The 2024/25 football season was nothing short of a spectacle, marked by record-breaking performances, unforgettable matches, and intense competition both domestically and in European tournaments. As clubs across Europe and beyond battled for supremacy, fans were treated to a season that delivered on almost every front—drama, excellence, and unpredictability.
Premier League: A Tight Race at the Top
In the English Premier League, the 2024/25 campaign will be remembered for its extraordinary competitiveness. From the opening weekend to the final game, the title race involved no fewer than four clubs: Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United. Pep Guardiola’s City side once again asserted dominance, clinching their fifth title in six years, but only narrowly over a resurgent Arsenal team under Mikel Arteta.
The depth of the league was highlighted by the improvement of mid-table teams like Brighton and Aston Villa, both of which secured European spots. Meanwhile, the relegation battle was fierce and emotional, with historical clubs like Nottingham Forest and Burnley making desperate, last-ditch pushes for survival.
Champions League: A Season to Remember
The UEFA Champions League brought its usual flair and drama to the season. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid both looked formidable, but it was finally Paris Saint-Germain that broke their European curse, lifting the trophy in spectacular fashion. Kylian Mbappé, in what is widely expected to be his last season in Paris, played a pivotal role with a tournament-high 10 goals.
One of the most surprising stories was the rise of Galatasaray, who knocked out Manchester City in the quarterfinals and narrowly missed a spot in the final. Their blend of young talent and experienced leadership turned heads across the continent.
Standout Players and Performances
The 2024/25 season also treated fans to numerous individual masterclasses. While the focus was often on stars like Erling Haaland and Mbappé, several emerging stars made significant impacts:
- Jude Bellingham: The Real Madrid midfielder continued his dominant form, combining goals with strong leadership in midfield.
- Rasmus Højlund: Manchester United’s young forward began to fulfill his potential, scoring 20 league goals and contributing 8 assists.
- Florian Wirtz: Guided Bayer Leverkusen to a second-place Bundesliga finish and dazzled in the Europa League.
Goalkeepers also had a tremendous season. Alisson Becker and Mike Maignan both earned plaudits for their consistency and shot-stopping ability, contributing heavily to their teams’ defensive records.
Managerial Masterstrokes and Tactics
The season was a canvas for tactical innovation. Guardiola’s fluid midfield experiment yielded impressive ball retention, while Xabi Alonso’s high-intensity pressing system at Bayer Leverkusen earned him accolades as one of the season’s best coaches. In Italy, Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi orchestrated a seamless transition from defensive solidity to attacking flair, resulting in an 18-point Serie A triumph.
Interestingly, several clubs took bold steps by appointing younger managers. Vincent Kompany’s struggle at Bayern Munich, however, showed that youth and reputation alone are not always enough in elite football environments.
Global Impact and Fan Experience
Beyond the pitch, the 2024/25 season demonstrated football’s ever-growing global reach. Stadium attendances reached a post-pandemic high, and the advancement of streaming deals enabled fans from Asia, Africa, and the Americas to experience top-tier football more intimately than ever.
VAR remained a hot topic, with continued criticism over inconsistent decisions. FIFA has signaled changes may be coming for the 2025/26 season, especially after controversy in the Champions League semifinal where a disallowed goal sparked widespread debate.
Final Verdict: A Season to Remember
So, how good was the 2024/25 football season? In short: exceptional. It offered quality, excitement, and moments that will be etched into the fabric of football history. From dramatic last-minute winners to tactical masterclasses and breakout stars, fans were given more than enough reason to fall deeper in love with the beautiful game.
While no season is without its flaws, the positives of 2024/25 far outweighed the negatives. If this season has set the bar, the next will have its work cut out to inspire football lovers across the globe to the same degree.