Tottenham Hotspur have ended their 17-year trophy drought with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.
The north London side claimed their first piece of silverware since 2008 in a tense encounter that has salvaged what had been a challenging 2024/25 campaign.
The triumph in Bilbao represents a significant milestone for Spurs, who have been desperate for success after years of near misses.
Brennan Johnson proved to be the match-winner, netting the decisive goal in the 42nd minute of the contest.
Tottenham finally ended their long wait for a trophy
Reuters
The strike, which may ultimately be recorded as an own goal by United's Luke Shaw, was enough to separate the sides in a closely contested final.
Johnson's goal continued his impressive form this season and gave Spurs fans the moment of jubilation they've been waiting for.
Beyond securing the trophy, Tottenham's victory also guarantees them a coveted spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.
This European qualification provides a significant boost after what has been described as a tough season for the club.
The win in Bilbao also marked a historic milestone for Spurs, as it represented their 150th victory in European football competitions, further cementing their status as one of England's continental stalwarts.
The victory also comes with significant financial rewards for Tottenham, who have banked £10.95 million in prize money for winning the Europa League.
This substantial sum will be welcomed by chairman Daniel Levy and the club's hierarchy.
JUST IN: Tottenham end 17-year wait for a trophy by beating Man Utd to land Europa League glory
United, as runners-up, will receive £5.9 million - a considerable difference that reflects the premium placed on European success.
This financial boost comes at a crucial time for both clubs as they look ahead to the summer transfer window.
The prize money will provide a welcome boost to Tottenham's transfer plans as they look to strengthen their squad after a season plagued by injuries.
The £10.95 million windfall is expected to help the north Londoners secure reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.
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Tottenham have gained a huge cash windfall by winning the Europa League
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For Daniel Levy, this additional revenue comes at an opportune moment as the club seeks to build on their European success and prepare for Champions League football next season.
At United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's cost-cutting measures, which have included cancelling the Christmas party, mean the £5.9 million prize money will be welcomed despite the disappointment of losing the final.
However, the financial implications extend beyond the immediate prize money.
United's failure to qualify for any European competition next season represents a significant loss of revenue that could restrict their summer transfer activities under Ruben Amorim's management.
