Summer 2025 has been rich with sporting drama, from solid displays to epic performances that have readers at the edge of their seats. Here’s a look at the highs and lows this season through the eyes of national news brands
The world’s first robot kickboxing competition
As the AI trend rises, the line between human and humanoid gets thinner. A Chinese robotics firm held the world’s first boxing match between two child-sized humanoid robots, dividing readers’ opinions on the matter. The competition was invented to showcase the advancements in AI technology, shown by The Independent in a YouTube video below.
The Times and Daily Mail’s clips via Instagram show how the two robots battled each other for the title of the “Iron Fist King”.
Athletics
Returning the focus back on human athletes… British Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson made a remarkable comeback after her time out from a year-long injury, according to Times Sport. Hodgkinson ran the fastest time in the world this year.
Track legend and two-time Olympic gold medallist, Sebastian Coe phrased Hodgkinson as one of the greatest Britain has produced.
“She could end up at the top of the heap internationally if she goes on. I’ve spoken to her enough times to know that mentally, she’s mahogany hard”, The Guardian reported. “She is absolutely committed to wanting to end her career top of the heap and there’s no reason why she shouldn’t.”
Following this, the Telegraph investigated which suitable contenders for athletics could be crowned the greatest of all time, from Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill to Sir Mo Farah and Jonathan Edwards. Read more here.
The Diamond League is home of the global athletics circuit, where the world’s best athletes go head to head in major cities worldwide. Athletes chase points through the season, leading to a high-stakes finale where champions are crowned. The Guardian Sport highlighted key moments on its Instagram platform.
Football
From FA Cup to transfer window
The Guardian shared 10 talking points about the nail-biting action from the end of the football season, when Crystal Palace beat Man City in the FA Cup final.
Similarly, prior to the final, The Telegraph explored the event through the disappointing performance in recent months from Man City. Through the headline, conversation is sparked, creating more of an ‘underdog story’ surrounding the game.
Before kick-off, a tifo was unveiled by Palace fans bearing the message “Wembley will shake… and it will be beautiful.” alongside an image of a Palace father celebrating with his two children in a 2011 match against Man-Utd.
The heart-warming storyline originated from a late season ticket holder who passed away in 2017 from terminal cancer. He was honoured while his two children watched their team win its first title.
Elsewhere, the Daily Mail utilised its TikTok channel to dive into the story of Crystal Palace fans’ long awaited cup final victory.
Meanwhile, readers joined The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney and creative director Adam Clery in a new episode of their podcast, ‘Inside Football’. The duo spoke all things new season from rebuilding teams and future problems and predictions.
Metro Sport’s discussed the latest transfer window on its TikTok platform and its one for the record books as records were broken in the Premier League left, right, and centre.
Women’s Euros
The UEFA Women’s Euro tournament cemented itself as a landmark moment in women’s football, with milestones met and records broke. Take a look back at Newsworks’ deep dive into how news brands covered the summer-long spectacle as the Lionesses defended their European crown. Click to see more.
The Lionesses have demolished stereotypes, proving once more that women’s sport is not just equal but outstanding. They showcased this by filling stadiums and inspiring a new generation to see football as everyone’s game.
While capturing the hearts of the nation by displaying talent and determination during the Euros tournament, the team’s visibility and success has created momentum for wider change across women’s sport, from grassroots funding to media coverage.
Following this, The i Paper’s editor-in-chief Oliver Duff took to social media to encourage the government to stick to its promise of continuing to build on the Lionesses’ legacy and commit to providing girls with equal access to school sports.
Tennis
Tennis events served thrilling entertainment across the summer: Carlos Alcaraz defended his French Open title while Iga Swiatek continued her reign on the court. Wimbledon toasted a glass to rising stars and repeated champions, while shining a light on the glamorous guests sitting court side.
Does it all start with the youth? The Times shared the heartwarming story behind the All England Club’s 22-acre community centre, an organisation that’s helping shape Britain’s next tennis stars. It provides courts, community group activities and training grounds for Wimbledon ball boys and girls, in addition to hosting the Wimbledon Qualifying Event.
Juniors are able to dream of stepping in the footsteps of the next Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu. Over the past 20 years, the charity has backed more than 300 players, including Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Jacob Fearnley and Harriet Dart.
