The embarrassing scene of the Europa League: Tottenham Hotspur won the championship trophy, but the captain Son Heung-min did not have the championship medal!

In the UEFA Cup final held on May 21, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur defeated Manchester United 1-0, ending the 17-year championship drought. However, the post-match awards ceremony was awkward because UEFA failed to provide enough championship medals. Several main players, including captain Son Heung-min and defender Christian Romero, failed to win medals when receiving the award, which has sparked widespread criticism from fans and the media.

Several Tottenham players did not receive medals when lifting the trophy

It is reported that UEFA usually prepares 50 medals for each champion and runner-up for distribution by the players and coaching staff. However, in this award ceremony, the number of medals seemed to be insufficient, resulting in some players not being able to collect them in time. Ironically, the medals were won by eight referees and James Madison, who were absent due to injury. Although UEFA President Cheferin gave brief congratulations to Son Heung-min during the award presentation, he still failed to cover up the organization's mistakes.

This issue even led to a brief suspension of award ceremony, as Cheferin sought explanation from UEFA officials. Meanwhile, fans on social media have severely criticized the misconduct of European football administrations. The incident has sparked a lot of criticism on social media, with many fans calling it "amateur" and "embarrassing" mistakes.

Romero was found not wearing medals during the celebrations. "Sun Heung-min and Romero did not win medals because UEFA's medals were used up."

"Sun Heung-min did not win medals, which is too unconforming to UEFA's rules."

"The winning captain did not win medals, which is really a shame for UEFA."

"How could they have no medals? UEFA is too messed up."

"Using the championship medals is too amateur."

It is not clear whether the players who have not received medals will reissue medals in Tottenham's upcoming North London Championship Tour. Still, the victory brought Tottenham its first major trophy since 2008 and secured their qualifying for the Champions League next season.