Newcastle United has made history by winning the Carabao Cup final, defeating Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Wembley Stadium. The victory marks the end of the club's 56-year trophy drought and is their first major silverware since the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Thanks to goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak, Newcastle's fans were treated to a stunning performance as they transformed from relegation threats to trophy winners under the management of Eddie Howe and the financial backing of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Burn opened the scoring with a powerful header just before half-time, connecting with Kieran Trippier’s corner to stun Liverpool. Isak then doubled the lead with his superb first-time finish shortly after the interval.
Despite Federico Chiesa pulling one back for Liverpool in stoppage time, Newcastle held firm to secure their first major domestic trophy since the 1955 FA Cup, which had added to the excitement and emotions of the club's long-suffering supporters.
Newcastle’s chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan was on the pitch after the final whistle, celebrating alongside players and fans. “We were well aware of the history and we wanted to do the club proud. We wanted to score, we wanted to perform and we wanted to win,” said Eddie Howe. “We are breaking new ground. I thought we were magnificent today.”
The victory is particularly poignant, coming two years after Newcastle lost the League Cup final against Manchester United. Howe’s team had demonstrated grit and determination, snapping Liverpool's long unbeaten streak against them, which had lasted 17 matches since 2015.
“It’s very disappointing,” said Liverpool's boss Arne Slot, reflecting on the game and Liverpool's recent exit from the Champions League. “The game went the way Newcastle wanted it. They deserved to win. We were outplayed.” Despite the loss, Liverpool remains 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League and on track for their record-equaling 20th title.
Newcastle fans turned Wembley Stadium’s north end black and white, celebrating their team with banners urging the players to “write your name in the history books.” They responded with the urgency expected from the team, winning more aerial duels and dictatng the pace of the game. Joelinton's tackle to thwart Jarell Quansah exemplified their energy and commitment.
Burn’s historic goal was not just symbolic; it marked Newcastle’s first at Wembley since 1996. Left astonishingly unmarked, Burn powered the header past Liverpool’s defense, marking a triumphant return for the club after years of mediocrity and poor ownership. “If you had seen us practice, you’d have thought we had no chance,” Howe remarked post-game. “Dan will be the first to admit he hasn’t practiced like this, so when he scored, Jason (Tindall) and I turned to each other and couldn’t believe it.”
The transformation of Newcastle is remarkably recent. Following the 2021 acquisition led by the PIF, the club moved decisively from relegation candidates to serious contenders for domestic silverware. The assembly of a strong squad, combined with Howe's astute tactics, has energized fans and stirred hope within the Northeast community.
Yet not everyone shares the same sense of jubilation. Newcastle United supporters group NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing (NUFCFAS) voiced concerns about the ethical implications of their triumph. “For us, it is unfortunately tainted by the ownership of the club,” said John Hird of NUFCFAS. “When we see the chairman celebrating with the trophy, it is very difficult to separate the success of the club from the ownership.”
Since the takeover, Saudi Arabia's activities have often been criticized for their human rights record and broader political issues, casting shadows over the club's successes. Still, for many fans, the emotions of the day overshadow concerns related to ownership. One lifelong supporter shared with emotion how he recalled his father crying at the Fairs Cup win of 1969, embodying the deep-rooted passion tied to this over-six-decade wait. “I and many other Newcastle fans were fans long before the Saudis took over the club,” Hird added.
From the players down to the management, the atmosphere at Newcastle is transformative. Each element of the game plan was carefully crafted with attention to detail. Howe’s team worked tirelessly on set pieces, entering the match armed with knowledge on how to exploit Liverpool’s defensive frailties. The result demonstrated the effectiveness of paying attention to the smallest details, culminating with Isak's goal coming from another well-executed set piece.
“We practiced set pieces for the last two weeks,” Howe explained. Newcastle’s game changed significantly after learning from their previous league encounter with Liverpool, where they suffered a disappointing loss. Instead of being passive, Newcastle owned their moments on the pitch, dominating the air and maintaining player intensity.
This victory not only provides tangible silverware but reignites hope and loyalty among Newcastle’s fanbase. Celebrations were electrifying as players shared emotional moments on the pitch, led by captain Bruno Guimaraes, who expressed his gratitude for the club's long history intertwined with passion. “It just means so much,” remarked one fan amid jubilant celebrations.
Beyond the immediate impact, this triumph sets Newcastle on a path to potentially reshape their role within English football and restore their dignity. The players have turned those dreams from video game achievements to reality, capturing the elation not only for themselves but for every single fan who have suffered through the years of hardship.
The season continues, but for now, Newcastle United rests as champions, proving once again how quickly the fortunes of football can change, and how the heart of the game beats strongest within loyal communities. All across Newcastle, players and supporters are celebrating, reflecting on how far they have come and where they still hope to go together.
