Transfermarkt reviews the 8 major "miracles" in football in 2025: multiple teams set records with titles and a small nation qualifies for the World Cup.

Time flies swiftly and often slips away unnoticed. As 2025 is about to bid us farewell and 2026 approaches, Transfermarkt has summarized eight remarkable "miracles" in football this year, including several teams winning record-breaking championships and Curaçao qualifying for the World Cup.

Transfermarkt outlines the 8 great "miracles" of 2025:

1. A small country with a population of 156,000CuraçaoSecured qualification for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup.
2. Serie A clubBolognaWon the Coppa Italia for the first time since 1974.
3. Premier League clubNewcastle UnitedClaimed the League Cup title for the first time since 1969.
4. Son Heung-minWon the UEFA Europa Conference League with Tottenham, achieving his first career trophy.
5. English League Two (fourth tier)Grimsby TownKnocked out Premier League giant Manchester United from the League Cup.
6. Bayern MunichStarted the Bundesliga season with an impressive 16 consecutive wins.
7. Eredivisie clubGo Ahead EaglesWon the Dutch Cup for the first time since 1933.
8. Premier League clubCrystal PalaceSecured their first-ever FA Cup title.

What do you think is the most astonishing of these eight football miracles highlighted by Transfermarkt this year?

In my opinion, Curaçao qualifying for the World Cup is remarkable given its population of only 156,000, smaller than most counties in China. This shows that football success relies more on youth development than population size.