Tottenham Break 17-Year Curse, Rake in Record Millions in Europa League Triumph Over Man Utd

Tottenham Hotspur finally ended their 17-year wait for a major trophy with a historic 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final. Ange Postecoglou’s revolution at Spurs has now officially delivered silverware, a tangible reward for a campaign built on attacking flair, tactical maturity, and relentless belief. The triumph was sealed at San Mamés in Bilbao, where Spurs not only lifted the Europa League but also earned a jaw-dropping £38.2 million in total financial rewards from UEFA.

The victory means Tottenham will also compete in the UEFA Super Cup later this year, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Milan. That appearance comes with an additional bonus of £3.37 million, adding even more weight to their already impressive financial haul. This moment marks a clear turning point for Postecoglou’s side, who have now firmly placed themselves back among Europe’s elite.

It was a nervy affair in the final, as expected, with both sides hesitant to open up early. But Tottenham seized their moment in the second half, thanks to a moment of individual brilliance and coordinated pressing that forced a defensive error from Manchester United. The goal, though not elaborated on in the match summary, was enough to crown Spurs as Europa League champions for the first time in their history.

For Manchester United, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. Ruben Amorim, who was appointed with much fanfare, has now tasted his first major final defeat in charge of the Red Devils. Despite guiding his team past notable opponents like Athletic Club in the semi-finals—where United stormed to a 4-1 win—Amorim’s tactical decisions and substitutions in the final raised some eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

Financially, Manchester United will still walk away with a respectable £30.7 million from their Europa League campaign. It is a figure that reflects the depth of their run and the size of their global brand, but it does little to soothe the frustration of losing yet another major European final. Questions will now turn to the summer transfer window, where reinforcements are expected across several key areas.

The tournament also brought financial rewards to clubs outside the traditional European powerhouses. Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt emerged as the third-highest earners, bringing in an impressive £22.4 million. Lazio (£20.7M), Athletic Club (£20.5M), and Eintracht Frankfurt (£20.5M) rounded out the top six, showcasing the financial parity UEFA is attempting to build through the Europa League.

Elsewhere, traditional clubs like Lyon (£19.3M), Rangers (£17.7M), and Roma (£17.6M) also enjoyed profitable campaigns. However, not all teams were able to maximize their earnings. FC RFS of Latvia earned the lowest amount in the tournament, bringing in just £5.3 million, a stark contrast to the riches enjoyed by Spurs and United.

Ange Postecoglou’s success cannot be overstated. Just two seasons into his reign at Tottenham, the Australian manager has already achieved what many of his predecessors could not. His style—built on high pressing, brave possession, and tactical adaptability—has reinvigorated a squad that looked directionless before his arrival. More importantly, he has ended the club’s 17-year trophy drought, putting to rest the narrative that Spurs are perennial underachievers.

For United, the focus now turns to reflection and regrouping. Ruben Amorim’s vision is still in its infancy, and while his tactical nous impressed during earlier stages of the competition, the final exposed a few cracks. The summer window could be pivotal in shaping United’s direction under his leadership, especially with fans growing impatient after another season without a trophy.

The broader picture from the Europa League final underscores the increasing financial importance of UEFA’s secondary competition. What was once seen as a consolation prize for clubs missing out on the Champions League is now a lucrative opportunity. For Tottenham, it has been a season of dreams realized—on the pitch, in the bank, and in the hearts of their supporters.

Tottenham’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United is more than just a win—it’s a signal of intent. With a major European trophy now in the cabinet, and significant financial rewards to back it up, Spurs head into the summer with momentum, belief, and the chance to build something truly special.

And for the fans? After nearly two decades of pain and banter, they finally have their moment of triumph—and it tastes sweeter than ever.