Brandon McNulty emerged triumphant at the Tour de Luxembourg 2025. Among the winners of the stages were Romain Grégoire, Mathieu Kockelmann, Mattias Skjelmose and Ethan Hayter. Luxembourger Mathieu Kockelmann’s victory in the second stage was one of the highlights of this year’s edition.
In football, controversial forward Gerson Rodrigues dominated much of the Red Lions discussion this year, although not for his achievements on the pitch. He was convicted of three counts of assault and battery, including domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, in March, but was continually selected for the national team’s fixtures, which led to protests outside the Stade de Luxembourg.
The Luxembourg football federation drew criticism for their handling of the situation and their poor reaction to the protests. The case reflected poorly on Luxembourgish football and sought for important debates on responsibility in sport, role models and domestic violence. It culminated in Rodrigues’ eventual suspension from the squad.
Paris Saint-Germain made history this year, winning the Champions League trophy for the first time. They delivered an impressive, decisive performance in the final in Munich, beating Inter Milan 5-0 and dominating the match from start to finish.
Athlete Ruben Querinjean emerged as the breakout star in Luxembourgish sport this year, winning the 3,000 metre steeple in the World University Games in Bochum in July and setting a new Luxembourg record with a time of 8:18,46. Several weeks later, he won his first race in the Diamond League at the Memorial Van Damme (8:09,47), thus establishing himself on the international athletics scene.
Dressage rider Nicolas Wagner achieved 18th position at the European championships and thus became the very first Luxembourgish rider to qualify for the freestyle at a European competition. He has thereby opened a new chapter in Luxembourgish sport.
Former professional footballer Jeff Strasser was appointed national coach earlier this year after Luc Holtz stepped down in favour of a role at SV Waldhof Mannheim. The Red Lions are yet to win a game under Strasser, notably losing 4-0 and 2-0 to Germany in the most recent qualifiers.
Tadej Pogačar dominated cycling in the 2025 season, winning almost every trophy going. With victories at the Tour de France and numerous other races, the Slovenian is eyeing a fifth Grande Boucle trophy in 2026.
The UEFA Women’s EUROs took place in Switzerland over the summer, culminating in a thrilling final between England and Spain in which the Lionesses emerged victorious after a penalty shootout. The matches drew record attendance and enthusiasm among the fans, in an important step forward for women’s football.
Patrizia van der Weken was voted Sportsperson of the Year for the third consecutive year, after achieving immense success in 2025. She won bronze medals at the indoor world championships and indoor European championships earlier this year for the 100 metre races, making history for Luxembourgish athletics and attracting attention on an international scale.
Andy and Fränk Schleck have returned to their cycling roots and are once again active within Team Lidl-Trek. Andy Schleck has taken on a top management position, while his brother is responsible for women’s cycling, bringing both Luxembourgers back to their sporting roots.
Talent and fitness make up just a proportion of success in sport, as athletes require mental strength and the X factor to win. Lindsey Vonn displayed this in alpine skiing this year, battling knee injuries with immense willpower to win in the world championships. In February she will compete in the Winter Olympics in Italy at the age of 40.
At the age of just 18, Lea Tonus is considered one of the world’s best young talents in archery. Enzo Duarte is a core player for Borussia Dortmund’s U19s at just 16. Both have attracted considerable attention for their achievements and were named young talents of the year in recent sporting awards.
The Olympic Games are the ultimate goal for many athletes. First up are the Winter Olympics in Italy in February 2026, followed by the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Read also: From A to M: Luxembourg’s sporting year 2025 at a glance
