New Delhi: Football in 2024 delivered unforgettable moments, showcasing the sport’s unpredictable and dramatic nature. From individual triumphs to shocking managerial changes, the year was a rollercoaster ride of emotions for fans across the globe. Iconic clubs, national teams, and players all contributed to a narrative that kept everyone on edge, proving why football remains the world’s most captivating sport.
While there were many highlights, some stood out more than others, shaping discussions and sparking debates. These moments not only reflected football’s competitive spirit but also its ability to surprise, inspire, and divide opinion. Here, we dive into the top five football moments of 2024 that defined the year and left a lasting impact on the game.
5. Xavi’s sacking and Hansi Flick’s Barcelona arrival
Barcelona’s head coach Xavi Hernandez holds the ball during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Sevilla, at the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic in Barcelona, Spain, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)
Barcelona’s dramatic managerial shake-up in 2024 will be remembered as one of the year’s standout moments. Xavi, a club legend as both player and coach, had initially planned to leave at the end of the season. However, the Catalan side convinced him to stay on just a month earlier. In a shocking twist, Barcelona reversed course, sacking Xavi and announcing plans to replace him with Hansi Flick.
The decision caught many off guard, especially with Xavi set to manage the team in their final league match. While his tenure had ups and downs, including a La Liga title and a Super Cup win in 2023, this season saw the team fall short of expectations.
Flick, the former Bayern Munich and Germany boss, is reportedly ready to step in. This quick turnaround highlights the unforgiving nature of top-level football and adds to Barcelona’s recent history of high-stakes drama.
4. Rodri wins Ballon d’Or as Real Madrid boycotts ceremony
Rodri has spoken his mind against the fixture pile up that faces his side. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph in 2024 sparked controversy as Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony, unhappy with Vinicius Junior being overlooked. The Manchester City midfielder claimed the prestigious award after guiding his club to a fourth consecutive Premier League title and playing a pivotal role in Spain’s unexpected Euro 2024 victory. Yet, the decision left Madrid fuming.
Hours before the event, Real Madrid announced they would not attend, labelling the omission of Vinicius a lack of respect. The Brazilian, who scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists en route to Madrid’s league and Champions League double, had been tipped as a strong favourite. Madrid even argued that if Vinicius wasn’t chosen, Dani Carvajal, another standout performer, deserved the honour.
Rodri remained diplomatic, focusing on his achievements. His consistency and key goals, including one in the Champions League final last year, cemented his case. Yet, Madrid’s protest dominated the night’s narrative, adding drama to football’s biggest individual accolade.
3. Gareth Southgate out, Thomas Tuchel in: England’s New era begins
BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 14: England head coach Gareth Southgate walks past the trophy following the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
England’s appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new national team manager marked a significant moment in their football history this year. The decision followed Gareth Southgate’s departure after falling short in delivering a major trophy, despite coming close on multiple occasions. Tuchel, with his reputation for tactical brilliance and success in high-pressure tournaments, brings fresh hope to a nation desperate for silverware.
The FA’s bold move to bring in only the third non-English manager underscores their ambition to break the long-standing trophy drought. Tuchel’s Champions League triumph with Chelsea and his ability to adapt quickly to challenges were likely pivotal in the decision.
While Lee Carsley continues in the interim for England’s Nations League matches, Tuchel’s tenure will officially kick off in 2025. This pivotal change has already stirred excitement among fans and pundits, setting the stage for a new chapter in England’s pursuit of footballing glory.
2. Spain’s renaissance under Luis de la Fuente
KIEV, UKRAINE – July 1: Fernando Torres of Spain, Juan Mata of Spain and Sergio Ramos of Spain celebrate with trophy after the UEFA Euro 2012 Final Match match between Spain and Italy at Olympic Stadium on July 1, 2012 in Kiev, Ukraine. (Photo by Stewart Kendall/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Spain’s return to football dominance is rooted in Luis de la Fuente’s management, which has reignited the men’s national team after a quiet decade. Guiding Spain to Euro 2024 glory, their first European Championship win since 2012, de la Fuente showcased the benefits of his continuity with the squad. Having worked with many players at youth levels, his familiarity brought cohesion and belief.
This success reflects Spain’s evolution. Once synonymous with rigid ‘tiki-taka,’ their approach now blends possession with adaptability and precise positioning. This shift has made them a modern powerhouse, as seen in their 3-0 triumph over Croatia, where they relinquished possession but dominated through discipline and skill.
Coupled with similar successes at youth and women’s levels, Spain’s unified football philosophy is paying dividends. De la Fuente’s leadership has symbolised a resurgence, marking the nation’s triumphant return to the global football summit.
1. Manchester City’s decline after Haaland’s ‘stay humble’ comment
Manchester City’s head coach Pep Guardiola talks to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Manchester City’s recent struggles feel like a stark contrast to their usual dominance, and Erling Haaland’s “stay humble” comment to Mikel Arteta after their draw against Arsenal seems to have backfired. Once a team that struck fear into opponents, City now looks a shadow of its former self, battling inconsistency and a lack of confidence.
Haaland, usually so reliable, has found goals harder to come by recently. Against Everton, he missed a penalty and managed just one shot on target, reflecting a broader drop in form for the team. The composure and sharpness that characterised City’s play have been replaced by rushed decisions and visible frustration. Even Pep Guardiola’s typically calm demeanour has been tested, with his side now on a run of just one win in their last 13 games in all competitions.
Everton’s visit to the Etihad was supposed to kickstart City’s revival, but instead, it highlighted their vulnerabilities. A team that once seemed untouchable now finds itself needing to prove it can still dominate. Guardiola will hope the January transfer window can bring reinforcements, but more importantly, he’ll need to rebuild his squad’s shattered confidence.
The football year of 2024 was filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable moments. From the shock sacking of Xavi at Barcelona to Rodri’s controversial Ballon d’Or win, football fans witnessed drama, surprises, and moments that will be remembered for years. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
