There's a peculiar emptiness to Boxing Day 2025 that no amount of leftover turkey can fill. For millions of football fans across England, December 26 has always meant one thing: a marathon of Premier League football from noon until night. This year, that tradition has been reduced to a single match.
One Match to Rule Them All
Manchester United hosting Newcastle United at Old Trafford (8pm GMT) will be the only Premier League fixture on Boxing Day 2025. Last season, fans enjoyed eight matches staggered across four kick-off times. This year, there's just one – and it kicks off when most families have already dozed off in front of the television.
The remaining nine Gameweek 18 fixtures have been scattered across Saturday and Sunday, December 27-28. For those keeping score at home, this marks the most dramatic reduction to the Boxing Day schedule in Premier League history.
The UEFA Effect: How Europe Killed a British Tradition
The Premier League has pointed the finger squarely at UEFA's expanded European competitions. With the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League all adopting new league-phase formats this season, the number of midweek slots reserved for continental football has exploded.
This scheduling crunch has effectively transformed the Premier League into a 33-weekend competition – fewer than previous seasons – despite maintaining its standard 380-match format. There's simply less room to breathe in the calendar.
Making matters worse, Boxing Day falls on a Friday in 2025. Under normal circumstances, this would be fine. But with broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports taking over from Amazon Prime Video – whose UK deal expired – and with fewer available weekends, only one broadcast slot could be allocated for December 26.
Fans React With Fury
The Football Supporters' Association has been vocal in its criticism, condemning both the reduced schedule and the Premier League's delays in announcing December TV selections. Newcastle fans face a particularly bitter pill: travelling to Manchester for an 8pm kick-off on Boxing Day – one of the longest away trips of the season – has drawn widespread frustration.
One supporter group described the situation as a "massive disgrace," reflecting the sentiment shared across terraces nationwide. Boxing Day football isn't just entertainment; it's a cultural institution woven into the fabric of British Christmas traditions.
A 137-Year Tradition Under Threat
The history of Boxing Day football stretches back to 1888, the very first year of the Football League, when Derby County faced Bolton Wanderers and West Brom hosted Preston North End. Since then, over 4,000 matches have been played on December 26 in English league football.
Manchester United leads the all-time Boxing Day points table with 174 points from 97 matches, while Harry Kane holds the record for most goals scored on the day with 10. The highest-scoring Boxing Day in English top-flight history came in 1963, when 66 goals were scored across 10 matches – including Fulham's extraordinary 10-1 demolition of Ipswich Town.
Hope on the Horizon
The Premier League has moved quickly to reassure supporters that 2025 is an anomaly, not a new normal. In an official statement, the league acknowledged the impact on "an important tradition in English football" and committed to a fuller Boxing Day schedule next season.
"The League can give an assurance that next season there will be more Premier League matches on Boxing Day – as the date falls on a Saturday," the statement read.
That's cold comfort for fans this Christmas, but at least the tradition isn't being permanently retired. For now, those craving Boxing Day football will have to make do with Championship action, AFCON group stage matches, and the lone spectacle at Old Trafford.
What's On Instead?
For those seeking alternatives, Boxing Day 2025 still offers some football viewing options. The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off with Egypt vs South Africa (3pm GMT) – a chance to watch Mohamed Salah in international action. The Championship provides a full slate of fixtures, including Wrexham vs Sheffield United (5:30pm) and Birmingham City vs Derby County.
But let's be honest: it's not the same. The Premier League on Boxing Day is a tradition that transcends sport. It's about gathering with family, recovering from Christmas excess, and watching world-class football in the comfort of your living room. In 2025, that tradition takes a significant hit – one that fans won't easily forget.
