End of an Era: Messi-Ronaldo's Absence, Manchester City's Struggles, and Sunil Chhetri's Farewell in 2024
Preview
Latest Football News and Developments in 2024
End of the Messi-Ronaldo Era
The year 2024 marked the end of an era for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as both were notably absent from the Ballon d'Or shortlist for the first time in many years. This significant change highlights the gradual transition from their dominance to a new generation of football stars. Both players, now in their late 30s, are expected to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which could be their final international tournament.
Preview
Preview
Preview
Manchester City's Ongoing Crisis
Manchester City, under the management of Pep Guardiola, experienced a severe downturn in their performance. Despite winning the Premier League last season, City has struggled immensely, securing just one win in their last 12 matches. This unexpected slump has been attributed to various factors, including poor box defending, a lack of focus on the backline, and an inefficient high press. Key players like star striker Erling Haaland have also struggled to maintain their early-season form, contributing to the team's woes. The crisis deepened with their recent loss, further widening the gap between them and league leaders Arsenal.
Sunil Chhetri's Farewell
In Indian football, 2024 was a year of emotional farewells, with Sunil Chhetri announcing his retirement from international football. Chhetri, who has been a pivotal figure for the Indian national team, played his last match on June 6, 2024, against Kuwait. His retirement marked the end of an illustrious career, during which he scored 94 goals for his country, making him one of the greatest players in Indian football history. Despite his retirement from international football, Chhetri continues to play for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL).
Key Highlights
Real Madrid's Double Triumph: Real Madrid enjoyed a spectacular season, winning both the La Liga title and their 15th Champions League trophy. This achievement was part of a broader resurgence for the club, which also saw the emergence of a new golden generation in Spanish football.
Preview
Rodri's Ballon d'Or Victory: Manchester City's Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, a significant accolade that underscored his importance to the team. However, his victory sparked controversy, particularly with Real Madrid, who chose not to send any players to the award ceremony.
Messi's MLS Success: Lionel Messi continued to impress in the MLS with Inter Miami, scoring 20 goals and providing 16 assists in just 19 matches. His performances helped Miami achieve a league-record 74 points in the regular season, although they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Kylian Mbappe's Move to Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe finally made his much-anticipated move to Real Madrid, signing a five-year deal. However, his transition has been mixed, with both highs and lows in his initial performances.
These developments highlight the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of football, with new stars emerging and legends saying their goodbyes.