Highlighting the Key Moments in Football: A Year in Review for 2025

Reflecting on an entire year of football through twelve significant dates is no small feat. The editorial team at 90min has taken on this challenge to officially close out 2025. From January to December, here are the twelve most notable days in the football world.

1. January 7: Didier Deschamps Announces Departure from France National Team

As the new year kicked off, Didier Deschamps made headlines by publicly announcing that he would not extend his contract with the French national team beyond the 2026 World Cup. He stated, “I have been here since 2012, and my contract runs through 2026, but it will end there. It’s clear in my mind. I’ve done my time with the same passion to keep France at the highest level. But 2026 is a good point to stop,” he told TF1.

2. February 22: Pablo Longoria’s Outburst in Auxerre

After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Auxerre in Ligue 1, Olympique de Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria, lost his temper. In the stadium corridors, he shouted about “real corruption” following controversial red cards. The next day, he publicly apologized, saying, “The form was inappropriate, and I regret that word. There is no corruption in French football.”

3. March 11: PSG Eliminates Liverpool at Anfield

Despite a first-leg defeat at Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain arrived at Anfield with determination. In an electrifying match, they managed to level the score, thanks to a goal from Ousmane Dembélé, and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a tense penalty shootout. Key performances from Gianluigi Donnarumma and a cool-headed Désiré Doué were crucial for the Parisians.

4. April 8: Declan Rice Stuns Real Madrid

In a memorable Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, Declan Rice scored two phenomenal free-kicks, one at the 58th minute and another at the 70th, sealing a significant victory for Arsenal. His performance will long be remembered in the annals of Champions League history.

5. May 31: PSG Wins Champions League Against Inter Milan

In a historic moment, Paris Saint-Germain claimed their first-ever Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich. Goals from Achraf Hakimi, two from Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Mayulu highlighted a thrilling match that capped a remarkable season under Luis Enrique.

6. June 9: Xabi Alonso’s First Training Session with Real Madrid

Announced as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, Xabi Alonso led his first training session with Real Madrid, marking the beginning of a new era as they prepared for the Club World Cup.

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7. July 3: Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva

The football community mourned the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car accident in Spain at ages 28 and 26, respectively. Their passing left a profound impact on the world of football, prompting tributes from fans and fellow players.

8. August 31: Liverpool Completes Historic Transfer Window with Alexander Isak

In the final hours of the summer transfer window, Liverpool secured the signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle for a record €145 million, capping off a historic spending spree that totaled nearly €500 million, which included other notable signings.

9. September 22: Ousmane Dembélé Wins Ballon d’Or

In a night filled with excitement, Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or. While the ceremony coincided with a crucial Clasico match, Dembélé’s award recognized his outstanding season with PSG, moving him to tears.

10. October 26: Mbappé and Bellingham Lead Real Madrid to Clasico Victory

In a thrilling Clasico at Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid edged out Barcelona 2-1, with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham shining as key players. This marked Xabi Alonso’s first win as manager and Hansi Flick’s first loss in charge of Barcelona.

11. November 18: Curaçao Qualifies for World Cup 2026

In a historic achievement, Curaçao qualified for the 2026 World Cup by holding Jamaica to a draw. The Caribbean island became the smallest nation ever to secure a spot in the tournament, setting the stage for a challenging group that includes Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.

12. December 20: Mbappé Matches Ronaldo’s Record

On his 27th birthday, Kylian Mbappé made history by scoring a penalty against Sevilla, equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 59 goals in a calendar year for Real Madrid. His celebration paid homage to the Portuguese star.