Tottenham Hotspur have finally ended their long wait for silverware. In a tense Europa League final, they edged past Manchester United 1-0 to lift their first major trophy in 17 years. Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal proved decisive as Spurs sealed European glory under immense pressure.

Quick Read:

• Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 in Europa League 2025 final

• Brennan Johnson scored the only goal in the 42nd minute

• Spurs’ first major trophy since 2008 and first European win since 1984

• Victory earns Spurs a place in the 2025-26 Champions League

• Manager Ange Postecoglou delivers on promise to win a trophy in his second season

• United end season trophyless and face £77M revenue loss from missing out on UCL

• Son Heung-min hailed as a national hero after lifting the trophy

• Tottenham earn over £38M from Europa League success and Super Cup qualification

Tottenham Hotspur have finally broken their 17-year trophy drought, clinching the UEFA Europa League title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United in a gripping final at San Mamés Stadium. The win, sealed by Brennan Johnson’s scrappy 42nd-minute goal, marks Spurs’ first major silverware since their 2008 League Cup triumph and their first European crown since the 1984 UEFA Cup, igniting celebrations among fans and offering redemption for a challenging season.
Under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham defied their dismal 17th-place Premier League standing to deliver a performance of grit and resilience. The decisive moment came when Pape Matar Sarr’s cross deflected off Manchester United’s Luke Shaw and Johnson, trickling past goalkeeper André Onana. Despite United’s second-half pressure, Spurs’ defense, led by an imperious Cristian Romero and bolstered by key saves from Guglielmo Vicario, held firm to secure the historic victory.
The match was a tale of two underperforming Premier League sides, with Tottenham and Manchester United languishing in 17th and 16th places, respectively. Yet, the final showcased Spurs’ ability to rise above their domestic woes, earning them a coveted spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League—a remarkable feat for a team teetering near the relegation zone. The victory also netted Tottenham approximately £5 million in prize money, with an additional £30 million earned throughout their Europa League campaign and a further £3 million for qualifying for the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.
Postecoglou, whose future at the club has been under scrutiny amid Spurs’ poor league form, emerged as the night’s hero. True to his pre-match claim of always winning a trophy in his second season, the Greek-Australian manager delivered, silencing critics who had questioned his “Ange-ball” philosophy. “I know our league form has been unacceptable, but winning a trophy changes this football club,” Postecoglou declared post-match, hinting at his desire to build on this success despite speculation about his tenure.
For Manchester United, the defeat compounded a miserable season. Manager Ruben Amorim faced heavy criticism for his tactical choices, including starting Mason Mount over Alejandro Garnacho, who was introduced as a substitute in the 71st minute. United’s failure to secure a European spot next season, coupled with an estimated £77 million loss in potential Champions League revenue, leaves Amorim under immense pressure as he faces a rebuild without the allure of European football.
Tottenham’s triumph resonated far beyond Bilbao, with South Korean fans celebrating captain Son Heung-min, who, despite starting on the bench, lifted the trophy draped in his nation’s flag, earning praise as a “national treasure.” Spurs supporters, long starved of success, erupted in joy, with one fan, Ann, telling BBC Sport, “I am in tears. This feels even better than our last European win.”
As Tottenham prepare for their Champions League return and a shot at the Super Cup, this victory marks a turning point. For Postecoglou and his squad, it’s a testament to perseverance, proving that even in a season of struggle, European glory can rewrite the narrative.