When you think about November 2025, a month marked by high-stakes sports drama and major political events across Africa and Europe. It was the month when global soccer’s power structures shifted, local communities faced disruption from international summits, and African teams fought for a shot at the World Cup. This wasn’t just another month of headlines—it was a turning point for fans who follow the game where it matters most: on the ground, in the streets, and in the lives of people who live it every day.
One of the biggest shocks came when Manchester City, the dominant force in European football for years lost at home to Bayer Leverkusen, ending a seven-year unbeaten streak in the Champions League. That loss wasn’t just about tactics—it exposed how over-reliance on star players like Haaland can leave a team vulnerable. Meanwhile, FIFA+, the free streaming platform aiming to become the world’s central hub for soccer announced a $1 billion deal with DAZN to relaunch in early 2026. This isn’t just about more matches—it’s about access. For fans in Durban, Lagos, or Johannesburg who can’t afford premium subscriptions, this could change everything.
Back in South Africa, the G20 Summit, a gathering of the world’s top economies hosted in Gauteng shut down key roads like Hendrik Potgieter Road, turning daily commutes into nightmares. Thousands of people were caught in traffic jams, businesses lost hours, and local news outlets became real-time traffic guides. But while drivers sat stuck, another kind of battle was unfolding in Rabat. Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle named a star-studded squad for their World Cup playoff against Gabon, with Victor Osimhen leading the charge. A win meant a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. A loss? More years of near-misses. And in Spain, Antony—once a Manchester United star—got sent off in a LaLiga match, then won fans back by handing his jersey to the injured opponent. These aren’t just sports stories. They’re human stories. Moments that stick because they’re messy, real, and full of feeling.
This archive pulls together the moments that defined November 2025—not just the scores and summit announcements, but the ripple effects they had on everyday lives. You’ll find the biggest upsets, the most unexpected comebacks, and the local impacts of global events. No fluff. No filler. Just what happened, who it affected, and why it mattered.
Manchester City lost 0-2 to Bayer Leverkusen at the Etihad Stadium on November 25, 2025, ending their seven-year home unbeaten run in the Champions League. Guardiola's rotation backfired as Haaland's absence left City toothless.
Real Betis winger Antony, ex-Man Utd star, received a red card for accidentally kicking Girona's Joel Roca in the face during a LaLiga match, but won back fans with a heartfelt apology and jersey gift. He'll miss the Seville derby.
G20 Summit road closures from November 15–23, 2025, will disrupt Hendrik Potgieter Road and key Gauteng highways, affecting commuters across Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni as South Africa hosts global leaders.
Eric Chelle named a star-studded 24-man squad for Nigeria’s World Cup playoff against Gabon in Rabat on November 14, 2025, with Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye leading the charge. A win could send Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA and DAZN will relaunch FIFA+ as the global home of soccer in early 2026 with a $1 billion deal for the Club World Cup, offering free and premium access to 100+ leagues worldwide through a freemium model.
