FOR JOHNSON, FOR SON, FOR THE WHITE HARTS OF TOTTENHAM
Tottenham end a 17-year trophy drought and choker tag as they defeat Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao, with Johnson's goal bringing joy to the White Harts of North London.
In a season of the underdogs, Tottenham, one of football’s biggest chokers, ended a 17-year trophy drought as Brennan Johnson’s only goal brought joy to the white side of North London and his teammate Heung Min Son.
Seventeen years. That’s how long Tottenham Hotspur fans had been waiting. Not since 2008 had they tasted silverware, and their last European triumph? 1984. But on May 21, 2025, in Bilbao’s San Mamés Stadium, that drought ended. A scrappy 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final brought the glory back to North London.
The match’s only goal came just before halftime. Brennan Johnson, seizing a moment of chaos in United’s box, bundled the ball into the net. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective, as that single moment defined the game and etched Johnson’s name into Spurs’ history.
Tottenham’s victory wasn’t just about that goal. It was about grit, determination, and a rock-solid defense. Cristian Romero, named Man of the Match, led the backline with authority alongside Van De Ven, who made a fantastic goal line clearance, while goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made crucial saves to keep United at bay with a series of wonderful stops from Garnacho and Bruno Fernandez.
Manager Ange Postecoglou, known for his attacking style, made a surprising tactical shift as Spurs adopted a more defensive approach, focusing on containment rather than flair, and this strategy paid off, as they limited United’s chances and secured the win.
Manchester United had their chances. Amad Diallo’s early effort flashed across the goal, and Rasmus Højlund saw a shot cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven. But they couldn’t find the back of the net. Frustration boiled over, with United making hasty decisions after decisions as the clock counted down till the final whistle.
As the referee blew the final whistle, the fans were in ecstasy with a huge weight off their shoulders of being one of football’s consistent chokers, with the jubilations wild across the stadium and in England for those who couldn’t make it to the game.
For captain Son Heung-min, this victory was personal. After a decade at the club, lifting the Europa League trophy was a defining moment, as rival fans and neutrals were emotional at a loyal servant with immense quality lifting a trophy at Tottenham with his leadership and goals, important additions to the team.
James Maddison, sidelined due to injury, also stole the show, donning full kit for the celebrations as he took a playful jab at pundit Roy Keane, dedicating the win to him with Keane’s earlier criticisms met with Maddison’s cheeky response and banter, adding a touch of humor to the occasion.
This win was more than just a trophy. It secured Tottenham a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League and marked an end to a season of mixed results. For Postecoglou, it was a fulfillment of his promise to deliver silverware in his second season. For the fans, a moment of redemption as they end the season in jubilations.
For Manchester United, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow and exposed the underbelly of a former European giant in perhaps its worst phase as a club. Finishing 16th in the Premier League and missing out on European competition next season, the club faces a period of introspection from the players down to the manager, Ruben Amorim, who has acknowledged the challenges, expressing his willingness to step up or aside if necessary.
The 2025 Europa League final will be remembered not for its flair but for its significance. A scrappy goal, a tactical masterclass, and a long-awaited trophy marking another glorious night for an underdog. an end of a drought and maybe the beginning of a new chapter at Tottenham
For Manchester United, it is a call to rebuild and refocus because in football, as in life, there is always time to bounce back from failure, but it’s the winners at present that count.
