On a confetti-strewn field in Bilbao, Spain, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Madison reflects on what he describes as a "special" season. His sentiment extends beyond his own team; he mentions notable victories alongside Crystal Palace, Bologna, and even Harry Kane of Bayern Munich, who acknowledged Madison during his own title celebration.
This year marked a significant turning point in European football, as Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy, Bologna captured their first Coppa Italia in 51 years, and Newcastle United broke their 56-year drought by winning the EFL Cup. Kane clinched his first Bundesliga title, while Crystal Palace celebrated their own triumph. Paris Saint-Germain finally achieved the European Top Club Award, emerging victoriously in the UEFA Champions League final. The phrase "special season" aptly captures a period where several clubs that had long been starved of success finally achieved glory. Historically, just a few teams monopolized major titles, but this season turned that narrative on its head.
Despite the jubilation, pressure mounts for teams who haven’t yet broken their own droughts. As the next season approaches, the onus to end long-standing trophy shortages falls on various clubs, many of which grapple with their own challenges.
Several teams have fallen victim to what can be dubbed a "curse," which stems not only from their talent but also their recurring near-misses. It’s worth noting that not every club experiencing a trophy drought is cursed; for instance, Palace and Bologna were once similarly situated but have since risen above it. The "cursed" teams often find themselves tantalizingly close to success yet unable to cross the finish line, constantly oscillating between hope and despair.
While their struggles may not be as dramatic as those broken this past season, the narrative of the "curse" is becoming all too familiar for certain clubs. Here’s a look at teams that will be on "Curse Watch" as the next season begins.
AC Milan
Trophy Drought: 3 Years
AC Milan last lifted the Serie A title three years ago, but they’ve seen a decline since. Despite finishing second in Serie A in the 2023-24 season, they were overshadowed by rivals Inter and tumbled to eighth place this year, cycling through two coaches and losing in the Coppa Italia final, marking a missed opportunity for silverware.
Ajax
Trophy Drought: 3 Years
Ajax has seen better days, struggling to keep pace with rivals like PSV and Feyenoord. After leading PSV by nine points earlier in the season, they faltered significantly, securing just three points from their final seven matches, contributing to one of their worst seasons in recent history.
Atletico Madrid
Trophy Drought: 4 Years
Atletico Madrid appears to be under a prolonged curse. Despite winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey in the last 12 years, their status has largely been as the third-best team behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, often faltering in key matches—including two heartbreaking losses in Champions League finals.
Arsenal
Trophy Drought: 5 Years
Arsenal has shown signs of promise but has not been able to reclaim their former glory. Despite competing well this season, injuries and missed opportunities highlighted their struggle, especially as London rivals claimed major trophies, increasing pressure on manager Mikel Arteta.
Anderlecht
Trophy Drought: 7 Years
Belgium’s most decorated club, Anderlecht, has not won a major title in seven years. While they consistently rank among the country’s top teams, their absence from the winner’s circle reflects a troubling trend, as they now face tough competition and the challenge of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.
Fan Take: This narrative resonates deeply with soccer fans, as the dramatic highs and lows of club football are what make the sport so compelling. Seeing venerable teams struggle to find success adds a layer of unpredictability to the league, amplifying the essence of competition that fans love.
