The 2024-25 Championship campaign has concluded with a thrilling finish as Sunderland triumphed in the promotion playoffs, joining Leeds United and Burnley as the three teams ascending to the Premier League next season.
After an impressive playoff run, Sunderland AFC edged Sheffield, coming from a deficit to win 2-1 in the playoffs final, completing a remarkable journey back to the English top flight for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Manager Regis Le Bris, relatively unknown in English football before this season, has guided a young and fearless Black Cats squad through an outstanding campaign full of resilience and surprise.
Spearheaded by Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of England star Jude Bellingham, Sunderland emerged as the season’s surprise package.
Leeds United, led by Daniel Farke, bounced back from last year’s playoff heartbreak by finishing first, clinching automatic promotion with 94 points and an impressive +60 goal difference.
Also returning to the Premier League are Burnley, finishing second with 94 points and a +46 goal difference.
Under the leadership of Scott Parker, who replaced Vincent Kompany after his departure to Bayern Munich, Burnley became a defensive powerhouse, conceding just 14 goals across 43 matches, an approach that has ensured a swift return to the top-tier league.
Ipswich Town, Southampton, and Leicester City, on the other hand, were relegated to the Championship after failing to hold onto their Premier League spots.
