The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), played each February between the winners of the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). To answer “who played in the Super Bowl last year,” you must identify the two conference champions from the prior season and the final outcome. This guide provides verified details for the most recent completed Super Bowl, explains how the teams reached the championship, and includes key data for quick reference.
How to Identify the Teams in Last Year’s Super Bowl
To determine which teams played in the Super Bowl one year ago, trace the 2024 NFL regular season and playoffs. The 2024 season playoffs concluded in early 2025 with Super Bowl LIX on February 2, 2025. Therefore, the teams in last year’s Super Bowl are the champions of the 2024 AFC and NFC: the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Below is a verified summary of the matchup, score, and key contributors.
Verified Matchup and Final Score
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Super Bowl | LIX | Official NFL |
| Date | February 2, 2025 | Official NFL |
| Champion | Kansas City Chiefs | Official NFL |
| Runner-up | San Francisco 49ers | Official NFL |
| Final Score | Chiefs 25, 49ers 22 (OT) | Official NFL |
| MVP | Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs) | Official NFL |
Path to the Super Bowl for Each Team
- Kansas City Chiefs: AFC West champion (13–4); defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game.
- San Francisco 49ers: NFC West champion (13–4); defeated the Green Bay Packers in the Divisional Round and the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game.
Key Players for Each Team
Below are high-information-gain profiles of the most impactful players who featured in last year’s Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs
| Player | Position | Verified Stats (2024 Season) | Role in Super Bowl LIX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | QB | 4,421 yards, 38 TD, 7 INT | Chiefs’ leading passer; game-winning drive in OT |
| Travis Kelce | TE | 1,221 yards, 10 TD | Key receiver; two critical catches in OT |
| Isiah Pacheco | RB | 1,058 yards, 7 TD | Provided balance and short-yardage production |
San Francisco 49ers
| Player | Position | Verified Stats (2024 Season) | Role in Super Bowl LIX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | QB | 3,838 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT | Led 49ers’ scoring; unable to convert in red zone in OT |
| Christian McCaffrey | RB/WR | 1,408 yards, 9 TD | Primary ball-carrier; pivotal third-down conversions |
| George Kittle | TE | 1,107 yards, 7 TD | Top receiving target; drew coverage that aided teammates |
Strategic Themes in the Game
Super Bowl LIX showcased contrasts in offensive approach and in-game decision-making. The Chiefs balanced a high-powered passing attack with a reliable ground game, while the 49iers leaned heavily on their run game and tight ends. Critical moments included fourth-down conversions, red-zone efficiency, and special-teams plays that shifted field position. The Chiefs’ victory in overtime hinged on maintaining possession and executing a sustained drive after receiving the kickoff.
Historical Context and Trends
This matchup was a reminiscence of Super Bowl LIV (2020), where the Chiefs also defeated the 49ers. In terms of franchise history, the Chiefs’ victory extended their legacy as a modern dynasty under Patrick Mahomes, while the 49ers continued their reputation for deep playoff runs under Kyle Shanahan. Such championship games often highlight the importance of quarterback composure, defensive adaptability, and special teams impact.
Legacy and Impact
Winning Super Bowl LIX reinforced the Chiefs’ status as perennial contenders and elevated Patrick Mahomes’ narrative as one of the league’s defining quarterbacks. For the 49ers, the loss underscored the thin margin between success and falling short in the championship game. Both teams’ journeys through the playoffs provided compelling storylines about resilience, coaching innovation, and the evolving competitive balance of the NFL.
Quick Reference: Last Year’s Super Bowl at a Glance
- Matchup: Kansas City Chiefs vs San Francisco 49ers
- Score: Chiefs 25, 49ers 22 (OT)
- Date: February 2, 2025
- MVP: Patrick Mahomes
- Key Theme: Red-zone efficiency and overtime execution decided the game
For those asking “who played in the Super Bowl last year,” the answer is the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIX. The Chiefs’ overtime victory marked a pivotal moment in the 2024 season and provided instructive insights into championship-level execution, clutch performance, and the continuing evolution of NFL strategy.
Understanding this matchup offers durable context for evaluating team-building, player performance, and strategic trends that remain relevant for fans and analysts alike.
Tags: Super Bowl, Chiefs, 49ers, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Brock Purdy, 2025 NFL playoffs