Tottenham Hotspur’s star midfielder James Maddison has expressed profound disappointment after being ruled out of the UEFA Europa League final due to a knee injury. The 28-year-old, a key figure in Spurs’ campaign, described himself as “absolutely gutted” in an emotional Instagram post on May 9, 2025, following confirmation that he would miss the highly anticipated showdown against Manchester United in Bilbao. The injury, sustained during Tottenham’s semi-final first-leg victory over Bodø/Glimt, has abruptly ended Maddison’s season, robbing him of a chance to compete in what he believed could be a “special night” for his club.
Maddison’s absence is a significant blow for Tottenham, who have relied on his creativity and flair throughout their European journey. The midfielder, known for his vision and ability to unlock defenses, picked up the injury last week, with scans confirming the severity of the damage. Despite the final being two weeks away, medical assessments have determined that recovery in time is impossible. In his statement, Maddison reflected on the cruelty of injuries in football, noting that Tottenham had set their sights on the Bilbao final from the outset of the campaign. “To accept not being able to take part out on that pitch with the boys is really tough to take,” he wrote, underscoring the emotional toll of the setback.
The news has reverberated across the football community, with fans and teammates alike expressing sympathy for the England international. Posts on X from Spurs supporters highlighted Maddison’s importance to the squad, with one user lamenting, “Injuries haven’t been good to him this season.” Others praised his resilience, urging him to “come back stronger.” Tottenham’s qualification for the final, secured after a hard-fought semi-final, was a moment of triumph for the club, but Maddison’s absence casts a shadow over their preparations. Manager Ange Postecoglou now faces the challenge of reshaping his midfield without one of his most influential players.
Maddison’s injury history has been a recurring frustration since joining Tottenham, with this latest setback adding to a season already disrupted by fitness issues. Despite these challenges, his impact on the pitch has been undeniable when available, making his absence in the final all the more poignant.