James Maddison took his moment to hit back at Manchester United legend Roy Keane, after his side lifted a European trophy for the first time in 41 years.
Maddison, 28, was unable to play in Wednesday’s final due to injury, but he was one of the stars of the show during the celebrations.
He could be seen unveiling a hilarious poster of boss Ange Postecoglou with teammate Sergio Reguilon, and also engaged in an emotional exchange with skipper Son Heung-Min.
The game itself failed to live up to the expectations - with a messy Brennan Johnson finish the only goal in a dismal game - who finally ended their 17-year trophy drought.
Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of the game, his 18th of the season
PA
Since his £40million move to north London from Leicester in 2023, Maddison has solidified himself as a core member of the squad that, if not for an injury, would have certainly played his part in the final.
However, due to Spurs’ poor league form this campaign, the English international has been subject to criticism from Manchester United legend Roy Keane, who said he was not consistent enough.
Maddison would respond to the criticism earlier in the season by scoring against Keane’s United.
JUST IN: Bruno Fernandes offers to leave Manchester United saying it could be 'time to go'
"ROY KEANE THAT'S FOR YOU SON" 😭🎯
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 21, 2025
Fair play, @Madders10 😂 pic.twitter.com/MoeffWPS7E
On the night of the final, Maddison joined Peter Schmeichel for an interview with CBS.
"I wasn’t gonna do any interviews but I heard Roy Keane was in the studio tonight,” Maddison said.
A smile appeared on Keane’s face, while fellow pundit Micah Richards asked the midfielder to perform his famous darts celebration - a move Keane had previously mocked.
Maddison duly complied with his request, while simply replying: “With pleasure, Micah. Roy Keane, that's for you son!"
READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho blasts Man Utd’s 's***' season and sends ominous message for the future
Keane, of course, couldn’t help himself from biting back.
“I always said he was a good player, but he needs to be more consistent,” the Irishman admitted before sarcastically adding, “and he played well tonight!”
The sly dig didn’t hit home for Maddison, who was clearly on cloud nine after winning the third trophy of his career.
The Europa League victory comes after his FA Cup and Community Shield successes with Leicester City.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Ruben Amorim offers Man Utd resignation 'without compensation' after Europa League defeat
- Postecoglou emotional post-match admission on father after Europa League win: 'With me all the time'
- Roy Keane blasts Man Utd after dismal Europa League final defeat to Tottenham
It is the third trophy of James Maddison's career
PA
The 28-year-old has had an injury-hit season, like many of the Spurs squad, but has still managed to muster 23 goal contributions in a respectable return.
Next year, Maddison will have the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage of all, the Champions League, a competition he has yet to play in throughout his career.
When discussing the triumph, Maddison said: “What a special feeling. Winning makes [the season] all alright – the pain of not being able to play is not being able to help the team.
“It is a brilliant achievement and a way to qualify for the Champions League but it is more winning for the fans. They have had years of pain.”
The pain Spurs fans have endured is no lie, which could make Wednesday’s victory that much sweeter.
Many questions for next campaign remain, but for now, the squad and fanbase can enjoy the success.
