Twenty Years After Istanbul: Liverpool’s 2005 Miracle Echoes Through Mumbai And The 2025 Season

Last Updated:December 02, 2025, 15:54 IST

In an exclusive talk with News18 Sports, Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and David James discussed the 'Miracle of Istanbul', and what the Reds need to fuel themselves this season.

News18

On a warm, buzzing evening in Mumbai, the red jerseys outnumbered everything else — traffic, noise, even the city’s humidity. Liverpool supporters from across India had gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005 UEFA Champions League final — the miracle of Istanbul, the night that shaped a generation of Liverpool believers.

And fittingly, two men who lived that era — David James and Robbie Fowler — were in the room.

Carlsberg India and Liverpool marked a momentous occasion, celebrating 20 years of the Miracle of 2005 and more than three decades of their partnership.

The event brought Anfield’s electric spirit to Mumbai, as Liverpool legends Fowler and James engaged with Indian fans, sharing memories from Liverpool’s iconic European triumph and celebrating the club’s deep connection with Carlsberg.

In an exclusive interaction with News18 Sports, James, reflective as ever, didn’t hold back on just how transformative that night was.

“It’s a great question," he began, leaning back as though replaying every minute of that final in his mind. “If you look at Liverpool’s success, pre-Premier League, international dominance with European trophies, domestic cups… then the Premier League comes along, and the absence of the domestic league win hung over them."

For James, 2005 wasn’t just a comeback; it was a catalyst.

“I think 2005 was the moment where people thought things were going to change. Three-nil down at half time… we all know what happened. Without that event — without Istanbul — the global passion, especially from fans in India, wouldn’t have been achievable. It was like a movie script you’d never believe."

And he wasn’t exaggerating. Even now, he said, supporters recount Istanbul as if it happened last week.

“Liverpool have won the Champions League since then, and it still doesn’t get mentioned. Everyone goes back to Istanbul."

Fowler, grinning as he listened, chimed into the exclusive conversation with News18 Sports from a slightly different angle — one rooted in the heartbeat of the club: the fans.

“It was the need of the supporters," he said. “It’s what shaped the club. That togetherness… You could hear it that night, even if you weren’t watching. When Liverpool fans get behind the team, it drives everyone. That’s why we’re here today — celebrating the miracle."

And in Mumbai, two decades later, that togetherness felt very real.

Drawing Parallels From Istanbul to 2025

As the 20th anniversary celebrations blended into a watch-party atmosphere for Liverpool’s current Premier League game, conversation inevitably shifted to the 2025 season itself.

The Reds — now defending champions — have had a stuttering start to say the least, having incurred 6 losses in 13 matches already, languishing at 8th in the table currently. Not disastrous, but inconsistent enough to spark questions.

Fowler wasn’t having any panic.

“I don’t think it’s a missing link," he said. “It’s not that Liverpool are trying to get bad results. Things just aren’t happening. And when you’re champions, every team raises their game against you."

Fowler reminded everyone how difficult defending a Premier League title truly is — doubly so in an era where Manchester City have normalized dominance.

“Take away the anomaly of City over the last few years. History tells you that it’s unbelievably difficult to win again. Liverpool haven’t suddenly become bad; they’re adjusting to being champions. And they’ll get it right. I’m confident."

James added to Fowler’s observation, stating that the changing landscape of football in itself has created a much more challenging environment.

“Supporters will always be behind the club," he said. “But this season… It’s been compounded by technology, decisions not going our way. Look at the recent incident against Nottingham Forest. You start thinking everything is against you."

But he wasn’t pessimistic. In fact, he saw parallels — faint but flickering — with Istanbul.

“Tonight could be a catalyst," he said, gesturing at the screen where Liverpool were warming up. “Not 45 minutes like Istanbul—twenty-odd games. But one moment can flip everything. Liverpool are capable of another 20-plus-game unbeaten run. The title is not over."

Carrying the Liverpool Shirt: Lessons for the Current Squad

Fowler, when asked what it takes to thrive at Liverpool, leaned into the realities of expectation — a theme that feels relevant in 2025 as new signings adapt under a brighter spotlight.

“That shirt and that badge are heavier than at other clubs," he said.

“Some players hit the ground running; some take time. But the club does its homework. We can’t judge players too quickly."

He emphasized confidence, something he and James had brought up repeatedly through the event.

“Players aren’t bad — they’re good players at a great club. Expectations rise because you’re playing for what we think is the best football club in the world."

James added to the sentiment, stating, “If you’re signing for Liverpool, you don’t sign to please fans — you sign to play your best football. Fans fall in love with you because of that. Look at Stevie (Steven Gerrard) in Istanbul. Look at Robbie (Fwoler). They didn’t play for the fans; they played for Liverpool, and that made the fans love them."

Then he put it simply.

“There are two ways to play football: work hard when you’ve got the ball, and work hard when you haven’t. Show that to the fans, and they’ll give you everything."

A Night That Connected Two Eras

As Mumbai’s Reds cheered through the match, James and Fowler’s reflections kept circling the same idea: Istanbul wasn’t just a comeback. It was a cultural turning point. A reminder that Liverpool are at their most dangerous when belief crashes head-on with adversity.

In 2005, it took 45 minutes to change a destiny. In 2025, it may take 20 games. And lucky for them, Liverpool got off to a solid start on Sunday night, much to the joy of all those who assembled in Mumbai.

Guests participated in a special screening securing a 2-0 win over West Ham United on the weekend as the Mumbai crowds filled the air with roars of celebration., an exclusive meet-and-greet with the legends, and surprise comedy acts that added to the celebratory atmosphere.

And as the Reds secured a 2-0 win over West Ham United, the venue came alive with Liverpool chants — giving Indian fans a taste of what it feels like to be part of the Kop.

The message for fans — old and new, local and global — was clear: the spirit that fueled that miracle still burns. And if there’s any club that knows how to turn a season around with one spark, one moment, one surge of belief… It’s Liverpool.

In Mumbai on Sunday night, twenty years after Istanbul, that belief felt as alive as ever.

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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