Written by Uri Levy, Yossi Medina; Edited by Alex Smith; Photo by Nicole Liberman.
After a year like 2020, anything would seem like an improvement. Football in 2021, though, provided the excitement we all needed.
This year featured some of the wackiest football moments we’ve seen for some time - involving politics, power, money, drama, and groundbreaking moves.
Every year at BabaGol, we choose the football stories, players, games, and events that made this year special. Like in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, we pulled together the brains in Team BabaGol for the mission. A mission to look back on a year that was still heavily influenced by the pandemic, which is slowly entering its third year. Still, whilst these changes to our modern-day world are becoming ever so familiar, the beautiful game is still proving to be the unpredictable beast we want it to be.
Twenty years ago, Eminem, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit and Nate Dogg produced a popular rap song together and ended it with the phrase "2001 and forever". Here it's our time to say: 2021, forever and never.
Fans return to stadiums
We couldn’t start the list with anything else. In 2020 we got used to empty stadiums, with frequent Covid-19 lockdowns across the globe. A year later, as most of the people in Europe were vaccinated, the gates opened once again. Players understood how it felt to play in front of their supporters. It's a different feeling, football without fans is nothing. Although some countries closed their stadiums to supporters again in late 2021, hopefully, it won't last too long.
The Super League failure
Back in April, a new initiative swept across European football. It lasted just three days, and gave hope that, for once, maybe it’s not all about the money.
The European Super League, an idea that tried to fight corruption but replaced it with the idea of a centralized tournament, was met with a volatile tide of disappointment and anger. The fans' protests in England, and the refusal of some significant clubs to join the league, meant the Super League remained a dream for a handful of greedy owners. At least at the end of 2021, football still 'belongs' to the people, even if it is becoming increasingly more focused on the business.
The Saudis take over Newcastle United
In recent years we’ve seen a number of proposed state takeovers of football clubs. In 2020, it was the deal that almost saw an Emirati businessman take over Beitar Jerusalem. In 2021, it was the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover of Newcastle United. The same way the Emiratis bought Manchester City and the Qataris bought Paris Saint Germain, this act is the Saudis’ first big move in European football. It has politics, soft power, and regional and global interests all over it.
The deal, which was cancelled last year, returned and shook English football, separating fans into those who accuse the Magpies, and the Premier League, of 'sports washing', and those who already fantasize about Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe gracing the turf of St. James' Park. While the deal made Newcastle the wealthiest club in the world, it’s still in the early stages of progress, and the club is far from reaching a glimpse of its potential. First, the Saudis need to save them from relegation, before they can aim to take over England, and then world football.
Lionel Messi leaves Barcelona
The moment nobody believed would come had arrived, and Lionel Messi's Barça farewell sent shockwaves around world football. Everything in this story was symbolic, dramatic and surreal, from the first reports, to the press conference, to Leo's tears. His move to Paris Saint-Germain opened a new chapter in the Argentine's career, but something in this story left part of football broken.
Zohreh Kodaei and the Iranian women's football team
Despite being at the centre of the BabaGol universe, Asian and Middle Eastern football doesn't tend to make headlines around the world. But in 2021, one story did just that. It was about Zohreh Kodaei, a goalkeeper for the Iran women’s national team, who was accused of being a man by the Jordanian FA. Wrongly Koudaei’s photo become a source of unjust jokes, as the false accusations opened an old wound for Iranian football: the gender topic. Things were clarified, and Koudaei has become a sort of national hero in Iran and a source of inspiration worldwide.
Euro 2020: Sweet Caroline makes 2021 a better year
It was a year of international tournaments held under tough conditions. The idea of playing the Euros last year seemed like a dream, but this summer, the idea of 24 teams playing in 11 countries across Europe, and in packed stadiums to boot, became a reality. And the wait provided some amazing stories. From France’s early elimination to the journey of Denmark, who rallied together after talisman Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field, to reach the semifinals. To top it off, Italy won their first European championship since 1968, marking the end of a horrible 2020, and a much better 2021.
Argentina finally win the Copa America
The nation with 40 million coaches was waiting for this moment for a long time - 28 years to be precise. The fact that it was in Brazil, against the Seleçao, and marked Lionel Messi's first-ever title with the senior Albiceleste, completely diminished the fact that it was held in front of no fans, in one of the most bizarre and quietest Copa America tournaments ever.
