From Messi’s Ballon d’Or success to Manchester City’s year of dominance: What Were The Biggest Footballing Moments Of 2023?

Manchester City crowned treble champions

While Pep Guardiola might have guided Manchester City on a major Premier League romp since arriving at the Etihad back in 2016, the former Barcelona boss had made it abundantly clear that European success was at the top of his priorities.

Publicly stating that his record-breaking tenure with the English giants would not be complete if he couldn’t guide City to a maiden Champions League crown, the Spanish tactician finally achieved arguably his greatest achievement back in June.

Pinching a 1-0 victory against Italian heavyweights Inter Milan out in Istanbul as they secured a 1-0 victory, Man City also made plenty of history.

Becoming the first Premier League club since their bitter local rivals Manchester United in 1999 to be crowned treble champions, the Sky Blues also cemented their spot as the greatest club side in world football this year.

Likewise, crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions for a first time in the Middle East on December 22nd, Guardiola’s side will certainly be the poster boys of 2023.

TREBLE WINNERS! 🏆🏆🏆#ManCity | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/wW693HFoH6

— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 10, 2023

Napoli make Serie A history

Although Napoli might have opened up the 2022/23 campaign tipped as a major Serie A dark horse, the Azzuri enjoyed what was a stunning domestic romp that saw them lift a first top-flight crown in 33 years.

Gaining a string of public plaudits from across world football Napoli eventually claimed a first Serie A title since 1990 by a remarkable 14-point buffer.

Enjoying what was a real fairytale following a string of financial struggles over the past two decades that saw them playing in Serie C as recently as 2006, Luciano Spalletti’s squad also breathed life back into Naples and their passionate support.

Breaking a string of domestic records last season, a huge part of Napoli’s famous 2023 romp was inspired by attacking talisman Victor Osimhen.

Notching 26 Serie A strikes last season and lifting Italy’s Golden Boot, Napoli’s current crop have certainly cemented their spot as modern-era icons and their history-making calendar year will live long in the memory.

FOR DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA 💙

Napoli win their first Serie A title since the 🐐 last lifted it 🏆 pic.twitter.com/wlnns0HCwj

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 4, 2023

Messi claims an eighth Ballon d’Or crown

Replicating his idol Diego Maradona and guiding Argentina to a first World Cup crown since 1980 out in Qatar last winter, it has hard to argue that Lionel Messi has not cemented his spot as the greatest player of all time.

Although the former Barcelona icon might have ended his two-year stay with PSG without another Champions League medal to his name, Messi has certainly enjoyed a history-making 2023.

Making a blockbuster move to MLS giants Inter Miami this year and already becoming a trailblazer over in the United States, Messi still appears to be at the peak of his powers.

While the 38-year-old might have recorded stiff competition from Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, he was crowned with a stunning eighth Ballon d’Or crown during November’s ceremony.

Guiding Argentina to a third World Cup trophy 12 months ago and making even more Ballon d’Or history, it will certainly be Messi’s dominance that steals most of this year’s headlines.

LIONEL MESSI IS THE 2023 MEN’S BALLON D’OR!

Eight Ballon d’Or for Argentina hero! 🖐🤟#ballondor pic.twitter.com/1slOJ6EoKj

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 30, 2023

Saudi attempt a global takeover

Announcing the arrival of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo last winter, there is no doubt that Saudi Arabia’s golden takeover attempt has stolen plenty of this year’s headlines.

Completely smashing a string of financial records and with no FFP concerns to worry about, the world football disrupters have continued to snap up a host of global superstars throughout 2023.

Now with the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Sadio Mane all plying their trade in Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund also officially took full control of four Saudi Pro teams back in June.

With continued speculation that Saudi Arabia are desperate to force their way onto the Champions League stage, the Middle Eastern giants have also made it abundantly clear that they are in it for the long run.

With the eyes on them at an all-time high heading into the New Year, Saudi have clearly become one of world football’s biggest talking points this year.

Official, confirmed. Karim Benzema joins Al Ittihad on two year deal with option for further season. 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #AlIttihad

Benzema will earn almost €200m per season net salary, commercial deals included. pic.twitter.com/vSrkL4zjJI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 6, 2023

Barcelona make a major La Liga statement

Dealing with a string of public financial issues over the past few years, few across Spain expected Barcelona to embark on a famous La Liga romp last season.

Remarkably dethroning historic rivals Real Madrid thanks to a stunning 10-point buffer, Xavi’s side also managed to get their hands on a first domestic crown since 2019.

Watching former Bayern Munich record-breaker Robert Lewandowski make an immediate impact following his arrival in Catalonia, the Spanish icons also redemonstrated their status as one of world football’s biggest heavyweights.

Although the reigning Spanish champions might face a major uphill battle in their bid to keep hold of their La Liga crown in the New Year, Barca’s shock domestic romp last season was certainly one of the biggest upsets among Europe’s elite divisions.

FULL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FC BARCELONA, 2022-23 LA LIGA CHAMPIONS! pic.twitter.com/Jho1kitzyd

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 14, 2023