John Terry, the former Chelsea and England captain, has spoken candidly about the lasting impact of his missed penalty in the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United. In reflections shared across interviews in 2025, Terry admitted the moment continues to haunt him, stating he still “wakes up and can see it” nearly two decades later.

The rain-soaked final in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium ended 1-1 after extra time, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard exchanging goals. Penalties followed, and Terry—stepping up for Chelsea’s fifth kick—slipped on the run-up, striking the post when a successful conversion would have secured the trophy. Manchester United went on to win 6-5 in sudden death after Nicolas Anelka’s miss, claiming their third European Cup.

Terry, who volunteered for the spot-kick after Didier Drogba’s red card altered the order, has long carried the weight. “I don’t think I’ll ever get over it,” he shared in one discussion, noting missed opportunities linger alongside triumphs. “When you look back on your career, the trophies mean a lot but the ones you missed out on can haunt you.”

More recently, Terry opened up on deeper emotional struggles post-match. On a podcast, he recounted returning to the hotel alone on the 25th floor, overwhelmed by thoughts of failure. He revealed contemplating extreme actions before teammates intervened, pulling him away for support. “I wished I’d spoken to someone at the time,” he reflected, highlighting mental health challenges in football’s high-pressure environment.

These admissions resurfaced amid retirement reflections, with Terry noting the absence of weekly matches intensifies memories. Yet redemption came in 2012 when Chelsea won the Champions League against Bayern Munich on penalties—though Terry, suspended, lifted the trophy in full kit, a controversial but cathartic moment.

Terry’s career boasts five Premier League titles, multiple FA Cups, and that eventual European success with Chelsea, plus 78 England caps. His leadership defined an era, but the Moscow slip remains iconic—a symbol of sport’s cruelty.

Fans and peers praise his honesty, sparking conversations on athlete mental health. Terry advocates openness, crediting figures like assistant Ray Wilkins for past support.

As 2025 marks anniversaries, Terry’s words resonate: resilience forged through adversity. The miss didn’t define him, but its shadow endures—a testament to passion’s double edge.