2015 Football year in review
For many football lovers, the sport is defined by its drama and intrigue. This year was no different. Both on and off the field, players and managers kept us captivated with memorable plays, goals and the occasional bit of humour. What do you think has been the highlight of 2015 in football? If you’re an FC Barcelona fan it’s probably the fact that your team won the treble for the second time in six years. Or if you’re a Chelsea fan, you might have shared in the delight as you saw your team so easily win the Barclay’s Premier League for the fourth time.The TeamsThe PlayersThe Goals
Or maybe you focus on the sport’s individuals, and reveled in delight (if you’re a CR7 fan of course) as you saw Cristiano Ronaldo win the most revered award in football, the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
Jamaican-born Raheem Sterling kept us fascinated throughout our summer as his name never left the tabloids until he was finally able to force a move from Liverpool to Manchester City in July.
Whatever you may have enjoyed this year, you cannot deny that football has yet again served up a great year, one that will live long in our memories.
Disappointing year for the Blues, as Chelsea fans saw their team move from runaway champions to relegation contenders, a run which saw the ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho sacked for the second time as Chelsea manager.
Leicester City are the heart warmers of the year, a small club whose rise to the top of the Barclay’s Premier League could never have been predicted. Many wonder if their success may be coming to an end but we must wait and see as the Foxes don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.
Barcelona won their second treble this year and they really did deserve it. They were second to none and brilliant in every competition in which they played, winning the La Liga title, Copa Del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics for the second year running after receiving the FIFA Ballon d’Or award. The Portuguese has been a major part of Real Madrid’s success since joining from Manchester United in 2009. His 48 goals and 16 assists was no mean feat, however, he could not help his team knock rivals Barcelona off their perch.
Lionel Messi had a bad start to the year but still managed to aid his team in attaining three important titles this year as well as the FIFA Club World Cup that recently concluded in China. His untouchable display in both the semifinals and finals of the UEFA Champions League, as well as his team’s run in the Spanish Primera Division, were proof as to why many believe that the Argentine is the best player that has ever played the sport.
Jamie Vardy, 28, broke records and made history becoming the first player ever to score in 11 consecutive Barclay’s Premier League matches. He has impressed many since the start of the season including the likes of Roy Hudson (manager of England) who gave the Leicester City striker his first cap as an international.
Who could forget that brilliant goal from Lionel Messi against Bayern in the semifinals of the Champions League? That goal sparked memes on every social media site worldwide, and had us laughing at the way Jerome Boateng, the Bayern Munich defender, was left on his face by the time Messi was finished with him.
Or perhaps you remember that 66-yard strike from inside his own half by Charlie Adam in a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea! It was unbelievable, and Adam himself seemed surprised that his effort actually went in. He has been known to produce strikes of that calibre his entire career with Sir Alex Ferguson even stating that his left foot alone is worth 10 million pounds.
As another year draws near to an end we should not be sad but rather embrace the fact that we had the chance to witness what was another great and memorable 12 months, both on and off the field.
We look forward to an even better 2016.