The year 2024 delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for football fans around the world, with moments of triumph, heartbreak, and historic shifts in the sport. From Rodri’s unexpected Ballon d’Or win to Kylian Mbappé’s long-awaited move to Real Madrid, the season left an indelible mark on football history.
Real Madrid’s Double and Manchester City’s Decline
Real Madrid’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. The Spanish giants completed a remarkable double, winning both the La Liga title and the Champions League. In a dominant performance, Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 2–0 in the final, securing their 15th European Cup and further solidifying their legacy as Europe’s premier club. The victory marked a milestone for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who secured his fifth European Cup, making him the competition’s most successful manager.
In contrast, Manchester City, after winning the Premier League last season, fell into a shocking slump. Despite Pep Guardiola’s leadership, City won just one of their last 12 matches, suffering a series of disappointing results. Striker Erling Haaland, who had been in blistering form earlier in the season, saw his goal tally falter, contributing to City’s struggles in both domestic and European competitions.
Messi and Ronaldo’s Final Chapter
2024 also marked the end of an era for two of the sport’s greatest-ever players. Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were notably absent from the 30-player Ballon d’Or shortlist, signaling the twilight of their legendary careers. Messi’s performances for Inter Miami in MLS were still stellar, scoring 20 goals and registering 16 assists, but the Argentine’s influence could not prevent the team from falling short in the playoffs. Ronaldo, playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continued his journey in the Middle East, but the two icons are now looking towards the 2026 World Cup as likely their final international tournament.
Sunil Chhetri’s Emotional Farewell
For Indian football fans, 2024 was an emotional year as Sunil Chhetri, the talismanic striker, announced his retirement from international football. The 40-year-old ended his illustrious career with 94 goals for India, making his final appearance in a 0–0 draw against Kuwait in June. While Chhetri continues to play for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, where he is the league’s all-time top scorer, his departure from the national team marked the end of an era for Indian football.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Victory and Real Madrid’s Fury
In an unexpected turn of events, Rodri claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or, beating out Vinicius Jr. and others for the award. The Manchester City and Spain midfielder was a crucial figure in both his club’s success and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. However, his win was met with frustration at Real Madrid, with the club choosing to boycott the ceremony in protest over what they viewed as an unfair decision.
Manchester City keenly felt Rodri’s absence due to injury and struggled without their midfield anchor. His Ballon d’Or win, however, only served to highlight his importance, both for his club and country, during a challenging period for City.
Mbappé’s Move to Real Madrid
The summer of 2024 saw Kylian Mbappé finally make his long-anticipated move to Real Madrid after choosing not to renew his contract with PSG. The French star, who had been linked with the Spanish club for years, signed a five-year deal with Madrid. However, his transition to Madrid has been rocky. Although he has scored nine goals in 15 matches, his role as a central striker has seen him struggle to replicate the form he showed at PSG, where he excelled on the left wing. Madrid fans are eagerly awaiting his full adaptation to the team’s system.
Spain’s Golden Generation Triumphs at Euro 2024
On the international stage, Spain announced the arrival of a new golden generation at Euro 2024, clinching the trophy with a dramatic 2–1 victory over England in the final. Young talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams played pivotal roles in Spain’s success, with Yamal’s stunning goal in the semifinal against France earning him the title of Young Player of the Tournament. Midfielder Rodri was named Player of the Tournament, while Dani Olmo finished as Spain’s top scorer with three goals, tying with other tournament standouts like Harry Kane and Cody Gakpo.
2024: A Year of Farewells and New Beginnings
As the football world said goodbye to some of its greatest stars, 2024 also marked the beginning of new chapters for emerging talents. The end of the Messi-Ronaldo era, combined with the rise of a new generation of stars, ensured that this year marked a pivotal moment in football history. As clubs and countries prepare for the future, football fans can look forward to another exciting year ahead in 2025.
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