Every summer, European football fans are treated to a single, high-stakes spectacle that pits the winner of the UEFA Champions League against the UEFA Europa League champion. In 2025, the UEFA Super Cup heads to Udine, Italy, where two of Europe’s finest clubs will clash at Stadio Friuli on August 13, 2025.
Often seen as a “curtain-raiser” to the European club season, the Super Cup is far more than a friendly exhibition. It’s a chance for silverware, momentum, and bragging rights—and in recent years, it has also delivered high-quality football, late drama, and emerging stars.
In this article, we preview the match, introduce the teams, explore the history of the Super Cup, and explain why the 2025 edition promises to be especially memorable.
1. What Is the UEFA Super Cup?
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual football match organized by UEFA. It features:
- The Champions League winner (Europe’s top-tier club competition)
- The Europa League winner (Europe’s second-tier competition)
Started in 1972, the Super Cup was initially created to determine the best club side in Europe. While its prestige may not match the tournaments that lead to it, the match has grown in stature due to global viewership, competitive quality, and the participation of elite clubs.
2. Venue Spotlight: Stadio Friuli, Udine
The 2025 edition will be hosted at Stadio Friuli, also known as the Dacia Arena, in Udine, Italy. This is the first time the city will host the Super Cup, and it’s a major milestone for a stadium known more for Serie A matches involving Udinese Calcio.
- Capacity: Approx. 25,000
- Opened: 1976 (Renovated in 2016)
- Known for: Modern design, scenic Alpine backdrop, and intimate atmosphere
UEFA’s decision to choose Udine reflects their desire to rotate major events across lesser-used but capable stadiums and regions.
3. The 2025 Contenders: Champions League vs Europa League Winners
Let’s break down the two teams battling for the trophy.
🏆 Champions League Winner: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
After years of heartbreak and near-misses, PSG finally claimed their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2025, defeating Manchester City in a tense final. Under the tactical genius of manager Luis Enrique, and with a squad bursting with talent, PSG ended their European curse.
Key players:
- Kylian Mbappé (assuming he stays another year)
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Vitinha
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
With the Champions League trophy now in hand, PSG eyes a second piece of silverware in 2025.
🏆 Europa League Winner: Tottenham Hotspur
In a thrilling underdog story, Tottenham Hotspur captured their first major European title since 1984, lifting the Europa League trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Under manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs found balance, attacking flair, and mental resilience—qualities that eluded them for years.
Key players:
- James Maddison
- Heung-Min Son
- Cristian Romero
- Brennan Johnson
For Tottenham, the Super Cup is a shot at establishing themselves among Europe’s elite.
4. Super Cup History: A Trophy of Significance
Though not as prestigious as the Champions League, the Super Cup has a rich history and has featured some of football’s greatest clubs:
- Most wins: FC Barcelona and AC Milan (5 each)
- Last five winners: Manchester City (2023), Real Madrid (2022), Chelsea (2021), Bayern Munich (2020), Liverpool (2019)
- The Super Cup “curse” (losing the Cup after winning the Champions League) has hit several top clubs, giving underdogs extra motivation.
