Year of Underdogs
Straps: Trophy droughts ended, legends born — 2025 is turning out to be the year the underdogs finally had their say
Blurb:
For years, Paris Saint-Germain chased the Champions League like a mirage—close enough to dream, yet always out of reach. Lavish spending, superstar signings, and countless heartbreaks defined their European journey. But in 2025, the wait ended in spectacular style.
Byline: Rakesh Ganesh
Every so often, a year comes along that rewrites the script — and 2025, so far, has done just that. It’s not just another year; it’s shaping up to be a global redemption story in cricket and football. In just six months, lifelong heartbreaks have turned into tears of joy as age-old trophy droughts finally ended. From South Africa’s long-awaited cricket triumph to Bologna’s fairytale rise in football, the underdogs have stolen the spotlight. Dreams once deemed impossible are now etched in gold. Could this be the most magical year in sports history? Welcome to the Year of the Underdogs — where hope, heartbreak, and history collided to create legends.
RCB
Eighteen years. That’s how long Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their loyal sea of red waited—for joy, for vindication, for one glorious night to silence every mocking voice. Under the composed leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB finally delivered a campaign of balance, grit, and brilliance that shattered the narrative of eternal heartbreak. The image that brought the IPL to a standstill? Virat Kohli, eyes glistening, lifting the one trophy that had long eluded him. It was more than just a title; it was the culmination of loyalty, legacy, and a love story written in sweat and belief. In 2025, RCB didn’t just win—they conquered history.
South Africa
For decades, South Africa carried a cruel nickname – “chokers”, a label that haunted generations. But in 2025, they flipped the script with poetic precision. In a thrilling ICC World Test Championship Final, they outclassed the mighty Australians with a blend of poise, power, and purpose. Aiden Markram’s defiant century, Temba Bavuma’s elegance under pressure, and a collective team roar finally brought the elusive world title home after 27-long years. As they stood tall amidst thunderous applause, the Proteas didn’t just win a match—they reclaimed their identity. Mark Boucher’s prophecy came true – this was the spark to inspire a cricketing revolution. The world didn’t just watch. It sang, “It’s time for Africa.”
Bologna FC
The magic of 2025 wasn’t confined to cricket alone—it swept across football pitches too. In Italy, Bologna FC scripted a fairy tale that echoed through time. After 51 long years of waiting, they finally tasted silverware, lifting the Coppa Italia in a gritty 1–0 triumph over AC Milan. Dan Ndoye’s lone strike at the Stadio Olimpico wasn’t just a goal, it was a spark that ignited generations of passion and pride. This wasn’t merely a cup win; it was a revival of legacy, a tribute to tradition, and a reward for decades of unwavering belief.
Crystal Palace
If there was ever a story that defined the spirit of perseverance, it was Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph. After a staggering 119-year wait, the Eagles soared to their first-ever major trophy, stunning football’s elite. Eberechi Eze’s moment of brilliance and Dean Henderson’s heroic saves sealed a 1–0 win over Manchester City—a true David vs. Goliath moment. This wasn’t just history, it was proof that in football, no dream is ever too old to come true.
Newcastle United
Wembley witnessed a thunderous resurgence as Newcastle United ended a 56-year domestic trophy drought by clinching the EFL Cup. Their 2–1 victory over Liverpool wasn’t just about silverware, it was a roar from the North, a message that the Magpies are back. For a club steeped in tradition and longing, this win rekindled pride and reawakened a fanbase that had waited far too long. From 1955 to 2025—Newcastle’s redemption was finally complete.
PSG
For years, Paris Saint-Germain chased the Champions League like a mirage—close enough to dream, yet always out of reach. Lavish spending, superstar signings, and countless heartbreaks defined their European journey. But in 2025, the wait ended in spectacular style. Under the masterful command of Luis Enrique, PSG dismantled Inter Milan with a jaw-dropping 5–0 victory in the final. It wasn’t just a win; it was a coronation. A perfect storm of tactical sharpness and youthful flair, PSG’s triumph finally silenced the sceptics and crowned them kings of Europe at last.
Harry Kane & Tottenham
For Harry Kane, greatness was never in question—but glory always seemed just out of reach. Branded the “trophy virgin” despite his record-breaking goal tallies, Kane’s story was one of personal brilliance overshadowed by collective emptiness. In 2024, he chose to part ways from Tottenham Hotspur and joined Bayern Munich, a move seen as a final attempt to rewrite his legacy. And rewrite he did. Kane led Bayern to their 33rd Bundesliga title, topping the scoring charts with 26 goals and 8 assists, finally capturing the silverware that had long eluded him.
But the twist? Tottenham thrived too. What looked like heartbreak turned out to be healing. Spurs ended a 17-year wait by winning the UEFA Europa League, edging Manchester United 1–0 in a gritty final in Bilbao thanks to Brennan Johnson’s clinical finish. The club not only lifted a long-overdue trophy but punched their ticket back into the Champions League. What once seemed like a devastating split turned into mutual transformation—proof that sometimes, parting ways is the beginning of two success stories.
In a world often ruled by giants, 2025 reminded us that magic still exists—and sometimes, the underdogs write the most unforgettable stories.