Madrid, Dec 26 (NationPress) In a season devoid of a significant men's international tournament, club football took center stage, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) emerging as a key victor in Europe.

PSG concluded the season triumphantly by securing the UEFA Champions League in late May, delivering a stunning 5-0 win against Inter Milan. Coach Luis Enrique emphasized the importance of team cohesion over merely a roster of star players. The former Spain manager has crafted a squad that combines technical prowess with speed and intensity, validating PSG's first European title after years of domestic supremacy.

Ousmane Dembele set a strong precedent and later earned the titles of Ballon d'Or winner and FIFA Best Men's Player. Although PSG faced a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final, they seem poised to continue their dominance in French football and challenge for another Champions League title.

In England, Liverpool clinched the Premier League title during Arne Slot's inaugural season following Jurgen Klopp's departure. However, following substantial summer investments, expectations shifted to a challenging season, as new players struggled to adapt and Slot faced mounting scrutiny.

Barcelona celebrated a successful debut season under Hansi Flick, winning La Liga while adhering to strict financial constraints and playing their home games at the former Olympic Stadium during renovations at Camp Nou. Lamine Yamal captured headlines, but Flick also received accolades for enhancing the performances of players like Raphinha, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, and Ferran Torres. Barcelona ended 2025 at the top of La Liga and anticipates a return to Camp Nou to alleviate financial pressures.

Real Madrid faced a more tumultuous year. Following a league title miss and a Champions League quarterfinal exit last season, Xabi Alonso took charge before the Club World Cup. Madrid was subsequently outperformed by PSG in the semifinals, concluding the year amidst reports of unrest in the locker room and renewed doubts about Alonso following a series of poor performances.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich reclaimed the Bundesliga title, while Napoli secured Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Cagliari in the final match.

The expanded Club World Cup highlighted European dominance in global football, alongside the prize money distribution that supports it. Five European clubs made it to the quarterfinals, joined by Brazil's Fluminense and Palmeiras, and Saudi team Al-Hilal. Fluminense triumphed over Al-Hilal before succumbing to Chelsea in the semifinals, while Chelsea executed a convincing performance to defeat a fatigued PSG in the final.

The tournament raised concerns regarding player workload, as many players entered a lengthy season without an adequate summer break ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Extreme heat and storms that necessitated temporary stoppages also served as a caution for the upcoming summer.

Looking ahead, Spain enters 2026 World Cup preparations as a leading contender following an impressive qualifying campaign, while Thomas Tuchel seems to be gradually asserting his influence in England. Argentina is also expected to be a formidable competitor, although doubts linger regarding Lionel Messi's potential involvement.

Messi continues to capture attention in the United States as Inter Miami clinched the MLS title, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also playing crucial roles. In South America, Flamengo claimed the Copa Libertadores, with Filipe Luis bolstering his reputation as one of the continent's most promising young coaches.

Al-Hilal's journey in the Club World Cup and Al-Ahli's AFC Champions League title underscored the effects of substantial investment in the Saudi Pro League, although questions persist regarding whether the league's growth reflects imported stars or true local development.

England ascended to the pinnacle of women's football after defeating world champions Spain in the European Championship final. Spain, however, found a silver lining under new coach Sonia Bermudez by triumphing over Germany to win the UEFA Nations League in December.