppa Italia exit, marked the painful end of an era.
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Liverpool – Winner
Arne Slot's debut season was a dream, as he guided Liverpool to the Premier League title with four games to spare. His calm leadership and subtle tactical tweaks made a massive impact.
Ajax – Loser
Ajax collapsed spectacularly after leading the Eredivisie by nine points with just seven games left. Their historic title choke cost Francesco Farioli his job and stunned Dutch football.
Chelsea – Winner
Chelsea's chaotic rebuild bore fruit as they won the Conference League and returned to the Champions League. Cole Palmer’s rise and the team’s youthful energy proved decisive.
Bayer Leverkusen – Loser
After last season’s fairytale, Leverkusen crumbled. With Xabi Alonso gone and star players leaving, the dream ended as quickly as it began, leaving fans heartbroken.
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Tottenham – Winner
Spurs finally shed the ‘bottle job’ tag by winning the Europa League. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, the trophy and UCL qualification made it a season to celebrate.
AC Milan – Loser
Milan finished a miserable eighth in Serie A and were humiliated in the Coppa Italia final. With constant managerial chaos, fans demanded the club’s entire leadership step down.
Crystal Palace – Winner
Palace shocked the world by winning the FA Cup, their first major trophy ever. Oliver Glasner’s tactical masterclass in the final against Man City delivered pure euphoria to their fans.
Real Madrid – Loser
Even with Kylian Mbappe, Madrid ended the season empty-handed. Internal imbalance, injuries, and an underwhelming squad left Los Blancos reeling and searching for solutions.
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Napoli – Winner
Antonio Conte once again worked his magic, turning 10th-placed Napoli into Serie A champions. It was a tactical masterclass and further proof of Conte’s legendary domestic record.
Manchester City – Loser
City’s trophyless season was Pep Guardiola’s worst in management. Injuries, poor squad rotation, and a humiliating FA Cup final loss to Palace exposed major cracks.
Paris Saint-Germain – Winner
PSG finally lifted the Champions League trophy, and they did it in style with a 5-0 demolition of Inter. Luis Enrique’s dynamic side earned long-overdue continental glory.
Stuttgart – Winner
Stuttgart brought home the DFB-Pokal for the first time in 28 years. Their 4-2 win over Arminia Bielefeld capped off a dream season for the club and its loyal fans.
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Newcastle – Winner
Newcastle ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup. The Magpies’ passionate supporters finally got the celebration they’ve been waiting decades for.
Bologna – Winner
Bologna shocked Italian football by lifting the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1974. Their gritty 1-0 win over AC Milan was one for the history books.
Bayern Munich – Winner
Harry Kane ended his infamous trophy drought by winning the Bundesliga. The English striker scored 26 goals in 31 matches, finally getting the silverware he deserved.
