What football offered us in 2021?

It's a very fantastic year for football. People have witnessed two big events - EURO and Copa America. Football fans have come across so many emotional moments this year. Before fully turning the page to 2022, there's so much to look back on from the last 12 months. Business Insider Bangladesh has listed the top 10 moments of world football. 

1) End of Argentina’s Trophy Drought

After 28 long years the wait finally ended for Argentina as they lifted the Copa America trophy in 2021 after beating their rivals Brazil at the Maracana. Back in 1993 the Albiceleste won their last major trophy.

Lionel Messi was unstoppable in that tournament. He led his team from the front but he couldn’t perform well against Brazil in the final. The unsung hero Angel Di Maria’s only goal was enough to snatch the victory in that match. 

Messi was voted the Best Player of the tournament. The 34-year-old won the golden boot for his four goals. Even he assisted five times, the highest by a player in that event. He created 21 chances as well.

2) It’s Seven, It's Heaven

Lionel Messi picked up his seventh Ballon d’Or. He snatched away the most prestigious individual award of football from Robert Lewandowski.

The Argentine legend scored 41 goals and 17 assists to his name before lifting the award. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s goal record might not match that of Lewandowski's, but his performance in the Barcelona and Argentina kit was furious. 

The 34-year-old won the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021 which means he has lifted the prize more times than any other player in football history.

The Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star is now two triumphs clear of eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo who won the award five times.

3) Messi Leaving Barcelona

It was the most unexpected farewell that nobody expected to happen. It was a big blow for both the Barcelona and Messi fans when the Catalan club announced that the Argentine star will not be playing for them in the next season. On the other hand, it was the sweetest dream for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). They were happier than ever.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had scored 672 goals in 778 appearances and won 34 trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues and 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona.

4) Rome Is Home

Italy missed the 2018 World Cup and later climbed back to the top by winning the EURO 2020. Gianluigi Donnarumma saved two England penalties en route to a 3-2 shoot-out win. He was named the Man of the Tournament as well.

It was a great success story for Roberto Mancini’s team. They halted the world number one Belgium in the quarter final. Later, they knocked out Spain in the semi-final. 

The final match ended in a 1-1 draw after the extra time. The giant keeper saved penalty shots from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka after Marcus Rashford hit the post, as Federico Bernardeschi, Leonardo Bonucci and Domenico Berardi all scored for the Italians to lift their second EURO title.

5) Eriksen’s Collapse

People witnessed one of the scariest moments in the EURO as Danish footballer Christian Eriksen collapsed midway in the first half during a match against Finland. Medical teams rushed to the midfielder and was given CPR.

“He was breathing, and I could feel his pulse. But suddenly that changed,” Morten Boesen, Denmark team doctor was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “And as everyone saw, we started giving him CPR.”

6) Ronaldo, Messi Surpass Pele

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both overtook Pele for most career goals. The Brazilian legend has 757 official goals to his name.

The Portuguese star started 2021 with a bang as he scored twice during Juventus’ 4-1 victory over Udinese. In doing so, he overtook Pele’s incredible goalscoring record.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner surpassed Pele by netting twice for PSG against Club Brugge. The second goal from the spot-kick was his goal number 758.

7) Lewandowski Smashes Gerd Muller’s Record

The Polish and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski set a new Bundesliga single-season goals record after netting his 41st goal to surpass German legend Gerd Muller's 49-year-old best-mark of 40.

The former Bayern Coach Hansi Flick said, "If anyone can do it, it's him (Robert Lewandowski)."

Lewandowski was furious this year. He was so close to winning his first Ballon d’Or but had to stay happy with the second position.

8) Ronaldo Breaks Ali Daei's Record

Cristiano Ronaldo broke the all-time international goalscoring record after scoring his 110th goal. Iranian player Ali Daei held the record from 2006. He has 109 international goals to his name. 

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the record-breaking goal against Ireland. Later, in the  injury-time he found the net again to salvage his country a dramatic 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory.

9) Aguero Says ‘Goodbye’

Argentina and Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero announced his retirement due to a heart condition. He broke into tears while confirming his retirement from the beautiful game.

Aguero said, "My health comes first. Medical staff have told me it's best to stop playing and so I'm now leaving Barcelona and retiring from professional football."

In a match between Barcelona and Alaves, Aguero experienced chest problems and breathing difficulties. He received medical assistance on the pitch. Later, he was taken to a hospital.

The 33-year-old played only five matches for the Catalan club and scored one goal against Real Madrid.

10) Racial Abuse for Missing Penalty

England fans were confident enough to win the EURO 2020. But The Italians ripped through the heart of English players and lifted the second EURO title after beating them in penalties.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw after the extra time. England missed three penalties and all of those were taken by black players -  Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

The situation got worse when they were subjected to racist abuse online. Bukayo (19) was the youngest among them. Later, The English Football Association issued a statement condemning the language used against the players.