Newcastle United are no longer the club of old.
While the PIF takeover of Newcastle United in October 2021 was always likely to transform the club, it was the events on Sunday 16 March 2025 that really changed it.
They are now Carabao Cup winners. It is a first major domestic trophy since 1955, a first cup win of any description since 1969.
Indeed, an impressive Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley. In truth, they really should have scored more and even had an Alexander Isak goal ruled out by VAR before the Swede swept home a fine second after Dan Burn’s opener.
Eddie Howe’s side had look comfortable throughout. Still, a silly mistake threatened to cost them, with Federico Chiesa scoring in added time after Bruno Guimaraes lost the ball attempting a Cruyff turn in the middle of the park.
Kieran Trippier was asked about that very thing after the game.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Kieran Trippier reacts as Bruno Guimaraes mistake almost costs Newcastle United the Carabao Cup final
While it seems harsh to criticise the midfielder after such a historic day in the club’s history, there was little doubt him trying – and failing – to showboat made things harder than they had to be.
Newcastle were inching towards winning the Carabao Cup final and the showboating could have waited.
Thierry Henry was on punditry duty for American platform CBS and asked the experienced Trippier what he made about the incident.
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“I was fuming,” he said.
“In moments like this, it’s about game management. Just one simple pass and we’re through on goal but you know, can’t blame Bruno, he’s been unbelievable for us.”
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes makes request after Carabao Cup final
With the dust having partially settled, Guimaraes can be forgiven. It just wouldn’t be Newcastle United without late drama, after all.
After the game, Guimaraes conducted an emotional interview, declaring his desire to have his name sung like club legend Alan Shearer’s even when his time at Newcastle is over.
Mistake or not, that feels likely. This group of players have etched themselves into folklore.
Guimaraes is a major part of that. The beating heart of the PIF project since the moment he arrived at the club, he becomes a rare Newcastle captain to have lifted a trophy.