The Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football concluded with thrilling finals and packed stands on 28th of September, crowning champions from both China and Ghana.

Dalian proved once again why it is considered China’s football capital. Over 40,000 spectators gathered at Suoywan Stadium over the weekend, witnessing high-level university football.

The event concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at Suoywan Stadium, celebrating the athletes, volunteers, and organizers who made the tournament a success. Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football will be remembered as a festival of talent, passion, and unforgettable football moments.

Over the 12-day event, 24 teams from 17 countries shared passionate moments of this event. In venues such as Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, Dalian Youth Football Training Base, and Dalian Sports Center, the teams successfully completed 62 thrilling encounters. In the end, Shanghai University of Sport from China and Laval University from Canada, Paulista University from Brazil, and University for Development Studies from Ghana respectively advanced to the finals of the women’s and men’s groups.

The women’s final on 27 September was an electrifying affair. Canada’s Laval University opened the scoring in the 3rd minute through Emilie Grondines. The crowd erupted just a minute later when Sun Fangxin equalized for Shanghai University of Sport. Yin Lihong then put the Chinese side ahead in the 21st minute, and added a second goal in the 73rd minute, securing a 3-1 victory for her team.

The men’s bronze medal match saw Granada University edge past Chouaib Doukkali University 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, marking a proud moment for the Spanish side. 

The men’s final was a rollercoaster. Paulista University took an early lead with Gabriel Vieira Barbara’s goal in the first minute. But Ghana’s University for Development Studies never gave up. Mohammed Asigre Sulemana scored in the 93rd minute, forcing extra time. In the 120+1 minute, Ezedeen Alhassan netted the winning goal, sealing a historic victory for the Ghanians.

European universities also enjoyed strong campaigns, securing podium finishes and showcasing the depth of talent. Spain’s Granada University clinched bronze in the men’s competition after a tense penalty shootout. On the women’s side, the University of Granada and other European participants demonstrated resilience and quality, ensuring Europe was well represented across the decisive stages of the tournament. 

The tournament also recognized individual brilliance, with awards for Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, Top Scorer, and Fair Play distributed across seven universities. A standout success came from Ukraine’s State University of Trade and Economics, which qualified for Dalian 2025 through the European Universities Games 2024. Their striker Dmytro Berezka shone throughout the tournament and was honoured as one of the Top Goal Scorers in the men’s competition, a remarkable achievement highlighting both his individual talent and the strength of the European pathway.

The Dalian 2025 FISU University World Cup Football concluded successfully. Over 280 “Little Starfish” volunteers from six universities wove moving tales of youth and Dalian through 10,000 hours of passion and dedication both on and off the field. They served as language bridges transcending barriers, warm-hearted problem-solvers in emergency situations, and passionate companions united by football. 

* Information and photo credit:  https://www.fisu.net/  & https://football2025.fisu.net/