A look back at the thrill of the inaugural World Sevens Football

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Players and staff of Bayern Munich pose for a photo with the World Sevens Football trophy and a sign which reads “der zug hat keine bremse” (the train has no brakes) after the team’s victory in the World Sevens Football Final match between Bayern Munich and Manchester United on Day Three at Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota on May 23, 2025 in Estoril, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/World Sevens Football via Getty Images)

With smoke cannons, live music, and a fast-paced format, this innovative World Sevens Football — led by football icons such as Tobin Heath, Kelley O’Hara, Anita Asante, Laura Georges, Caroline Seger, and Kika Nazareth — is redefining how fans experience the sport.

The rules break from tradition. Rolling substitutions, no offsides, and two 15-minute halves are the changes. The result is a quicker, more dynamic style of play that prioritises flair, creativity, and constant attacking movement.

Having fun at World Sevens

At half-time, free shirts are tossed into the crowd, keeping the energy high in the stands. Teams like Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also embracing the showmanship. United’s players make their entrance with cartwheels, drawing cheers from the fans, while the German side has brought a full repertoire of theatrical goal celebrations that add flair and humour to every match.

The Bavarians won the tournament with a 2–1 victory over the English side. Both teams embraced the spirit of the competition throughout, and that joy and energy carried them all the way to the final. As Bayern celebrated their first-place finish, the United players joined in — despite the loss — highlighting the fun and camaraderie that defined the tournament.

“It’s good fun,” said Manchester City’s Jess Park after being named Player of the Match against Ajax. The players are clearly enjoying the new format, which many say reminds them of the joy and freedom they felt when they first started playing football.

Ajax goalkeeper Regina van Eijk echoed that sentiment: “I did feel at home with playing like this, obviously you’re a lot more in the game and I felt it specially with the 5v5, that I had to be an extra player, so it was very fun to play like that.”

However, not everything has gone without criticism. With Euro 2025 starting on July 2nd, the tournament has stirred debate. Some have raised concerns about the timing and the risk of injury, particularly given the presence of many top international players.

World Sevens prize money

Bayern Munich have taken home $2.5 million in prize money, which is more than the Women’s Champions League winners. Runners-up Manchester United have claimed $1 million, while Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City have pocketed $650,000. Of the total prize money received for each club, among the 60 percent will go directly to investing in the club. The other 40 percent will be split between players and staff.

Fans engagement and atmosphere

The tournament took place at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota in Estoril, a 5,000-seater stadium. While early matches drew modest crowds, attendance has grown steadily, with the main stand consistently full. During the semi-finals and final, the crowd was much bigger. The reason was fans arriving in Portugal for Saturday’s Champions League final between Barcelona and Arsenal.

Fans have embraced this new football format with enthusiasm.

“It reminds me of the Queens League in Spain, but with top international players and fewer rule changes. For me, it’s the perfect balance,” said a fan who had travelled from Barcelona.