+ Lamine Yamal's breakthrough
It's old news that Barcelona produces great talents. But when 15-year-old Lamine Yamal made his debut, it didn't take long for the football world to understand that the Spaniard was something out of the ordinary.
A little over a year later, as a 16-year-old, he got his big breakthrough during the European Championship when he was one of the leading players in Spain's gold team.
Now, at 17, he has secured his place in "Barça's" starting eleven. In 16 matches this season, Yamal has scored five goals and nine assists.
+ The folk festival at the European Championship
A controversy-free championship, in one country in the middle of summer, was something the football world had longed for. And the European Championship in Germany became a real success.
The summer's championship became a real folk festival on the country's streets and in the stands.
+ Bayer Leverkusen's incredible success
For several years, Bayern Munich has dominated German football, mainly challenged by Borussia Dortmund. But during the 2023-24 season, there was no doubt which team was the best.
Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, won match after match. When the season ended in May, the team had won its first league title ever, after going undefeated from start to finish.
+ The football world mourned "Svennis"
Sven-Göran Eriksson's death was not only a huge news story in Sweden, but in the entire football world.
In countries like England, Italy, and Portugal, the front pages of newspapers were filled with tributes to "Svennis", and many top clubs and international star players sent their condolences and thoughts to the Swedish coaching legend.
+ Mbappé's giant move and rape allegations in Stockholm
In the end, Kylian Mbappé got his move from French Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. But it hasn't been a continued success. The Frenchman has had a tough start in his new club, and the headlines have mostly been about something other than football.
After a visit to Stockholm in October, the 26-year-old was accused and suspected of rape. But after two months, the investigation was dropped, after a woman no longer wanted to participate in the investigation.
+ Jürgen Klopp left Liverpool – and Arne Slot's successful debut
After over eight years, coach Jürgen Klopp unexpectedly left Liverpool, to the great sorrow of the supporters. Dutchman Arne Slot got the somewhat ungrateful and difficult task of taking over. But from the start, it clicked.
Liverpool leads the main round of the Champions League after six straight wins, and in the Premier League, the team has created a significant gap to its competitors. The season's only loss so far came on September 14 against Nottingham Forest with 0-1.
+ The Swedish stars and the Golden Ball
During 2024, Swedish football has reached new heights in terms of the number of superstars, and the national team's offense has been touted as one of the world's best.
Viktor Gyökeres has scored goals in his Sporting Lisbon, and finishes 2024 on an almost incredible 62 goals.
At the same time, Alexander Isak continues to pour in goals in the Premier League. 21 goals in the league last season despite injury problems, and eleven so far this season. Dejan Kulusevski has, in turn, taken the next step in Tottenham during the fall, where he has been one of the league's top players.
Isak Hien has also had a cannon year behind him. The Swede is one of the key players in Atalanta, which leads Serie A and has been one of the world's best teams during the fall.
The arguments were many for each when it came to the discussion about the Golden Ball. In the end, it was awarded to Viktor Gyökeres, who received the prize for the first time in his career.
+ Rodri snubbed Vinicius – who boycotted the gala
Many expected Real Madrid's Vinicius Júnior to receive the "Ballon d'Or", awarded to the world's best football player of the year. Instead, Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri received the prize.
Something that was not appreciated by either Vinicius himself or his club Real Madrid.
When they received the news, all representatives from the Spanish club chose to boycott the entire gala, despite the club being awarded prizes, including coach Carlo Ancelotti receiving the prize for coach of the year.
+ Caroline Seger's farewell – in Rosengård's giant success
One of Swedish football's greatest of all time hung up her boots after the 2024 season. But Caroline Seger at least got to end on a worthy note.
During her final season, she saw her Rosengård completely dominate everyone and everything in the Damallsvenskan. The team won 25 out of 26 matches in the league, and finished the season with an eleven-point margin to second-place Häcken.
