Real Madrid enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning both La Liga and Champions League trophies simultaneously. Manchester City continued their dominance of domestic league play by retaining their Premier League crown - yet Pep Guardiola's squad only managed a single victory out of twelve matches over that span, something unprecedented among reigning champions.
Sunil Chhetri announced his international football retirement for 2024 with emotional resonance for Indian football fans. Meanwhile, Spain ushered in a golden age on the European stage by winning UEFA Euro 2024 championship over England with a thrilling comeback win.
Rodri won the Ballon d'Or in 2024, beating Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. Rodri was an integral player for Manchester City during their recent success and played an integral part in Spain's triumph at UEFA Euro 2024, where he earned himself Player of the Tournament honors.
Manchester City have felt Rodri's injury absence acutely this season - one of their worst campaigns since 2010. This underlines his immense importance to their team. Real Madrid were infuriated after his Ballon d'Or win caused much debate and decided to boycott its ceremony as a protest measure, further inflaming the rivalry between these two giants.
Lionel Messi's performances for Inter Miami this past season demonstrated that his move into Major League Soccer (MLS) wasn't simply retirement plan. The Argentine maestro proved both his enduring brilliance and desire for success; Miami became an immediate title contender despite losing this year.
Messi had an outstanding campaign for David Beckham-owned Miami FC, scoring 20 goals in 19 matches while providing 16 assists en route to becoming their top scorer and helping guide them to an impressive 74 regular-season points total. Messi made an even larger mark during their postseason run; although Miami were unfortunately eliminated in their opening round playoff match. He earned himself the Most Valuable Player award as recognition of his efforts, further solidifying his legacy as one of soccer's greatest ever players.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano may soon reach the end of their respective eras in 2024, after both veterans were conspicuously absent from the Ballon d'Or's 30-player shortlist for 2024. Between them, these veterans have won 13 world footballing awards (usually against each other) with 11 runners-up finishes; both currently play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia while Messi remains with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami; expectedly both are nearing retirement with the 2026 World Cup likely being their last international contests before retirement in 2026.
Manchester City were expected to dominate the English Premier League this season after winning it last year, yet Pep Guardiola's team have fallen into an unprecedented slump, winning only one match from their last 12 compared to nine losses and two draws; far removed from their usual dominance.
Erling Haaland, City's star striker, has struggled in his early season form. Haaland began the year on fire scoring 10 goals in City's first five Premier League matches; since August his output has decreased and now only has three goals; which is an extra blow during an already difficult period for City.
Real Madrid had an exceptional first half of 2024. Under Florentino Perez's leadership, they won both La Liga and European Cup championships - beating Borussia Dortmund in both Finals 2-0 - for their 36th La Liga and 15th European Cup titles respectively. Carlo Ancelotti led them to yet another European victory - his sixth overall and his third in Madrid alone! This success cemented Ancelotti as the most successful coach ever in this competition's history.
Dani Carvajal outdid legendary figures like Karim Bale, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo by winning six European Cup titles himself like Paco Gento.
Sunil Chhetri announced his Retirement
Sunil Chhetri has long been a source of frustration among fans of Indian football, yet his continued inclusion on their side has caused many concerns among them. Now 40, this legendary figure has announced his departure from international football after an illustrious and successful career which netted him 94 goals over 18 seasons and ended on 6 June in Kolkata for a 0-0 tie against Kuwait - his final appearance!
Chhetri holds the all-time top scorer title in Indian Super League history and currently plays with Bengaluru FC. Additionally, he is India's all-time top scorer which adds yet more recognition of his greatness within football history.
Kylian Mbappe decided not to renew his PSG contract and joined Real Madrid instead, signing a five year contract which began on January 1. Since joining Madrid he has shown mixed results; scoring nine goals out of 15 matches but failing to impress in major matches like losing an El Clasico against Barcelona.
Mbappe now plays as a central striker for Real Madrid, an unfamiliar position compared to his time at PSG and France as a left winger. Adjustment has been difficult; fans eagerly anticipate whether Mbappe can fully embrace Madrid life and deliver big moments.
Spain won UEFA Euro 2024 with young talents such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams leading their starting lineup. Spain defeated host nation Germany in their quarterfinal matchup and secured victory 2-1 over England for an amazing journey that ultimately culminated in winning their historic third Euro title!
Dani Olmo of Barcelona was Spain's leading scorer, scoring three goals to share this honour with England's Harry Kane and Georgia's Georges Mikautadza as well as Germany's Jamal Musiala as well as Cody Gakpo and Serbian Ivan Schranz from Netherlands Cody Gakpo and Serbia Ivan Schranz respectively. Rodri won Player of Tournament while Yamal claimed Young Player of Tournament status while his stunning semifinal goal against France earned Goal of Tournament status from him and Goal of Tournament designation!
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