Reflections on a Tumultuous Year for Sevilla FC

The year 2025 concludes tonight, bringing to an end twelve months of hardship for Sevilla FC and its supporters. Matías Almeyda, in one of his final statements, expressed a desire for a “different world,” alluding to the need for human well-being. This sentiment likely resonates with the fans of Sevilla, who have been engulfed in turbulent times filled with constant worry. This has been the club’s most challenging year of the century, marked by the dismissal of three coaches, two sporting directors, and a real threat of relegation. As the club undergoes a sale process, Sevilla supporters hope that the new year will illuminate their path amid this uncertainty.

The year began on a disappointing note, resulting in an early elimination from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Almería, with a disheartening 4-1 score that severely impacted the project led by Víctor Orta. January signings Rubén Vargas and Akor Adams failed to meet expectations, leading to public dissatisfaction from García Pimienta. The ensuing exchange of statements between the coach and sporting director created an irreversible rift. By March, a string of poor results culminated in the dismissal of the Catalan coach.

Joaquín Caparrós was introduced as the new head coach of Sevilla on Holy Monday, marking his third tenure at the helm. Although his appointment was motivated by ambitions of competing for European spots, reality quickly set in as the team struggled, nearly facing relegation. Institutional crisis conditions intensified, highlighted by an incident at the training complex that illustrated the extreme frustration within the Sevilla community. Caparrós managed to secure only 5 out of 21 possible points, and relegation fears loomed during matches against Leganés and Las Palmas, where a goal from youth player García Pascual provided a brief respite for the fans.

The summer of 2025 ushered in a sporting overhaul for Sevilla. Antonio Cordón and Matías Almeyda initiated a new project more attuned to the club’s realities. The director of football executed the most frugal transfer market in decades, selling top players like Loïc Badé and Dodi Lukébakio, and replacing them with seasoned veterans such as César Azpilicueta and Alexis Sánchez. Following directives, he constructed a cost-free squad aimed at stabilizing the club’s finances.

Meanwhile, Matías Almeyda has successfully restored the team’s self-esteem, grit, and bravery, gaining the support of many fans through his transparency and honest approach, delivering notable victories against Barcelona and Oviedo. Although the team suffered a defeat in the derby—their first loss at home in nearly eight years—the Argentine has become a beacon of leadership in a club longing for direction and competitive edge.

In December, Sevilla faced another early exit in the Copa del Rey, this time at the hands of Alavés. The club also conducted a General Shareholders’ Meeting where various candidates for club leadership revealed their intentions, while President Del Nido Carrasco announced the commencement of renovations at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán for 2027. For Sevilla, 2025 will be a year to forget but also a time to learn and look forward with cautious optimism toward 2026.