The Football Daily Christmas Awards 2025: A Season of Change and Controversy
The Guardian published the fourth Football Daily Christmas Awards on 17 December 2025, authored by Scott Murray, Niall McVeigh and John Brewin, highlighting key moments and figures in football throughout the year.
Liverpool's spending group made headlines with nearly £500 million spent on new players following their Premier League triumph. Targeted signings include Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitiké, while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk extended their contracts as Arne Slot's Liverpool continues to adapt to Merseyside.
Jim Ratcliffe’s "Make Manchester United Great Again" initiative remains underway, featuring headcount cuts, asset sales, benefit reductions, and ticket-price hikes amid rising club debt. Proposals for Old Trafford’s redevelopment suggest a design resembling an oversized circus tent. Ruben Amorim's team reshuffling also drew attention.
The Ally MacLeod Award predicted a heartbreakingly entertaining Scottish World Cup campaign, marked by an early path of competing against Denmark, an opening defeat to Haiti, a draw with Morocco, a win over Brazil, extensive VAR drama, and eventual exit as a strong third-place team.
The Liz Truss Award focused on Ange Postecoglou’s brief and chaotic spell after Spurs, moving to Nottingham Forest. His 40-day tenure culminated with eight winless games and a sacking, accompanied by fans chanting in frustration.
The Alan Partridge Award highlighted Russell Martin at Rangers, who faced unpopularity for refusing to wear a suit. His tenure included a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge and a post-sacking recovery episode at Loch Lomond.
Brentford and Sunderland earned the Dilly-Ding Dilly-Dong Award for defying relegation odds. Brentford upheld their long-throw revival despite player losses, while Sunderland's aggressive investment strategy increased their prospects in Europe.
The Will Smith Award for Services to Miami noted Javier Tebas's efforts to stage Villarreal vs Barcelona matches abroad despite player protests and integrity concerns. Tebas continued touring, including Riyadh, discussing future Saudi matches.
Lastly, the Sam Altman Award recognized Laura Harvey of Seattle Reign for innovative tactics using ChatGPT to switch to a back five. This adjustment helped Reign climb from near-bottom standings to finish fifth in the NWSL, narrowly missing playoffs.
