2021 was a great year to be a football fan, with a number of incredible moments making the headlines. With the year drawing to a conclusion, let’s take a look at the top ten most memorable moments from the year gone by.
10. Jorginho wins UEFA Men’s POTY
Not only did the Regista win the Champions League with Chelsea, but he also played a very important part in Italy’s Euro 2020 win. As a result, he earned UEFA’s Player of the Year for 2021.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the first ever player to score 800 goals
The Portuguese forward’s legend only grows with every single year. Ronaldo netted from the penalty spot to score his 800th career goal for club and country. No other player has scored more goals in their career than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
8. Ronaldo’s Manchester United return
Two of the greatest active players changed their clubs in the summer of 2021. While Lionel Messi went to PSG, Ronaldo moved from Juventus to return to Manchester United amidst rumours that Manchester City were in for him.
7. Robert Lewandowski breaks Gerd Muller’s record
Gerd Muller’s record of scoring 40 goals in one Bundesliga season was finally broken by Robert Lewandowski at the end of last season. The Bayern Munich striker scored 41 goals in 29 appearances, and also won the 2021 European Golden Shoe.
6. Lionel Messi wins his 7th Ballon d’Or
Amidst strong competition from Robert Lewandowski, Messi came out on top in the France Football votes. The Argentinian now has seven Ballon d’or awards in his career, extending his record even further.
5. Atletico Madrid win La Liga on the final day
The Rojiblancos battled their city rivals Real Madrid until the final game of the season for the 2021 league title. After an intense game on both grounds, Atletico Madrid won their first league title in years away from home.
4. Chelsea win the 2021 Champions League
The Blues won their second European Cup in 2021, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the finals. Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard in January and managed to win the trophy at last, after falling short with PSG in the 19/20 finals. Thiago Silva had the same path, only that the Brazilian joined Chelsea in the summer.
3. Italy win Euro 2020 after half a century
An intense final played out at Wembley saw England lose at home on penalties. Gianluigi Donnarumma was given the Euro 2020 Player of the Year award as Italy won the Euros after starting the competition as underdogs.
2. Argentina win the Copa America
Lionel Messi finally lifted an international trophy with Argentina, defeating rivals Brazil in the finals to win the 2021 Copa America. The continental cup played a huge part in him winning the Ballon d’Or, and the Albiceleste have ended their wait for the Copa America trophy for 30 years at last.
1. Simon Kjær saves Christian Eriksen’s life
Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s first Euro 2020 game against Finland. Simon Kjær was the first to tend to him and call for help. The centre-back also comforted his family and partner and emerged as a real-life superhero in the situation.
