European Clubs that Became Champions for the First Time in 2025
The 2024/25 football season is coming to an end, and it's time to sum things up: several clubs have become national champions for the first time in their history in 2025.
For some, the triumph has already happened; for others, it's still ahead. Below is an overview of the teams for whom 2025 could become a year to remember.
Already National Champions
Noah (Armenia)
Founded in 2017 under the name "Artsakh", Yerevan-based Noah became the Armenian champions for the first time in history in 2025. They did so in dominant fashion, leaving virtually no chance to their rivals. In addition, Noah won the Armenian Cup for the second time, achieving a historic domestic double. The team also reached the group stage of the Conference League for the first time and is set to debut in the Champions League qualifiers.
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Pafos (Cyprus)
The club from the city of the same name was founded only ten years ago — in 2014. Last season, Pafos won the Cypriot Cup for the first time, and in 2025, they took the next step — winning the league title ahead of schedule. They are set to face AEK Larnaca in the Cup final and have a real chance of securing a golden double, just like Noah.
Could Become Champions for the First Time
Krasnodar (Russia)
Eduard Spertsyan's team is fighting for the title for the second year in a row. In 2024, they finished second, and now they are leading the RPL by one point over Zenit with two rounds to go. In 17 years of existence, the club has never won a single trophy — but 2025 could change that. The 2025 Russian championship could go down in history.
Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium)
The Brussels-based club is an 11-time Belgian champion, but their last title came in 1935. Nearly 90 years without silverware! Now Union leads the league by one point over Club Brugge with two matches left. A historic opportunity to reclaim the title of Belgium’s top club.
Wolfsberger (Austria)
The club from the town of the same name won the Austrian Cup for the first time this year and is now in the race for the league title as well. With two rounds remaining, they trail reigning champions Sturm by 3 points — and they will face each other in the final matchday. Everything could be decided in that showdown.
Puskás Akadémia (Hungary)
The club where Armenian national team defender Gevorg Ghazaryan plays has never won the Hungarian championship. They are currently among the contenders, but the chances are slim: with two rounds remaining, Ferencváros leads by 3 points. Still, anything is possible in football.