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Wham!’s 'Last Christmas' Inspired by 1984 Football Match

12/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Paul Savage reflects on Wham!’s Last Christmas, noting George Michael wrote it in 1984 while watching football with Andrew Ridgeley.
The match aired on February 12, 1984, featuring Luton Town versus Manchester United.
Kevin Liepins notes last Christmas Day matches in Britain were in 1976 in Scotland and 1959 in England.
Arsenal leads the Premier League, while Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest have overcome poor starts to win Europe.

History

Historical Context

George Michael wrote "Last Christmas" in February 1984 while watching a football match, reflecting the sport's rising popularity in Britain. The last Christmas Day matches occurred in 1976 and 1959, marking a shift in holiday sports culture. Released on December 3, 1984, the song became a holiday classic, reaching number one in the UK in 2023, 39 years after its debut.

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Story summary

Paul Savage reflects on Wham!’s Last Christmas, noting George Michael wrote it in 1984 while watching football with Andrew Ridgeley.
The match aired on February 12, 1984, featuring Luton Town versus Manchester United.
Kevin Liepins notes last Christmas Day matches in Britain were in 1976 in Scotland and 1959 in England.
Arsenal leads the Premier League, while Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest have overcome poor starts to win Europe.

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