Youngsters are training like professionals, being set up with with coaches, fitness teams, psychologists, diet plans, sleep routines and ever-growing social media profiles. Read more here.
The tennis tournament is one of the most popular events of the summer. Have you ever wondered how much Wimbledon players earn? This year a record prize fund of £3 million was offered to each of the singles winners. The tournament announced a record prize pot for players as part of a considerable increase in the overall prize money for the championships, according to The Times in its TikTok video.
That’s significantly higher than the recent French Open payout of £2.2 million and the £1.7 million offered at this year’s Australian Open. The Independent breaks down prize money figures for readers.
The Daily Express recalled the moment where King Charles left Raducanu amused while presenting her with an MBE back in 2022. He asked if Raducanu had “found a coach yet.”
While chasing a second Grand Slam, Raducanu recalls the moment fondly, telling the Sunday Times ‘Style’ magazine that the royal had “good banter” during their light-hearted exchange.
Carlos Alcaraz is unbeaten in his first five Grand Slam finals.
Earlier in the summer, Metro Sports showed readers the moment star player Carlos Alcaraz saved three championship points in a thrilling battle with Italian player Jannik Sinner as he defended his French Open crown.
At five hours and 29 minutes it was the longest match in French Open history, according to the Daily Mail.
Ever wondered if tennis star Raducanu had any match day secrets
The Independent shared her secrets in a YouTube short video.
Raducanu revealed her match day essentials, from a cuddly toy or a Jellycat to the usual rackets, strings and electrolytes.
The talented player also shared her interests outside of the court, from walks to coffee shops, informing readers of what keeps her grounded during her rise to fame.
Celebs are known to turn the centre court into a catwalk. The Standard showed readers who was spotted at the main event.
Wimbledon campaigns
Brands showed their support for the hotly anticipated tournaments…
US Open
In a slightly unusual and chaotic start, tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were made to wait to start their match after the arrival of President Donald Trump, the Mirror reported.
The electric finale saw the pair resume their rivalry in the final of the men’s singles, taking place in New York.
American tennis chiefs shocked fans by announcing a 20% increase in prize money, the Telegraph reported.
According to The Guardian, Alcaraz won his second title at Flushing Meadows and his sixth overall major. The star player described his title run as the best tournament of his career.
The news brand also dove into the high fashion served front and centre. Statement outerwear and rose crowns saw players stand out this season.
Boxing
Return of Fury
The Daily Star Sport informed readers of British boxer Tyson Fury announcing his ended his latest retirement (once more), sparking speculation about a potential third fight with Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury has been out of the ring since his second defeat to the Ukrainian Usyk in October 2024 and announced his retirement at the start of 2025.
George Groves gives Sun Sport’s own a boxing lesson
Boxer George Groves won the WBA super-middleweight title back in 2017, despite battling through the pain of a broken jaw from in the third round of the fight against Fedor Chudinov. The boxer proved that he’s still got his top skills as he gives the Sun Sport’s own correspondent a boxing lesson in an exclusive clip on its X platform.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn
The blockbuster boxing match finally took place and beat everyone’s expectations. The event saw the return of the famous Eubank father and son duo and continued the Eubank reign against the Benns.
The Daily Mail reported on the duo settling the famous family feud. Jr reportedly held out hope that his father would change his mind and attend despite not speaking for “years”, admitting “these things are what pain is to me”.
Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford
One of the most highly anticipated fights for the super-middleweight world title, took place on 13 September. Professional boxers Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford shared the ring at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas according to The Mirror. The fight was watched by millions after Netflix continued their investment in boxing.
The Telegraph informed readers that Crawford (41-0) will be moving up two weight classes to face Canelo (63-2-2) for the undisputed super middleweight crown.
Daily Mail Sport dove into the inspiring backstory of the life of American professional boxer Terence Crawford on its X platform. It gave readers insight into the dangerous life he lived outside the gym and how that has empowered him since, being shot in the head aged 23 with the bullet missing his brain by an inch.
American professional boxer and friends of Crawford, Shakur Stevenson reveals why he believes how Crawford could beat Alvarez. The boxer gave the Daily Mail Boxing insight into the mind of a fighter and the life of a training camp on it’s Youtube channel.
Crawford, the unbeaten four division champion reached another milestone in his legacy, outscoring Alvarez by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas.
