)
Tottenham's Son, Romero, and Bentancur were briefly left without medals after UEFA's on-stage error during Europa League celebrations.
Sometimes even in the most euphoric moments things do not go entirely as planned.
After Tottenham Hotspur ended a 17-year wait for silverware with a 1-0 Europa League final victory over Manchester United, the celebrations were briefly marred by a surprising oversight—three key Spurs players were left without their winner’s medals during the official trophy presentation.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News from Pulse Sports.
)
06:40 - 22.05.2025
Andre Onana and 4 Other Shocking Events That Doomed Man Utd’s Europa League Dream
Everything you need to know about Manchester United’s Europa League final loss, from tactical struggles to behind-the-scenes challenges and decisions.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was the first to receive his medal from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, captain Son Heung-min, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo Bentancur found themselves waiting at the back of the queue—only to walk away empty-handed when the medals ran out.
“To our great displeasure, we did not have enough medals available on stage during the trophy ceremony presentation due to an unexpected discrepancy in the player count, as more team members – including injured players – participated in the ceremony than initially anticipated,” UEFA explained in an official statement.
Injured Players and Loanees Receive Medals First
)
The mix-up occurred as UEFA had only prepared 30 medals for the on-pitch ceremony.
)
15:17 - 22.05.2025
Deco Clarifies Yamal's Situation and Sheds Light on Barcelona's Transfer Plans
Deco confirms Lamine Yamal remains central to Barcelona’s future while outlining potential transfer strategies to strengthen the squad this summer.
According to competition rules, each finalist team is entitled to 50 medals, but it is left to the club’s discretion how they are distributed.
Spurs had chosen to include not only the 23-man matchday squad and coaching staff but also injured players such as James Maddison, Timo Werner, and Lucas Bergvall.
Will Lankshear, who spent the second half of the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, was also among those who received medals on stage.
)
20:09 - 21.05.2025
Blow For Kenya In Construction of Stadium Earmarked For AFCON 2027
The stalled project is expected to compliment the main stadia of the AFCON 2027 showpiece.
This left little room for latecomers in the medal line, including Son, who was waiting patiently at the end so he could be the one to lift the trophy with his teammates.
Instead, the South Korean forward—playing in his first major final as captain—had to settle for a hug from Ceferin and a moment of confusion.
"The missing medals were promptly delivered to the winning team in the dressing room, along with our sincerest apologies for the oversight," UEFA added.
A Bittersweet Wait for the Captain
)
Though the mishap could have soured the moment, it did not appear to faze the players.
Inside the dressing room, Son, Romero, and Bentancur were eventually handed their medals, donning them proudly during the post-match celebrations.
For Son, the moment was especially meaningful—it marked the first major trophy of his senior career, whether at club or international level.
)
19:30 - 19.05.2025
Former AFC Leopards Captain Lifts Lid on Career-Ending Plight at Ingwe
Former AFC Leopards captain Washington Munene has shed light on turbulent injury period that led to premature career-end.
Tottenham’s approach to medal distribution reflected a strong sense of unity and recognition for all contributors to the campaign, not just those who played in the final.
Still, the sight of the captain walking off the podium empty-handed was a jarring image on an otherwise triumphant night.
In the end, the medals may have arrived a few minutes late, but the joy of lifting Tottenham’s first trophy in nearly two decades—and the emotional weight of that achievement—was well worth the wait.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)