The year 2021 will be remembered as one of the most groundbreaking and record-breaking years in history. From breaking boundaries with new frontiers, to tasting success on every level – these famous stars have shown us how it’s done!
This year was an incredible time for football fans all across the world. From watching their teams in Europe and South America battle it out, to following them through this epic Copa America tournament that lasted well into summer- there were so many nail biting moments!
#1 Lionel Messi – First man to win 7 Ballon d’Or awards
The Six time Ballon D’or Winner, Lionel Messi was once again being crowned the Worlds Best Player as he received his 7th Ballon D’or in 2021 becoming the first ever player to win more Ballon D’or awards than anyone else in the history of football.
The best young talents know Messi is the BEST🐐 pic.twitter.com/NG8watwfgR
— Team Messi Forever (@TMForever30) December 30, 2021
Messi also became the first man in history to pick up the award in three separate decades. He won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 as a 22-year-old and his seventh at 34 years of age in 2021, thus winning the award in the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo – International football’s highest goal scorer ever
Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed Ali Daei to become the highest goal scorer in football history this year. The 36-year old now has 115 strikes to his name for Portugal’s National Team!
The great Portugal forward, Ronaldo is currently tied for ninth on the all-time list with Alex Morgan. The Portuguese has taken 180 matches to score 110 goals and it seems like he will never stop doing so! Ali Daei had netted 109 in 149 appearances for Iran from 1993 -2006 which makes him one of only two players that have ever scored more than 100+ goals at international level
109 AND COUNTING 👑
Cristiano Ronaldo matches Ali Daie’s record for the most international goals in football history 🌟#EURO2020 #CristianoRonaldo #CR7 pic.twitter.com/pXx3FWSMkd
— T Siddique MLA (@TsiddiqueINC) June 23, 2021
#3 Jack Grealish – Most Expensive British Transfer
Jack Grealish became the most expensive British player in history, breaking Gareth Bale’s record with his £105.75m transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City a few years ago!
#4 Jude Bellingham broke the record and became the youngest player at the Euros
n a world where most footballers are well into their 30s before they even manage to play at an international level, 17-year old Jude Bellingham was able to take part in UEFA Euro 2020 as England’s youngest player. The Helper boy-born sensation became just the second person ever (after Jetro Willems) who has featured for both club AND country across all age groups from U16 through seniors!
#5 Sergio Aguero Retirement from Football due to Health Issues
The Argentinian Striker was shifted to Professional Medical Assistant considering the pain not to be normal and it came out as a Mini Cardiac Arrest and ultimately the player was ruled out for three months. This incident also terrified a lot of fans and finally Aguero came up with a decision to not to continue football anymore. Sergio Aguero Retirements shocked everyone, as people were expecting him to be fine and it looked like it will come back to the pitch
Here’s a mad stat.
Mo Salah is having an incredible season. He’s clear by 5 goals at the top of the Premier League scoring charts. He’s scored a goal every 113 minutes this season.
Sergio Aguero scored a goal every 108 minutes in the Premier League.
Across a whole decade. pic.twitter.com/umzKbjFqSc— Man City Tactics (@city_tactics) December 28, 2021
#6 Robert Lewandowski overcoming Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga scoring record
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski was exceptional in 2021, much like the last two years. The Polish forward broke an iconic record held by legendary Gerd Muller of Germany – who scored 40 goals for his club Bayern Munich on calendar year occasions back when they were still playing under successful manager Jupp Heynckes (2011-2012) and Carlo Ancelotti(2013).
🇵🇱 Robert Lewandowski has finished as the top scorer playing in Europe for club and country for the 3rd calendar year running…
2⃣0⃣2⃣1⃣ = ⚽️6⃣9⃣
2⃣0⃣2⃣0⃣ = ⚽️4⃣7⃣
2⃣0⃣1⃣9⃣ = ⚽️5⃣4⃣#UCL pic.twitter.com/ni0e3cQUrB— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 31, 2021
However with 41 total scores this time around there can be no doubt that we are looking at one very talented football player; someone capable not only making wagon wheels out oak trees but also piling up points against inferior opposition!
