YearEnder 2022 Football: From Karim Benzema’s Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview, the year 2022 has witnessed some emotional and controversial moments . The year has also witnessed highs and lows in life of players. A the curtains come down to the year we relive the Top 10 Football Moment from Football in 2022 Follow InsideSport.IN for all the latest from the World of Football.
YearEnder Football 2022: Karim Benzema’s Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview, relive the best moments from Football in 2022
Top 10 Football Moment 2022
1. Karim Benzema wins Ballon d’Or: Karim Benzema ended Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or dominance by winning the award for the first time. The 34-year-old was an overwhelming favourite to win the award after an outstanding season with Real Madrid. The striker single-handedly dragged Real Madrid to the final of UEFA Champions League and helped them win the title. The French striker became the fifth player from his country to win the award.
2. Senegal wins Maiden African Cup of Nations: Sadio Mane scored the decisive penalty for Senegal against Salah’s Egypt to give his country their first African Cup of Nations title. Senegal won the shootout 4-2 after the scores were locked at 0-0 after extra time. Before winning the AFCON title this year, Senegal had lost the two previous finals.
3. Lionel Messi guides Argentina to maiden La Finalissima: Riding on Lionel Messi’s magic, Argentina lifted their maiden La Finalissima title by beating Italy. In the battle of the European and South American continental winners, Argentina beat Italy 3-0 at Wembley. Before winning the La Finalssima, Messi had won his first international title with Argentina when he led his country to Copa America title.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview with Piers Morgan: Cristiano Ronaldo’s fairytale return to Manchester United ended on a disastrous note following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The Portuguese captain had spoken about felling ‘betrayed’ by Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag. He explained how the club pushed for his exit not just this year but also last year. The 37-year-old’s criticism of the club just did not end there as he also admitted that senior level executives were also involved in unsettling him.
5. India hosts FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: India hosted the U-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time building on the success of the FIFA U-17 World Cup back in 2017. The event also allowed the Indian U-17 team to be part of the biggest football competition for the very first time. Spain beat Colombia in the final to retain their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title. The host on the other hand crashed out n the group stage after losing all their matches.
6. FIFA bans All India Football Federation: Back in August FIFA banned All India Football Federation (AIFF) for third party interference. FIFA said that the interference from third parties constitutes a serious violation of the status provided by FIFA. The ban not only threatened India’s chances of holding the U-17 World Cup but also prevented any Indian team from making any international appearances. However FIFA overturned the ban allowing AIFF to host the women’s U-17 World Cup.
7. Manisha Kalyan first Indian Woman to play in UEFA Women’s Champions League: Young striker Manisha Kalyan became the first Indian footballer to play at the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She achieved the feat after making her debut for Apollon Ladies FC in the European Club competition in Engomi, Cyprus. She also became the fourth Indian woman footballer to sign for an overseas club. In November 2021, the 20-year-old had become the first ever Indian footballer to score a goal in the AFC Women’s Club Championship.
8. Erling Haaland shatters Cristiano Ronaldo and Premier League record: The former Borussia Dortmund striker took Premier league by storm scoring three consecutive hattrick in his debut season for Manchester City. The Norwegian became the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick in three consecutive home games. Haaland’s hattrick against Manchester City saw him tie Cristiano Ronaldo record of 3 Premier League hattricks. The Norwegian also became the fastest player in England’s top-flight division to score three hat-tricks in only eight matches.
9. Gerrard Pique bids goodbye to Barcelona: Gerard Pique brought an end to his football career biding farewell to Barcelona. The La Masia graduate had a decorated career as a defender collecting 30 trophies during his time at the club and also winning every single major honour available. He also scored 52 goals in a Barcelona jersey and shares the record for most Champions League goals scored by a defender (16), along with former Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos. Pique was part of the Spanish team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship before retiring from international soccer in 2018.
10. Rahul Bheke becomes the first Indian to score in AFC Champions League: Mumbai City FC defender Rahul Bheke made history when he scored the all important goal foer the club at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. He was the first Indian to score in AFC Champions League history. The goal also helped Mumbai City FC become the first Indian club to register a win in the tournament.
YearEnder Football 2022: Karim Benzema’s Ballon d’Or to Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview, relive the best moments from Football in 2022
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