The 2024/25 football season will go down in history as the year of the underdog—a time when hope triumphed over history and long-suffering fans finally had their day in the sun.
Across Europe, four storied clubs shattered the chains of their trophyless pasts, igniting wild celebrations and rewriting their legacies. In this blog post, we’ll relive the emotional journeys of Newcastle United, Go Ahead Eagles, Bologna, and Crystal Palace, exploring how each team ended their agonizing wait for silverware and what it means for their future.
Table of Contents
1. Newcastle United: Carabao Cup Glory After 70 Years
For generations, Newcastle United’s passionate supporters have filled St. James’ Park with dreams of glory, only to see those hopes dashed time and again.
The Magpies’ last major domestic trophy came in 1955, and since then, near-misses and heartbreaks have defined their modern era. But in March 2025, the city of Newcastle was transformed into a sea of black and white as Eddie Howe’s men finally delivered.
Facing a formidable Liverpool side at Wembley, Newcastle played with grit and determination. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak sealed a 2-1 victory, ending a 70-year wait for a major trophy.
The celebrations spilled into the streets, with fans chanting, “We don’t do quiet!”—a fitting tribute to their unwavering loyalty. With another Champions League qualification on the horizon, Newcastle’s sleeping giant status may finally be a thing of the past.
This victory was more than just a win; it was a release of decades of pent-up emotion. For the fans who had witnessed heartbreak after heartbreak, this was a moment to savor.
The city came alive with parades, fireworks, and a sense of unity that only football can bring. Newcastle’s triumph is a testament to perseverance and the power of belief, showing that even the longest droughts can be broken with the right mix of talent, leadership, and passion.
2. Go Ahead Eagles: Dutch Cup Triumph After 92 Years
Few stories capture the magic of football quite like Go Ahead Eagles’ KNVB Cup run. The Dutch club, on the verge of a century without a trophy, stunned the football world by knocking out PSV Eindhoven in the semi-finals. The final against AZ Alkmaar in Rotterdam was a rollercoaster of emotions.
AZ took the lead through a Troy Parrot penalty, but in the ninth minute of stoppage time, Mats Deijl kept his cool to equalize for Go Ahead Eagles. The match went to penalties, and when Mayckel Lahdo missed for AZ, history was made.
Go Ahead Eagles lifted their first-ever KNVB Cup, their first major honor since being crowned Dutch champions in 1933. The victory was a testament to resilience and belief, proving that in football, anything is possible.
The scenes in Rotterdam were unforgettable. Players and fans alike were overcome with emotion, many in tears as they realized the magnitude of their achievement. For a club that had spent decades in the shadows, this was a moment of pure joy. The victory not only brought silverware but also renewed hope for the future, inspiring a new generation of fans to dream big.
3. Bologna: Coppa Italia Champions After 51 Years
Bologna’s resurgence has been one of the most inspiring stories in Italian football. After securing Champions League football last season, many wondered if the departure of head coach Thiago Motta and several key players would halt their momentum. Instead, Bologna rose to the occasion, capturing the Coppa Italia for the first time in 51 years.
The final against AC Milan in Rome was a tense affair, but Dan Ndoye’s 53rd-minute goal proved decisive. Under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, who had previously suffered heartbreak in cup finals with Fiorentina, Bologna finally tasted victory.
The win not only ended a half-century drought but also signalled Bologna’s return to the upper echelons of Italian football. For the fans, it was a night they will never forget—a moment of pure joy and vindication.
Bologna’s journey to the Coppa Italia was marked by determination and teamwork. The players fought for every ball, and the fans provided unwavering support.
The victory parade through the streets of Bologna was a sight to behold, with thousands turning out to celebrate their heroes. This triumph has reignited the club’s ambitions and set the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
4. Crystal Palace: FA Cup Fairytale After 119 Years
Perhaps the most heartwarming story of all belongs to Crystal Palace. In their 119-year history as a professional club, the Eagles had never won a major trophy. Twice before, they reached the FA Cup final, only to fall to Manchester opposition. But in 2025, the script was rewritten.
Facing a dominant Manchester City side in their third consecutive FA Cup final, Palace were clear underdogs. Yet, Oliver Glasner’s team displayed remarkable discipline and resilience. City controlled possession, but a lightning-fast counter-attack saw Daniel Munoz set up Eberechi Eze for the only goal of the match.
The final was not without controversy—a first-half handball by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson outside the box was deemed not a goalscoring opportunity by VAR, and Henderson later saved a penalty to keep Palace in the lead.
When the final whistle blew, the outpouring of emotion from players and fans alike was overwhelming. Palace’s victory was celebrated not just in South London but by neutrals everywhere, as the club joined the exclusive list of FA Cup winners and secured their first-ever European adventure.
Why These Triumphs Matter
The 2024/25 season has reminded us why we love football. It’s not just about the giants and the perennial winners; it’s about hope, perseverance, and the belief that one day, your team’s time will come. For Newcastle United, Go Ahead Eagles, Bologna, and Crystal Palace, that day finally arrived.
These victories have done more than fill trophy cabinets—they’ve united communities, inspired new generations of fans, and proven that history is never set in stone. As we look ahead, the stories of these four clubs will serve as a beacon for every supporter who dares to dream.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a football fan, this season has been a gift—a reminder that the beautiful game is full of surprises, and that every drought, no matter how long, can be broken. Whether you cheered for the Magpies, soared with the Eagles, celebrated with Bologna, or danced with Go Ahead, 2024/25 will be a season to cherish forever.
FAQ:-
Did Arsenal end the trophy drought?
Arsenal’s nine-year trophy drought came to an end in 2014, as they won the FA Cup for the fifth time under Wenger.
What is the longest drought in the Premier League?
Manchester City endured 44 barren years before winning the league title in 2012. Manchester United went 41 years without the top title, but that time period includes two world wars, with eleven seasons lost.
