The Alternative 2025 Sports Awards: Quotes, Gaffes, and Memorable Moments
The White House communique on tariffs during the April market meltdown was named Quote of the Year, highlighting US losses of $6.6tn in two days alongside a reference to the President winning the Senior Club Championship round in Jupiter, Florida, and advancing to the championship round.
November saw Gianni Infantino appear in the Oval Office amid talks of a FIFA peace prize and the conflict involving World Cup co-host Mexico. Infantino remarked that the president "has energy."
The Tournament of the Year was Infantino’s restructured FIFA Club World Cup. He commissioned a Panini gold sticker of himself and reflected on the mixed response to the event at a Trump Tower briefing in July, calling it a huge success.
A notable on-ice incident occurred between Canada and the US, with Canada initiating three fist-fights within the first nine seconds after President Trump referred to Canada as the 51st State. Coach Jon Cooper described the altercation as "organic as it gets."
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Monaco-domiciled, was named Owner of the Year after he scrapped subsidised staff lunches at Old Trafford, stating he has faced criticism but "no one has given me a free lunch."
Player of the Year went to Cole Palmer, who trademarked the "Cold Palmer" shiver celebration. Château Palmer blocked the use of the term for wine products, but Palmer maintained it is his celebration.
The Tour of the Year was Lionel Messi’s three-day GOAT India tour in December. Crowds at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium paid up to £100 to watch, but rioting broke out when visibility was blocked. Organizer Satadru Dutta was arrested and denies wrongdoing.
The London Christmas gala was the Gala of the Year, offering attendees the chance to meet Lamine Yamal’s mother. Tickets ranged from £130 to £313 for dinner and a photo, with journalists advised not to question Yamal.
Noted for Best Messaging was Nottingham Forest’s media team. In a July interview with Morgan Gibbs-White, there were three mentions of Mr Marinakis, who said Morgan "belongs to our family."
Finally, the most viral day out featured Manchester United’s open-top bus parade in Kuala Lumpur in May. CEO Omar Berrada defended the decision to have players participate despite the team finishing 15th.
