Kane and Alli Celebrate Tottenham’s Europa League Triumph

Former Tottenham Hotspur stars Harry Kane and Dele Alli have shared heartfelt reactions to their boyhood club’s long-awaited triumph in the Europa League final on May 22, 2025, ending a 17-year trophy drought. The North London side, under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, defeated Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao, with Brennan Johnson’s scrambled goal in the 42nd minute sealing the victory. For Kane and Alli, who both left Spurs in pursuit of silverware, the achievement marks a poignant milestone, as the class of 2025 succeeded where they could not during their time at the club.

Harry Kane, now a Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich, was quick to congratulate his former teammates, taking to social media to express his joy. “Massive congrats to the lads and everyone at Spurs,” Kane wrote, as reported by GB News. “It’s been a long wait, and you’ve done the club proud.” Kane’s words carry weight, given his own journey. After leaving Tottenham in 2023 to end his personal trophy curse, he finally lifted the Bundesliga title on May 4, 2025, with Bayern Munich, a moment he described as “like a switch went off” in an interview with BBC Sport. Despite his departure, Kane’s connection to Spurs remains strong, with current captain Son Heung-min calling him “the biggest Spurs fan” ahead of the final, according to ESPN. Kane, who scored 213 Premier League goals for Tottenham, had faced years of scrutiny for failing to win a major trophy with the club, including losses in the 2015 and 2021 EFL Cup finals and the 2019 Champions League final.

Dele Alli, now playing for Como in Italy, also shared a warm message for his former club. In a heartwarming Instagram post, Alli celebrated Tottenham’s success, echoing the sentiment of a fanbase that has long cherished his contributions, as noted by Goal.com. Alli, who scored 22 goals in the 2016-17 season, was a fan favorite during his Spurs tenure but left in 2022 after struggling to maintain his early-career form. His emotional response reflects the deep bond he still holds with the club, despite not being part of the squad that finally lifted silverware.

The victory in Bilbao was a testament to Tottenham’s resilience under Postecoglou, who fulfilled his second-season trophy vow. Brennan Johnson, Spurs’ top scorer this season with 17 goals, emerged as the unlikely hero, surpassing the goal-scoring feats of any Spurs player not named Kane or Son since Alli’s standout 2016-17 campaign, according to The Guardian. The win also marked a significant moment for Son Heung-min, who lifted the trophy as captain, fulfilling a personal ambition inspired by Kane’s recent Bundesliga success, as reported by the Daily Mail. Son, who has scored 11 goals this season, had spoken of his desire to “complete the puzzle” by winning a major trophy with Spurs, a goal that eluded him during his decade-long tenure until this historic night.

For Tottenham fans, the victory was a cathartic release after years of near-misses and the lingering narrative of a “trophy curse.” The club’s last major silverware came in 2008 with the League Cup, and the weight of that drought was felt keenly by players like Kane and Alli, who were often mocked by rival fans for their lack of team honors despite their individual brilliance. Kane, in particular, faced questions about his legacy, with some wondering if his move to Bayern Munich was driven by a need to shed the “curse” label, as noted by ESPN. His recent comments to BBC Sport, where he reflected on the joy of Bayern’s title parade, suggest he’s now relishing the chance to chase further accolades, but his support for Spurs’ success underscores his enduring loyalty.

The Europa League triumph not only secures Tottenham’s first major trophy since 2008 but also guarantees their place in next season’s Champions League, despite a challenging domestic campaign. The final drew an estimated 80,000 Spurs fans to Bilbao, far exceeding the 15,000 allocated tickets, showcasing the passion of a fanbase that has waited 17 years for this moment, as reported by the Daily Mail. For Kane and Alli, watching from afar, the victory is a reminder of their contributions to Tottenham’s journey, even if they weren’t there to lift the trophy themselves. As Kane told the Cleats Club app, “Spurs will always be in my heart,” a sentiment echoed by Alli’s heartfelt celebration of the club’s long-overdue success.