The world of football had an eventful year in these times of uncertainty. There were cries of celebration, riveting contests as well as several moist eyes and some dejected souls. Despite the Covid-forced lockdowns and the climate of reluctance, tournaments across the continent unravelled devoid of any major hiccup. As we enter the threshold of a new year it is time to look into some major events in the realm of the “beautiful game”.
A Mixed Year For Messi
The Argentine legend has had an event-filled year, where the circumstances conspired to help him win something for his national side for the first time as well as forced him to let go of his prized possession. Finally, Messi was able to win something of note for Argentina, the Copa America, by beating Brazil. This was also a fitting tribute to Diego Maradona, who left for his heavenly abode on November 25, 2020. After this, he had to swallow the bitter pill of parting ways with Barcelona despite the heavy-duty trade-offs on his part to remain with the Catalan club. Goodbyes are never easy, so there were several inconsolable candidates, including Leo himself. Messi has now joined his former Barca mate Neymar at the Paris Saint Germain (PSG).
Italian Resurgence
Everyone cocked a snook at Italians when they failed to qualify for the last edition of the FIFA World Cup. Those who thought Azzurris’ glorious days have come to an end were made to eat the humble pie as they won the Euro 2020 by defeating England. Roberto Mancini’s devils stayed afloat throughout the match before pushing aside England in the penalties to secure the trophy for the second time. Was this an announcement of their intent going forward? We will only know next year if they qualify for the Qatar World Cup, the journey riddled with a lot of obstacles and hardships. But it won’t be entirely incorrect to say that “The Blues” have exorcised the ghost of the past for now.
Chelsea Have Finally Arrived
The “Deep Blue” happened to be the new and bright colour of the League season when the European heavyweight won Champions League this year. Staring at a mid-season crisis, fortunes swung their way when Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard. They stunned everyone from Atletico Madrid, Porto to Real Madrid en route to setting up the final clash with English giants Manchester City. With no tag of favourites to weigh them down, Chelsea played with gay abandon to prevail over the formidable City. Thanks to Mason Mount and Kai Havertz, in no small measure, for turning the dream into a reality for Chelsea.
Ronaldo-Mbappe Transfer Drama
In a year of high-profile exits, Christiano Ronaldo’s and Kylian Mbappe’s next moves were also the cynosures of all eyes. Ronaldo, unlike Messi, wanted to move out of Juventus but there was a guessing game regarding his next destination. Ending all the wild speculations the Portuguese superstar returned to Manchester United despite City’s desperate attempts to have him on board. Mbappe, on the other hand, was itching to move out of the Paris club and Real Madrid even offered 200 mn Euros for the same. But an ice-cold response from the PSG forced the French star striker to remain in its fold. However, nothing can stop Mbappe from shifting to a new club as and when the new transfer window opens up in June next year.