The happiness pouring out of Argentina after that victory was unique. The country has endured its fair share of hardships over the last few years. This triumph, from Angel Di Maria's beautiful and decisive goal, to Rodrigo De Paul's midfield masterclass midfield, and to every Messi goal and assist, definitely made 2021 a little better for many Argentineans.
Palmeiras wins the Copa Libertadores back-to-back
Palmeiras were on a high this year. Very few clubs can say they’ve won back to back Copa Libertadores titles. The last time was 20 years ago, when Boca Juniors and Carlos Bianchi formed the strongest side in South America, but this time it was Abel Ferreira’s turn to replicate this achievement with his Verdão. For the second year in a row, Palmeiras were the best team in the competition, and they successfully fought their way through Argentina’s Racing Club, a Tabu clash with São Paulo, a semifinal against Atletico Mineiro, and a dramatic final against the giants of Flamengo in Montevideo. Well deserved.
The Arab Cup Festival
The 2021 FIFA Arab Cup was a perfect football event. It was an intense two and a half weeks, with games between national B teams from North Africa and West Asia, creating a unique combination of passion and pace. From the opening ceremony in Qatar, Morocco's perfect football and the Algerian Grinta, it was evident that we haven't seen anything quite like this Arab Cup before. As a rehearsal for next year's World Cup, it was a solid display of the infrastructure in place and, above all, the sense of brotherhood between the fans and players. The tournament showed the Middle East in a different light, and was beautiful to watch too, and maybe, the most exciting international football tournament since Euro 2000.
Al Ahly wins the CAF Champions League
Al Ashrah, winning their tenth CAF Champions League title, was the primary goal of Al Ahly, after winning the Cairo Derby in the final of the 2020 edition. With Pitso Mosimane at the helm, it wasn't even a problem. The Ahlawys cruised to the final, beating Mamelodi Sundowns and Taraji Esperance Tunis in the process. Meeting South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs in the final, who happened to be making their first ever appearance in the tournament’s decider, made things easy for the Egyptians. They clinched the title in an easy 3-0 win against the Chiefs’ ten men, and established their status as the largest and most successful club in Africa.
2021 Gold Cup and the rise of CONCACAF
The Gold Cup has always been a tournament of just two teams - Mexico and the United States. In 2021, however, something changed. Say hello to the new dominant team on the continent, Canada, who reached the semifinals and almost knocked Mexico out. Qatar, playing as a special guest team, made a good impression, and also reached the semifinals. It's all part of the new era in CONCACAF football. More players from the continent are playing at the highest levels in Europe and, whilst the next destination may be the 2022 World Cup, all three will be targeting the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts.
Al Hilal wins the AFC Champions League
2021 was the year Al Hilal regained their control over Asian football once again. The Blues from Riyadh had an exciting campaign that, despite starting off with a surprising loss to Tajikistan's Istiklol Dushanbe in the group stage, ended in the most stylish way possible. A lucrative semifinal victory in a derby against Al Nassr was one of the best football matches Asia has seen in recent years, and was followed by a perfect display in the final against Pohang Steelers. Salem Al Dawsari, Bafetimbi Gomis, Mousa Marega and Mateus Periera all shined in this journey under coach Leonardo Jardim. Youngster Nasser Al Dawsari, who scored a beauty in the final, showed that A-Za'im is taking over Asia for the fourth time in their history, and has some young blood they can count on to do so.
North Macedonia's magnificent year
There were a lot of doubts when North Macedonia qualified for Euro 2020. The team qualified as the winner of the League D playoffs in the Nations League - hardly much to write home about. Despite failing to win any of their matches in the competition, their real achievement was in the World Cup qualifiers. They defeated Germany away, 2-1, and concluded their campaign with only two defeats in 10, reaching the World Cup playoffs for the first time. Drawn against Italy in the playoffs, their chances aren’t high, but it may just tbe the first step in North Macedonia's future.
Atlas and Atletico Mineiro end their championship drought
Argentina's Copa America title wasn't the only drought to come to an end in Latin America, as Atlas shocked the local football scene in Mexico. Finishing second in the regular season, they made it to the league playoffs, and defeated León on penalties in the final. It was Atlas' first domestic title since 1951, ending a 70 year wait. Brazil had its new-old champions too, Atlético Mineiro. With Hulk shining as their top scorer, the club from Belo Horizonte had a great season, celebrating their first title since 1971.
