May 2025 left indelible marks on American sport

Sports Writing (EFE).— The month of May 2025 was marked as one of the most intense and memorable on the sports calendar in America, with historic comebacks, absolute consecrations and world-class protagonists such as Carlo Ancelotti, Álex Palou, Shohei Ohtani, Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez, as well as the teams Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

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In the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder returned to the Finals for the first time since 2012 after closing a historic regular season with a record of 68-14, the best in the league. Led by the Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder secured their spot on May 28 with a resounding 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fifth game of the series. Their rival in the fight for the ring will be Indiana Pacers, who reached the Finals after successively eliminating Milwaukee Bucks (4-1), Cleveland Cavaliers (4-1) and New York Knicks (4-2), repeating a feat they hadn’t achieved since the year 2000.

The Ancelotti effect in Brazil

In South American football, May was marked by the return of Carlo Ancelotti to the benches, this time as coach of Brazil, with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. The Italian coach debuted in the qualifiers with a goalless draw against Ecuador, in Guayaquil, in a match that marked the return of Casemiro to the national team, while Neymar continues his recovery process.

Palou makes history at the Indy 500

Motorsport experienced a historic moment on May 25, when Spaniard Álex Palou conquered the Indianapolis 500 for the first time, reaffirming his dominance in the IndyCar Series. Palou already has three titles, 17 victories and an impressive start to the 2025 season, with five wins in six races.

Canelo, undisputed king

In boxing, Saúl ‘Canelo’ Álvarez once again confirmed his legendary status by defeating Cuban William Scull in Riyadh, unifying the super middleweight titles (168 pounds). The Mexican won by unanimous decision after 12 rounds, remaining the undisputed champion and raising his professional record to 64 victories.

Ohtani returns to the mound

Baseball also offered an unforgettable postcard with the return of Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher. The Japanese player returned to the mound on May 25 at Citi Field, facing five batters in his first appearance as a pitcher since his surgery in 2023, after signing his historic contract of 700 million dollars. May 2025 will remain as a month of challenges overcome, expected returns, and triumphs that marked an era in the sport of the American continent.