The unpredictable nature of football is one of its most appealing features. The lovely game never sticks to a script and always gives tantalizing tales and drama....CONTINUE READING
Football is a gift that keeps on giving, with huge occurrences shocking the footballing world every year. This year was no exception, as we were all treated to a thrilling and engaging football season filled with significant upsets and hot topics.
Let’s take a look at some of the major events in world football this year that drew worldwide attention:
Sheriff Tiraspol defeat Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu
In the group stage of the 2021-22 season, one of the biggest upsets in UEFA Champions League history occurred. Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova stunned the football world by defeating Real Madrid in their own backyard after making it all the way to the group stages from the first qualifying round.
Sébastien Thill’s 89th-minute rocket beat Thibaut Courtois and sailed into the top corner to give Sheriff a historic 2-1 victory.
Robert Lewandowski misses out on a deserved Ballon D’or
Robert Lewandowski had a fantastic year in 2021, scoring a total of 69 goals in all competitions. By scoring 41 goals in the German league’s 2020-21 season, the Polish sensation shattered Gerd Muller’s record.
With a goal-per-minute ratio of 71, Lewandowski set a new record for a striker. In 2021, no one came close to him, and the footballing world was disappointed when he was not awarded the Ballon d’Or, which went to Lionel Messi instead.
Manchester United suffered their worst season
Manchester United finished the season without a title, with the lowest points total in Premier League history, a goal difference of zero, a worse defensive record than relegated Burnley, and no top-four finish. United’s season has been a disaster.
The Reds were defeated in 12 league games, including a 9-0 aggregate loss to Liverpool in two league meetings. Manchester United supporters will be relieved to see the season conclude and look forward to a brighter future under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Kylian Mbappe’s transfer saga and U-turn
Over the last 12 months, Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid has seemed inevitable. After a long process in which Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) turned down a big €200 million (as per ESPN) bid from Real Madrid last summer, it appeared like Mbappe would join Los Blancos for free this season.
In a surprise turn of events, the French superstar turned down a new contract with Real Madrid in favor of a new deal with PSG. According to reports, the mega-contract will cost billions of dollars.
