The Momma Clan

On May 22, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year trophy drought, clinching the UEFA Europa League title with a 1–0 win over Manchester United at Bilbao’s Estadio de San Mamés. Led by captain Son Heung-min and manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs displayed remarkable resilience, adaptability, and leadership, securing their third major European trophy. Beyond the pitch, this victory delivers actionable management insights for leaders, teams, and organizations. From Son’s historic achievement as the first Asian captain to lift a major European trophy to Postecoglou’s bold turnaround vision, Tottenham’s journey is a blueprint for effective leadership in challenging times.

The Context: A Story of Grit and Comeback

Tottenham’s 2024–25 campaign was a rollercoaster. With a dismal Premier League run, including a stint in 17th place, Spurs’ Europa League mission became their north star. The final was a tight, hard-fought battle, with Brennan Johnson’s first-half strike and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s heroic save in the dying minutes sealing the win.

This success not only rewrote Spurs’ history but also made a profound impact on Asian football, amplifying Son’s influence and inspiring new generations across continents.

Six Management Lessons from Tottenham’s Triumph

1. Lead with Unwavering Belief

Postecoglou’s 2023 declaration—”I’m here to win a trophy“—was more than ambition; it was a rallying cry. Despite domestic struggles, he held firm in his vision.
Takeaway: A clear, confident vision inspires loyalty and unites teams even amid setbacks.

2. Build Resilience Through Structure

Vicario’s late-game save wasn’t luck—it was the outcome of disciplined preparation and defensive structure.
Takeaway: Resilient teams are built on foundations of process, preparation, and practice.

3. Adapt Strategically

Known for attacking football, Postecoglou switched to a defensive strategy in the final, showing flexibility and pragmatism.
Takeaway: Great leadership means knowing when to pivot while staying true to core goals.

4. Foster Collective Ownership

From Son’s calm leadership to Johnson’s goal and the team’s tactical unity, every player contributed.
Takeaway: Teams succeed when everyone takes ownership. Empower individuals to bring their strengths to the table.

5. Use the Underdog Advantage

Written off by pundits due to their poor league form, Spurs used that narrative as fuel.
Takeaway: Turn skepticism into motivation. The underdog spirit often drives innovation and bold execution.

6. Celebrate Milestones, Embrace the Journey

Brennan Johnson summed it up: “This season hasn’t been good, but this is what it’s all about.”
Takeaway: Celebrate wins—big or small—and reflect on setbacks as part of the growth story.

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Son Heung-min: A Global Symbol of Leadership

Son’s captaincy broke barriers. As the first Asian player to lead a team to European glory, his win is more than personal—it’s cultural. His calm presence and inclusive leadership represent a shift in football’s global power dynamics.

Insight for Gen Z & Millennials: Diverse leadership matters. Representation fuels aspiration and unlocks new paths for talent worldwide.

Other Surprises from the 2024–25 Football Season

Harry Kane finally lifted his first major trophy with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double—a redemption arc 10+ years in the making.

Crystal Palace stunned everyone, finishing 6th in the Premier League under Oliver Glasner, thanks to explosive form from Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

Manchester United’s season was full of upsets, including a humiliating FA Cup loss to League One side Derby County and Europa final heartbreak.

Real Sociedad reached the Champions League semifinals, knocking out PSG and showcasing the value of team chemistry over superstar spending.

Gen Z footballers like Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG) cemented themselves as future legends, combining Gen Z flair with tactical maturity.

Takeaway for young professionals: Football’s surprises mirror today’s fast-changing world—stay flexible, seize opportunities, and let setbacks fuel growth.

A Blueprint for Organizational Success

Tottenham’s victory is more than a sports headline—it’s a real-world case study in organizational turnaround. Their Europa League triumph secured a Champions League spot for 2025–26 and added to an impressive club legacy:

Lesson for organizations: With the right leadership, even a struggling unit can achieve greatness. Build belief, empower people, and stay adaptable—and the payoff can be legacy-defining.

Conclusion: Leading Like Champions

Tottenham Hotspur’s 2025 Europa League win—marked by Son Heung-min’s historic lift—is a triumph of vision, perseverance, and collective effort. For today’s leaders, it’s a masterclass in transformative leadership. Like Spurs, turn adversity into advantage, and lead with a purpose that inspires others to believe—even when the odds are stacked.

-Dr (HC)Prachetan Potadar