The Football Daily Christmas Awards 2025: Year-End Recap
The Football Daily Christmas Awards 2025, published on 17 December 2025, offer a satirical review of major football events and figures across the year.
Liverpool's post-title spending was mocked for approaching half a billion pounds on new players, including targets Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitiké. Despite renewing contracts for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot's integration at Liverpool was depicted as problematic.
Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe faced criticism for cutting headcount, raising ticket prices, and increasing club debt. His ambitious plans for a large Old Trafford redevelopment were likened to an outsize circus tent. Ruben Amorim's fluctuating team performance was noted, alongside Ratcliffe's investments outside the UK.
Ange Postecoglou's tenure at Nottingham Forest was lampooned as chaotic and short-lived following a mixed spell at Tottenham. His 40 days of chaos ended with Sean Dyche taking over.
Scotland's World Cup campaign was hailed as a near-certain feelgood story two years out, with a dramatic path including losses and a high-profile victory over Brazil before ultimately exiting the tournament.
La Liga president Javier Tebas was mocked for efforts to stage matches abroad, including Villarreal vs Barcelona fixtures, amid ongoing protests. Tebas remained determined, reportedly last seen in Riyadh.
In the NWSL, Seattle Reign coach Laura Harvey was noted for using AI (ChatGPT) to switch the team's formation to a back five, helping Seattle rise from second-bottom to finish fifth.
Brentford and Sunderland received praise for defying relegation fears. Brentford adapted effectively after losing key players, while Sunderland leveraged TV riches to invest ambitiously with European qualification in mind.
