The sporting year of 2025 delivered unforgettable triumphs, from Rory McIlroy's Masters victory to the Lionesses' Euros glory. Yet, for every golden moment, there was a shadow of ignominy, a series of controversies and failures that defined a different kind of sporting hall of fame. These are the villains of 2025.
Governance Gaffes and Toxic Atmospheres
Gianni Infantino steered FIFA to what many considered a new low. The organisation's credibility took a severe hit with the invention of the "FIFA Peace Prize: Football Unites the World" award, a transparent ploy to honour US President Donald Trump after his Nobel snub. This farce overshadowed the World Cup draw, an event where Infantino audaciously claimed FIFA had been "the official happiness provider for humanity for over 100 years." The spectacle continued at the Club World Cup, where Trump presented the trophy, offering a worrying preview of the politicised spectacle awaiting the 2026 World Cup, already infamous for its exorbitant ticket prices.
Meanwhile, the US Ryder Cup fans at Bethpage Black crossed a line. The unique atmosphere of the event curdled into genuine vitriol, with Europe's Rory McIlroy bearing the brunt of vicious personal abuse that even extended to his wife, Erica Stoll. The PGA of America was forced into an apology, leaving a stain on the competition and a resolve for Europe to host more graciously at Adare Manor in 2027.
Strategic Failures and Personal Downfalls
In cricket, the Bazball philosophy faced a brutal reckoning in Australia. England's Ashes campaign disintegrated in just 11 days, plagued by batting collapses and questionable preparation, epitomised by the infamous "beers in Noosa." The aggressive approach, once revolutionary, now seemed reckless, infuriating fans who had invested life savings to witness a car-crash tour. With the series lost and a 5-0 whitewash looming, the obituaries for Bazball were being written.
In Formula 1, Christian Horner's tumultuous year ended with a sensational sacking. Despite being cleared twice following allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the Red Bull team principal lost a bitter power struggle, departing with a reported £80 million payout. His exit preceded a remarkable Red Bull resurgence, with Max Verstappen nearly clawing back a 104-point deficit to challenge for the title.
Football saw a dramatic fall from grace as Alexander Isak turned hero to villain on Tyneside. After firing Newcastle to silverware, the striker went on strike, accusing the club of broken promises to force a £125 million British-record move to Liverpool. The protracted saga and missed pre-season left him struggling for form, before a cruel broken leg against Tottenham compounded a miserable period.
Controversies and Crass Spectacles
England's Euro defence was rocked by Mary Earps's dramatic retirement and subsequent autobiography. Dropped for Hannah Hampton, Earps's book, All In, labelled manager Sarina Wiegman's handling of the situation as "bull----" and accused her of rewarding "bad behaviour," creating a significant PR disaster, even if Hampton's performances ultimately justified the call.
The boxing world cringed at Anthony Joshua's six-round pursuit of YouTuber Jake Paul. The eventual knockout and subsequent "cut-throat" gesture were seen as embarrassingly crass for a former world champion, reducing the sport to a dangerous circus for a payday, despite setting up a 2026 fight with Tyson Fury.
Cycling faced political protests as the Israel-Premier Tech team became a target at the Vuelta a España, leading to cancelled stages. Owner Sylvan Adams, a vocal Israeli ambassador, initially refused to withdraw the team but later stepped back, prompting a rebrand to NSN Cycling for 2026.
In athletics, legend Michael Johnson saw his ambitious Grand Slam Track league collapse into scandal. After a key investor pulled out, the final meet was cancelled, leaving star athletes like Gabby Thomas and Josh Kerr owed six-figure sums and the venture filing for bankruptcy.
Amid the gloom, there was one farcical moment of levity. Everton's Idrissa Gueye earned a rare red card for slapping teammate Michael Keane over a misplaced pass. Yet, 10-man Everton won at Old Trafford, and manager David Moyes approved of the passion, with the pair mock-fighting and hugging in training the next day.
Finally, the Rugby World Cup witnessed its biggest controversy when France's Axelle Berthoumieu was banned for biting Ireland's Aoife Wafer. Her initial suspension was reduced to nine weeks, less than the 12-week ban given to South Africa's Eben Etzebeth for eye-gouging in a separate, ugly incident.
