2025 football miracles: Curacao's WC qualification; MU defeat to Grimsby listed

On December 26, Transfermarkt released a summary focusing on the eight "miracle" events that took place in the football world in 2025. These events all occurred with a low probability, including the inspiring moment when Curaçao, with a population of only 156,000, made a historic entry into the World Cup, as well as unexpected upsets such as Grimsby's stunning victory over Manchester United.

The eight greatest miracles in football in 2025 listed by Transfermarkt (ranked in no particular order): 

1. League Two side Grimsby Town eliminated Manchester United on penalties in the EFL Cup

2. Curaçao Qualifies for the World Cup (Curaçao, with a population of only 156,000, stood out in the 2026 FIFA World Cup North, Central America and Caribbean Qualifiers, making a historic first entry into the World Cup finals and becoming the least populous participating region in World Cup history)

3. Forward Eagles defeated Alkmaar on penalties in the Dutch Cup final, winning the team's first championship trophy since 1933

4. Bologna defeated AC Milan to win the Italian Cup championship in the 24/25 season, claiming its first title since 1974

5. Bayern Munich has achieved 16 consecutive victories in all competitions, setting a new winning streak record

6. Crystal Palace upset Manchester City to win the FA Cup for the first time

7. Newcastle United won 2-1 against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final, claiming the club's first major tournament title since 1969

8. Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United in the Europa League final to lift the trophy, with Son Heung-min winning his first major championship trophy of his career