Drunken Vfb celebrations: Cup success and fresh office equipment
In a thrilling denouement to an unforgettable season, VfB Stuttgart clinched their first DFB-Pokal title in almost three decades, defeating Arminia Bielefeld 4-2 in the final at the Berlin Olympic Stadium.
The triumph, Stuttgart's fourth in the cup competition, marked a glorious milestone for the club following a challenging period that saw them relegation threatened in 2022 and 2023. Since the turn of the tide under the guidance of coach Sebastian Hoeneß, the Swabians have emerged from a struggling relegation contender to a title-winning force in just two years, an incredible feat few would have predicted at the beginning.
Proudly holding aloft the gleaming trophy, Deniz Undav led the victorious squad in a lengthy post-match party. Coach Hoeneß, meanwhile, enjoyed the momentous triumph with his father Dieter, a former successful coach at VfB, prolonging their shared smile well into the early hours.
"A big entry in VfB history," thanked sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth, reflecting the unbridled joy and euphoria among the team. "We'll probably have to get new letterhead now - we can afford it now," joked Wohlgemuth as Stuttgart's players reveled in their success, many describing the moment as the best day of their lives.
The ecstatic team, who would not let the celebrations pause, returned home in a special flight, where they were greeted at the town hall to sign the Golden Book. The enthusiasm continued with a convoy through the streets, culminating in a party on the Schlossplatz with the adoring fans.
For coach Hoeneß, the victory marked his second most significant title in German football, following in the footsteps of his legendary uncle Uli and revered father Dieter from the Hoeneß family. The triumph over Arminia Bielefeld, who had shocked Bundesliga counterparts earlier in the tournament, was secured with a ruthless upheaval of the third division champions' surprising run.
The Bundesliga season's ups and downs, as well as the setbacks of the mediocre second half, were all but forgotten as the clear favorites from the first division capitalized on their opponents' mistakes efficiently. The late flurry of goals conceded in the final minutes of the one-sided cup final was rendered insignificant by the team's resilience in securing their well-deserved victory.
Stuttgart's fans and players alike rejoiced in the euphoria of the title-winning season, with tactician Angelo Stiller and star striker Nick Woltemade both cherishing the herbal liqueur Jaegermeister as they enjoyed the festivities.
The 2025 DFB-Pokal success not only secured VfB Stuttgart a spot in the Europa League but also presents an opportunity to further strengthen the club's position and attract top talent, according to sports director Fabian Wohlgemuth. The additional financial benefits from the Europa League would play a "significant role" in the club's plans.
The relegation-threatened days of the club's recent history, which included a second division stint from 2019, seemed far away as the Berlin Olympic Stadium, once a place of sorrow, became synonymous with a victory that the Swabians will cherish "for eternity."
Source: German Press Agency (dpa)
VfB Stuttgart's DFB-Pokal triumph on May 26, 2025, marks the club's fourth success in the competition, with previous titles achieved in 1958, 1954, and 1997. The latest victory ended a remarkable 13-year drought of major trophies since the club secured the Bundesliga title in the 2006-07 season.
The club's perseverance and resilience were tested throughout the cup campaign, but they ultimately overcame a spirited challenge from Bundesliga hopeful Arminia Bielefeld, who had knocked out four division rivals earlier in the tournament. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß and his team demonstrated their prowess under pressure, capitalizing on the mistakes of the third-division champions decisively. The victory highlighted the remarkable progress the club has made over the past two seasons since Hoeneß took over as coach.
Having secured a spot in the Europleague with the cup victory, VfB Stuttgart now aims to establish itself consistently among Europe's top clubs and attract top talent in order to maintain its growing momentum. The additional financial gains from the Europa League will also be a crucial factor in achieving this goal.
For coach Hoeneß, the DFB-Pokal triumph not only adds another significant title to his coaching career but also solidifies his stature as a competent and successful leader, following in the footsteps of the legendary Hoeneß family. Saturday's victory, achieved against all odds and in a dramatic final, cements his reputation as an astute tactician who can motivate and guide his team to success even in the face of adversity.
[1] "VfB Stuttgart gewinnt DFB-Pokal-Finale gegen Arminia Bielefeld," German Press Agency (dpa), May 26, 2025.[2] "VfB Stuttgart: Einziges Ziel – Europa League-Teilnahme," Süddeutsche Zeitung, May 26, 2025.[3] "VfB Stuttgart bezwängt Arminia Bielefeld und feiert DFB-Pokal-Triumph," Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, May 26, 2025.
[1] Despite their successful DFB-Pokal triumph, VfB Stuttgart still aspire to join the European elite, with the Europa League participation in the 2025-26 season being a stepping stone towards that goal.
[2] The club's football progress, evident in their fourth DFB-Pokal title, sets the stage for a promising future in European leagues, particularly the Premier League, as they aim to attract top talent and become a regular fixture among Europe's top clubs.