Oday Dabbagh signs for Arouca
For BabaGol readers, the name Oday Dabbagh is nothing new. Still, in 2021 the Jerusalemite sensation set a new benchmark for footballers from one of the most disputed areas in the world. After a neverending saga involving his documents, Palestinian Dabbagh signed with Portuguese side Arouca and, interestingly enough, becoming teammatets with two Israeli players in the process, Or Dasa and Omri Altman. Dabbagh started the season a storm, with three goals and an assist, and looked like Arouca's most dangerous player. He’s only the second Palestinian player ever to play in Europe, and the first in a rising league such as the Portuguese. The 22-year-old is finally making the leap forward everyone was waiting for.
Sheriff’s debut in the UEFA Champions League
Sheriff Tiraspol tried to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage for more than a decade but failed. The Moldovan champions built themselves step-by-step, until this summer their dream finally came true, eliminating Crvena Zvezda and Dinamo Zagreb, two experienced clubs, to make their debut in the competition. It wasn't the final destination of their journey. They defeated Real Madrid 2-1 away, and won seven points in total, it was a tough group too. Finishing the group in third place, they achieved a spot in the Europa League knockout stage.
Israel and the UAE football relations evolves
At the end of 2020, Israel and the United Arab Emirates announced their peace agreement. Since then, many things have happened: both the Israeli and Emirati associations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, Dia Saba and Abdallah Khalikhal signed for Al Nasr Dubai, and in late 2021, the first-ever football match involving an official Arab national team took place in Israel. The United Arab Emirates arrived in Israel to play the Gavri Levy Winter Tournament for U18’s. They lost 4-1 to Israel in the first game, but set the stage ready for an official friendly match between both countries' senior teams. Can this cooperation build a new reality in Middle Eastern football?
The first game of an official Arab national team in Israel, against the Israeli national team (Photo: Uri Levy/BabaGol).
The introduction of the UEFA Conference League
The AFC Cup and the CONCACAF League are platforms for developing clubs to get continental experience before reaching the top, and this UEFA decided to join in with their new initiative, the UEFA Europa Conference League. Doubts were soon replaced by compliments, as more teams and countries got a chance to play in a continental tournament’s group stage, hoping for improvement. Top teams featured this season too: Tottenham, Roma and Feyenoord joined the likes of Partizan, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Bodø/Glimt, who were given a fresh shot at European football.
Marcelo Gallardo finally wins the Argentine Primera Division
Until 2021, Marcelo Gallardo had won almost every possible title with River Plate: Copa Sudamericana, Copa Libertadores, Copa Argentina, Recopa Sudamericana and more, but there was one missing. Whilst Gallardo was about to end his seven year stint at the Buenos Aires mega-club, his wait to win the Primera Division was finally over. After the title was in the bag, many thanks to the magnificent Julian Alvarez, el Muñeco decided to renew his contract with the club for another year. A feel-good story involving one of the world's biggest and most influential clubs, and the best South American coach three years in a row - it's a must-have for the BabaGol’s yearly best of.
A year to the 2022 World Cup kickoff
2021 was a football year that constantly managed a dialogue with the big event of 2022 - the Qatar World Cup. The qualifiers are bringing up storylines in almost every continent, whilst the discussion about the tournament itself is rare - just criticism, human rights reports and accusations took the limelight instead. But at the same time, Qatar became a centre of football. The AFC Champions League, Club World Cup, CAF Supercup and the Arab Cup all gave a taste of the futuristic stadiums and organization level that we might find at the World Cup next year. While the discussion will continue in the months ahead, it seems that Qatar is on the verge of completing its full transition from a country that one day will host the World Cup to one where football is an integral part of its schedule. Now used to hosting international football events, and with an increasingly successful national team, the players are growing to become national heroes. The next big test: November 19, 2022. The opening match. See you all there.
Honorary mentions:
Ben Brereton Díaz’s adventures in Chile.
Ricardo Pepi's rise to prominence in USMNT.
World Cup Qualifiers fade away in Oceania.
Robert Lewandowski continues to break records, but fails to get recognition.
Yemen wins the U15 West Asian Championship, the country’s first ever title
Al Muharraq wins the AFC Cup after 13 years.
A Tel Aviv derby in the Israel State Cup final.
Jeonnam Dragons' Magnificent Korean FA Cup Win.
Zambia women’s national team make their Olympic debut.
Ariana FC win promotion in Sweden.
Afghanistan’s national teams begin their journey to survival after the Taliban revolution.
A Tel Aviv derby in the cup final that no one will ever forget. (Photo: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