Daniel Dubois vs. Oleksandr Usyk
The Sun gave readers insight to behind the scenes look at Usyk’s training camp as the boxer prepared for his long-awaited rematch with Daniel Dubois.
Since turning professional at 19, Dubois has won 22 of his 24 fights with 21 by knockout, according to The Times. He has previously knocking out Anthony Joshua, in front of a record crowd of 96,000 at Wembley Stadium. This summer he faced Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Dubois put up a great and intense fight but in the end it wasn’t enough as his more experienced opponent remained champion, The Telegraph informed readers.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn
The second generation stars put on a show in April which readers saw Eubank win after 12 demanding rounds.
The rematch will take place on Saturday 20 September, according to The Sun.
Formula 1
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton embarked on a new partnership with Italian team Ferrari for the 2025 season, signing a multi-year contract.
However, the new partnership hasn’t been smooth sailing. iGuardian Sport informed readers that Hamilton admitted he’s “absolutely useless” and even suggested Ferrari should replace him after a poor qualifying result in Hungary contrasted with teammate Charles Leclerc taking pole positon.
Out-qualified in 10 of 14 races and still without a podium this season, Hamilton’s debut year in Ferrari red is fast becoming the toughest challenge of his career so far.
Red Bull principal Christian Horner leaves Red Bull
This season, readers saw Horner resign as Red Bull’s team principal after 20 years due to team struggles, declining performances and the rumours surrounding Max Verstappen’s future.
The Daily Star reported on his farewell Instagram post: “After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved”.
“Formula One is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special”, Horner added.
British Grand Prix
McLaren driver Lando Norris has been in the headlines often this year — not only for his impressive race performances. Debates over the dynamic between himself and his team-mate Oscar Piastri have intensified as their rivalry came to light on and off the track, according to The Daily Express.
The feud was front and centre at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where Piastri ended the race with a 10-second penalty from the stewards after he slammed on the brakes at 130mph ahead of a safety car restart.
Due to this, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was forced to take action, resulting in losing control of his car as the safety car period ended on Lap 22. Unable to gain control on the wet track, he dropped from P2 to P10.
This cost Piastri the win, with rival Norris crossing the line for McLaren’s first win at Silverstone since 2008.
The Independent broke down the race for readers, taking a look at race results and on-track reactions.
Rugby
The men’s Six Nations delivered gripping drama: England’s late resurgence, France securing the championship and Ireland winning their 14th Triple Crown.
Later in the summer, the British & Irish Lions claimed a series win on their tour in Australia. The Guardian Sport kept readers informed on its Youtube channel, with the 2025 tour the first time the Lions have won the first two tests of a series in 28 years. It was their first series win in 12 years.
The women’s tournament reached new levels with record-breaking crowds, nail-biting matches and paving the way for rising stars — all increasing the sport’s popularity.
Honda, the performance partner of England Rugby, built a multiplatform brand partnership with the Telegraph with the aim to help grow the women’s grassroots game across the UK.
The Rugby Legacy Fund was created to try to help girls and women’s rugby clubs across the country to achieve their ambitions. The collaboration celebrated 15 winners of their ‘Rugby Legacy Fund’, in a special wrap of its ‘Sport’ section.
Click here to find out more about the campaign.
Meanwhile, in another brilliant partnership, The Standard teamed up with British Airways for a campaign to back the England women’s national rugby union team as they chased World Cup glory.
Launching at the same time as the tournament itself, it celebrated women’s rugby from grassroots grit to global triumph, spotlighting the players driving England to the top. The partnership aimed to capture the passion and power of the game.
The news brand covered everything readers need to know about England Rugby’s Red Roses squad 2025.
Elsewhere, on the subject of rugby icons, Welsh rugby union player Gareth Thomas joined the Newswork’s Speakeasy at MAD//Fest this summer. Joining the Daily Mail’s Bryony Gordon, the pair discussed the major challenges faced when it comes to homophobia and stigma around HIV.
During a special live recording of the Mail’s ‘Life of Bryony’ podcast, Thomas described the hateful comments and abuse he receives.
News brands turn the biggest sporting moments into front-page history, capturing the drama, glory and heartbreak with each headline and cover.
Take a look at some of the best sporting moments this summer brought to life below.
