Newcastle United, one of England’s most passionate and historically rich football clubs, has endured a trophy drought that spans over seven decades. The last time the Magpies secured a major domestic title was in 1955, when they lifted the FA Cup after defeating Manchester City in the final. Since then, generations of Newcastle fans have eagerly awaited the club’s return to silverware glory. Their latest opportunity comes in the 2025 Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, where Eddie Howe’s men will fight to break the long-standing curse.
Newcastle’s history is filled with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and near misses. The club has won multiple FA Cups and top-flight league titles in the past, but the last major domestic trophy dates back to the mid-20th century. The FA Cup victory in 1955 saw Newcastle defeat Manchester City 3–1, with goals from Jackie Milburn, Bobby Mitchell, and George Hannah securing the win at Wembley Stadium. At the time, Newcastle was a dominant force in English football, regularly competing for honors.
However, after that triumph, the club slowly faded from the top ranks of English football. Though they remained a competitive side, Newcastle struggled to convert their efforts into silverware. In 1969, they did manage to win the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (the predecessor to the modern UEFA Europa League) after defeating Hungarian club Ujpest FC 6–2 on aggregate. While this was a major European achievement, their domestic trophy cabinet remained untouched.
Newcastle United’s latest shot at silverware comes in the 2025 Carabao Cup final, where they face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The Magpies have fought through a challenging campaign to reach this stage, overcoming several formidable opponents along the way.
Third Round: Newcastle defeated Nottingham Forest, showcasing their resilience with a hard-fought victory.
Fourth Round: They overcame Wimbledon, demonstrating their attacking prowess.
Quarter-Finals: Newcastle faced Chelsea, securing a crucial win that underlined their status as serious contenders.
Semi-Finals: The Magpies battled past Brentford and Arsenal, setting up a date with Liverpool in the final.
This journey highlights the progress Newcastle has made under Eddie Howe’s leadership. The manager has transformed the club into a competitive force, blending experienced players with exciting new talent. The team’s ability to grind out results against tough opposition speaks volumes about their potential to lift the Carabao Cup.
Over the decades, Newcastle has come painfully close to ending their trophy drought, only to fall short at crucial moments. Some of the most notable disappointments include:
FA Cup Runners-Up (1974, 1998, 1999): Newcastle reached the FA Cup final on three occasions after their 1955 triumph, but they lost each time. The 1998 and 1999 finals were particularly painful, with defeats against Arsenal and Manchester United.
Carabao Cup Final Losses (1976, 2023): The Magpies reached the League Cup final twice before 2025 but failed to secure victory. The most recent heartbreak came in 2023 when they lost 2–0 to Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
Premier League Title Challenges: Though Newcastle has never won the Premier League, they came agonizingly close in the 1995–96 season. Under Kevin Keegan, the Magpies played some of the most exciting football in England but ultimately lost the title race to Manchester United after squandering a significant points lead.
These setbacks have only deepened the hunger for success among Newcastle fans, making every new opportunity even more significant.
When Eddie Howe took charge of Newcastle United in 2021, the club was struggling in the lower half of the Premier League. Under his guidance, Newcastle has undergone a remarkable transformation. With the support of new owners and strategic signings, Howe has built a team capable of challenging for trophies.
Some key players who have contributed to Newcastle’s resurgence include:
Bruno Guimarães: The Brazilian midfielder has been instrumental in controlling the midfield and dictating play.
Alexander Isak: A dynamic striker, Isak has provided crucial goals and attacking flair.
Kieran Trippier: The experienced right-back brings leadership and defensive solidity.
Sven Botman: A commanding presence in defense, Botman has helped shore up Newcastle’s backline.
Howe’s tactical flexibility and emphasis on attacking football have made Newcastle a formidable side, capable of competing against the best teams in England.
For Newcastle United, the upcoming Carabao Cup final represents more than just a chance to win a trophy—it symbolizes the club’s return to prominence. Winning this competition would not only end the 70-year domestic drought but also serve as a launching pad for future success.
A victory in the final would:
Boost Confidence: Securing silverware would instill belief in the squad and reinforce their ability to compete at the highest level.
Attract Top Talent: Winning trophies makes a club more appealing to elite players and strengthens recruitment efforts.
Reward Loyal Fans: Newcastle supporters have endured decades of heartbreak and near misses. Lifting the Carabao Cup would be a moment of immense joy for them.
Set the Stage for More Success: A triumph in the Carabao Cup could be the first step toward winning more significant honors, such as the FA Cup or even the Premier League.
While the focus is on the Carabao Cup final, Newcastle United’s ambitions extend beyond this one match. The club aims to establish itself as a consistent force in English and European football. With the right investments and continued progress under Eddie Howe, Newcastle could be on the verge of a new era of success.
For now, all eyes are on Wembley Stadium, where Newcastle will battle Liverpool for the right to lift the 2025 Carabao Cup. If the Magpies can overcome one of the strongest teams in England, they will finally put an end to their long wait for a major domestic trophy and bring glory back to St James’ Park.
