That's a Wrap! The 2024-25 European Season Ends in Style
As the curtains fall on another action-packed European football season, the dust settles on what has been a campaign filled with triumph for some—and heartbreak for others.
The grand finale took place in Munich, where Paris Saint-Germain finally ended their long wait for European glory by thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final. For PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, it was the culmination of years of investment and ambition. For manager Luis Enrique and rising star Desire Doue, it was a crowning moment of excellence.
While the Champions League final dazzled with flair and dominance, the Europa League final brought a more modest spectacle. Still, for Tottenham Hotspur, lifting the trophy meant shaking off years of criticism and mocking over their inability to deliver when it mattered most.
In the Conference League, Chelsea cruised to victory, flexing the depth and talent of their heavily-invested squad. Elsewhere across Europe's top leagues, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich comfortably secured their respective domestic titles.
But things weren’t so rosy everywhere. In Italy, Inter Milan not only suffered in Europe, but also faltered in Serie A, conceding a last-gasp penalty to Lazio on the penultimate matchday—a moment that effectively handed the Scudetto to Napoli.
So, who stood tall and who stumbled this season? Let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers of 2024-25.
🏆 Winner: Luis Enrique
Say what you will about PSG’s financial muscle, but no one can deny Luis Enrique’s brilliance both as a tactician and as a person. Fans of the Parisian club paid a moving tribute to the Spanish coach with a giant tifo at the Allianz Arena, dedicated to his late daughter Xana, who sadly passed away six years ago at the age of nine.
Enrique’s triumph was historic—he became just the second manager ever to win a treble with two different European clubs. The respect he earned for this feat was long overdue.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard summed it up perfectly on TNT Sports:
"He absolutely deserves to be mentioned alongside Ancelotti, Mourinho, and Guardiola. This PSG side he has built can beat you in any way possible. It’s a special squad, led by a truly exceptional coach."
❌ Loser: The Myth That Money Can’t Buy Success
While Chelsea’s youthful energy and on-field performance offered moments of excitement this season, their off-field strategy left a sour taste for many. Their path to victory—including a dominant showing in the Conference League final against Real Betis—was paved with massive spending, long-term contracts, and controversial internal handling of players.
While talents like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, and Enzo Fernandez have flourished, critics argue that Chelsea's financial approach has created an unfair playing field. Their methods included stretching transfer rules, offloading assets internally, and exploiting regulatory loopholes to remain compliant.
In Wroclaw, Chelsea had individual players valued more than the entire Real Betis squad (£84.5 million), sparking frustration among neutrals. Their success proved that, despite modern Financial Fair Play efforts, throwing money at the wall still pays off—if you throw enough.
And while the results speak for themselves, it’s hardly a blueprint that earns admiration.
