2025: A Landmark Year in Sports with Historic Wins and Records
A Year of Unprecedented Achievements
The year 2025 will be etched in history as the time when the 'impossible' became a reality. From the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) breaking their Indian Premier League (IPL) title drought to Neeraj Chopra achieving a remarkable javelin throw over 90 meters, this year was filled with significant victories and record-setting performances. Let's revisit the most memorable sports moments of 2025.
RCB Ends 18-Year Title Drought
RCB made history by finally clinching their first IPL trophy after an agonizing wait of 18 years. The team, led by Virat Kohli, triumphed over Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a narrow margin of six runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Chasing a target of 191, Punjab fell short at 184/7, thanks to a stellar bowling display from Krunal Pandya, who took 2 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs, earning him the Player of the Match award.
South Africa Claims First WTC Title
South Africa finally shed their 'chokers' label by winning their inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title at Lord's. They defeated Australia, marking a significant achievement as it was their first major ICC trophy in 27 years, since the 1998 Champions Trophy. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas successfully chased down a daunting target of 282 runs in the fourth innings, with Aiden Markram scoring 136 and Bavuma contributing a crucial 66.
Indian Women's Cricket Team Crowned Champions
The Indian women's cricket team reached new heights by defeating South Africa at DY Patil Stadium to secure their first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title. After previous disappointments in 2005 and 2017, Harmanpreet Kaur's team delivered a stellar performance, winning by 52 runs. Shafali Verma's impressive 87 runs and Deepti Sharma's remarkable bowling figures of 5 wickets for 39 runs were pivotal in this historic victory.
Rohit Sharma Achieves ODI Milestone
At 38, Rohit Sharma reached a significant career milestone by attaining the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings on October 29, with 781 rating points. His ascent to the top followed a remarkable Player-of-the-Series performance against Australia, where he scored 202 runs, including a fifty and an unbeaten 121 in Sydney.
India Ends 12-Year Wait for Champions Trophy
India secured the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final on March 9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This victory was particularly sweet as it marked the end of a 12-year drought for the title, with their last win in 2013 under MS Dhoni. Rohit Sharma's captaincy was instrumental, as he scored 76 runs in the final, leading the team to an undefeated tournament.
Hobart Hurricanes Win BBL Title
On January 27, the Hobart Hurricanes celebrated their first Big Bash League title. In a thrilling final against Sydney Thunder, Mitchell Owen scored 108 runs off just 42 balls, equaling the record for the fastest century in the competition, leading his team to chase down 183 runs with nearly six overs remaining.
Harry Kane's Trophy Triumph
After 15 years in professional football without a trophy, Harry Kane finally tasted success with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and scoring over 30 goals in the 2024-25 season. He was honored as the 'German Footballing Personality of the Year,' breaking the so-called 'Kane Curse.'
Crystal Palace's Historic FA Cup Win
The most surprising moment of the year occurred on May 17, when Crystal Palace ended a 119-year wait for a major trophy by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final. An early goal from Eberechi Eze and a crucial penalty save by Dean Henderson secured the club's first major silverware.
Tottenham Spurs Break 17-Year Title Drought
On May 21, Tottenham Spurs finally added to their trophy cabinet by winning the UEFA Europa League, defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final held in Bilbao. Brennan Johnson's first-half goal marked their first major title since 2008 and their first European trophy since 1984.
PSG Wins First UEFA Champions League Title
Paris Saint-Germain achieved a historic milestone by winning their first UEFA Champions League title on May 31, with a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final held in Munich, solidifying their dominance in European football.
Inter Miami's MLS Cup Victory
Inter Miami clinched their first MLS Cup on December 6, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1. Lionel Messi was named the match MVP after providing two assists, marking a significant achievement for the club just five years after joining the league.
Newcastle United Ends 70-Year Trophy Drought
On March 16, Newcastle United celebrated a long-awaited victory by lifting the Carabao Cup after defeating Liverpool 2-1. This marked their first major domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup, with goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak ending a seven-decade wait.
Neeraj Chopra Breaks 90-Meter Barrier
Neeraj Chopra, known as the 'Golden Boy,' finally broke the 90-meter barrier at the Doha Diamond League on May 16, achieving a throw of 90.23 meters. Although he finished second in the event, he set a new Indian national record and became only the 25th man in history to surpass the prestigious 90-meter mark.