Wembley Stadium, London – May 17, 2025

In a historic upset, Crystal Palace clinched their first-ever major trophy by defeating Manchester City 1–0 in the 2025 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Eberechi Eze’s early goal and a resilient defensive performance under manager Oliver Glasner secured the Eagles’ place in football folklore.

⚽ Match Summary

16′ – Eze’s Decisive Strike: The match’s only goal came in the 16th minute when Eberechi Eze finished a well-executed move initiated by Jean-Philippe Mateta and assisted by Daniel Muñoz. Eze’s composed finish past goalkeeper Stefan Ortega gave Palace an early lead.

36′ – Henderson’s Crucial Penalty Save: Manchester City had a golden opportunity to equalize when they were awarded a penalty after Tyrick Mitchell fouled Bernardo Silva. However, Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson saved Omar Marmoush’s spot-kick, preserving the lead.

Second Half – Defensive Resilience: Despite City dominating possession (79%) and registering 23 shots, Palace’s defense, led by Henderson, Muñoz, and Daichi Kamada, held firm. Henderson made several key saves, including a late stop from Claudio Echeverri’s deflected shot .

🏆 Historic Achievement

This victory marks Crystal Palace’s first major trophy in their 119-year history. Under Oliver Glasner’s guidance, the team combined tactical discipline with moments of brilliance to overcome the odds. As FA Cup winners, Palace secured a spot in the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League and will face Liverpool in the FA Community Shield.

🩶 Manchester City’s Disappointment

For Manchester City, the loss capped a challenging season. Having already lost the Premier League title to Liverpool and exited the Champions League early, this defeat denied them a domestic trophy. Despite their attacking prowess, City’s inability to convert chances proved costly.

🌟 Man of the Match: Dean Henderson

While Eze’s goal was pivotal, Dean Henderson’s performance was instrumental in Palace’s triumph. His penalty save and multiple crucial stops kept City at bay, earning him the Man of the Match accolade .

📊 Match Details

• Final Score: Crystal Palace 1–0 Manchester City
• Goal: Eze (16′)
• Attendance: 84,163
• Referee: Stuart Attwell
• Weather: Sunny

Chelsea Football Club has officially launched their 2025/26 home kit, blending iconic heritage with contemporary design elements. The new Nike-manufactured jersey features the club’s traditional ‘Rush Blue’ base, accented with ‘Speed Red’ and white details, marking a vibrant evolution in the team’s aesthetic. 

Design Highlights

A standout feature of the kit is the reimagined lion crest, presented with a striking red shadow, symbolizing strength and paying homage to the club’s rich history. This design choice reflects a return to the classic lion emblem, reminiscent of earlier eras. 

The jersey also incorporates a subtle grunge graphic across the fabric, representing the gritty and resilient spirit of London. This pattern adds depth and texture, capturing the dynamic energy of the city’s culture. 

Promotional Launch

To unveil the new kit, Chelsea released a creatively produced promotional video on social media. The video features midfielder Cole Palmer enjoying his favorite jam sandwich in a café while wearing the new shirt. Additionally, Madness frontman and Chelsea fan Graham ‘Suggs’ McPherson makes a cameo as a taxi driver giving a lift to women’s team captain Millie Bright. The video’s soundtrack features Madness’ hit “Our House.” Other Chelsea stars, including Reece and Lauren James, also appear, enhancing the video’s charm with playful barbershop scenes. 

Availability and Pricing

The 2025/26 home kit is now available for purchase. The match shirt is priced at £124.99, while the stadium version is available for £84.99. Fans can customize their shirts with personal names and numbers, embracing the club’s latest look. 

With this launch, Chelsea continues to honor its storied past while embracing modern design, offering fans a kit that symbolizes both tradition and innovation.

Real Madrid have finalized the signing of 20-year-old center-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, agreeing to a £50 million deal that marks the first significant acquisition under incoming manager Xabi Alonso. The Spanish international is currently undergoing a medical and is set to sign a five-year contract, keeping him at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2030 .

A Long-Awaited Move

Huijsen’s journey to Real Madrid has been years in the making. Born in the Netherlands and raised in Spain, he developed through the youth systems of Málaga and Juventus before making his senior debut with the Italian giants. After a loan spell at Roma, he joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2024, where his performances quickly garnered attention. Despite interest from top Premier League clubs and Bayern Munich, Huijsen prioritized a move to Madrid, a club he and his father have long admired .

Strategic Acquisition for Madrid

Real Madrid activated Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, a fee payable in three installments. The club views him as a cornerstone for their defensive line in the coming years, with comparisons drawn to Jude Bellingham’s impactful arrival. Huijsen’s decision to accept a lower salary than offered by other suitors underscores his commitment to joining Los Blancos .

Alonso’s Vision Materializes

Xabi Alonso, set to take over as Real Madrid’s manager, played a pivotal role in securing Huijsen’s signature. Alonso’s influence in the transfer market is already evident, and Huijsen’s addition aligns with his vision for a dynamic and robust defensive setup .

Looking Ahead

Huijsen is expected to join Real Madrid’s squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in June, providing an early opportunity to integrate into the team. His arrival signifies a strategic move by Real Madrid to invest in young talent poised to make a significant impact in the years to come.

With this acquisition, Real Madrid not only strengthens their defense but also signals a commitment to building a squad capable of sustained success under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.