Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy as Ange Postecoglou bagged a UEFA Europa League crown with 1-0 final win over Manchester United in Bilbao.
Brennan Johnson’s goal proved to be the difference between the two sides on the night as the travelling Spurs fans partied on at the Estadio San Mames.
However, the fireworks were not just restricted to Spurs’ trophy lift at full-time, as midfielder James Maddison delivered a brilliant moment as part of his post-match interview.
Maddison did not feature in the final due to injury, but he joined his Spurs teammates on the pitch after the game, and was interviewed by CBS pundit Peter Schmeichel
A buoyant Maddison hailed Spurs’ resolve to get the job done and he fired a cheeky message to former United captain – and one of his most consistent critics – Roy Keane, back in the CBS studio.
Keane has infamously thrown a few jibes at Maddison over his iconic darts-themed goal celebration whilst questioning his impact on the pitch at the start of 2025.
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“Maddison isn’t bad when he’s not at the darts. But let me tell you, if you think he’s going to come back and get Spurs into the top six, you’re in cuckoo land. He’s good, he’s a talented player, but if you’re a player in the Spurs dressing room and Maddison’s back in the squad, you wouldn’t be looking and going, oh Jesus, he’s back today, we’re going to be fine,” Keane stated on The Overlap podcast.
James Maddison reaction to Roy Keane after Tottenham’s UEL victory?
Speaking to CBS, Maddison claimed he joined in the interview because of Keane’s presence, and co-panelist Micah Richards asked him to do his darts celebration, just for Keane’s benefit.
“I wasn’t gonna do any interviews, but I heard Roy Keane was in the studio tonight,” said Maddison.
“Oh I will, Micah, with pleasure! Roy Keane that’s for you son,” he added.
“ROY KEANE THAT’S FOR YOU SON” 😭🎯
Fair play, @Madders10 😂 pic.twitter.com/MoeffWPS7E
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 21, 2025
Keane quickly fired back at Maddison for ‘playing well in the final’, as despite being injured, the Spurs star was dressed in full kit to receive his medal.
“I always said he was a good player, but he needs to be more consistent. And he played well tonight.”
Speaking about the victory, Maddison claimed winning the Europa League made the season ‘right’ for Tottenham, and for their long-suffering fans.
“What a special feeling. Winning makes [the season] all right – the pain of not being able to play is not being able to help the team. It’s a brilliant achievement and a way to qualify for the Champions League, but it is more winning for the fans. They have had years of pain.”
Maddison will remain sidelined for Tottenham’s last Premier League clash of the campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on May 25.
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