2024 proved to be yet another treat for all fans of the beautiful game. A mixture of emotions worldwide, European triumphs in Greece, Spain and Italy, and the Spanish giants claiming 4 Euro titles. Normal service resumed for Guardiola in the Premier League, and cups sustained for both Ten Hag , and one last success for Jürgen Klopp.
For the European Championships however, it were Spain's young boys who took to the field in glory, as a campaign to remember for Lamine Yamal helped Spain to a 2-1 Euro final victory over England. It was heartbreaking for Southgate's men, but the true reflection was, it was simply a more spirited campaign for the Spanish.
The footballing world were both stunned and optimistic when France captain Kylian Mbappe completed a sensational move to 15 time Champions League winners Real Madrid. The new Los Blancos number 9 was in attendance, as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to claim yet another Champions League.
Atalanta’s hero was Ademola Lookman, as the Englishman scored a stunning hatttrick overcoming Bundesliga Champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final, securing a 3-0 victory for the Italian side, and denting what was a season to remember for Xabi Alonso's men.
It was delirium in Southern Greece, thanks to a 116th minute winner from Ayoub El Kaabi, meaning that Olympiacos FC were the first ever Greek side to win a major European Trophy. His last gasp winner was enough to overcome a strong Fiorentina side.
One last dance, and one last final for Jürgen Klopp, as his youthful Liverpool side overcame Chelsea, thanks to a late Virgil Van Dijk winner. The Dutchman headed in in the closing stages, leaving Jürgen Klopp with one last English League (or Carabao) Cup.
It was delight for the red side of Manchester on the 25th May, and a day that will live long in the memory for Erik Ten Hag.
The Red Devils overcame their Manchester rivals Manchester City to secure an FA Cup to end a slightly juxtaposing season for the Dutch boss. Alejandro Garnacho and promising youngster Kobbie Mainoo were enough to sustain the silverware.
The very same day was a triumph for Barcelona Femení, as a 2-0 victory over Lyon allowed them to claim their second consecutive and third overall Champions League.
So, as another year of football draws to a close, and those New Years day games begin, we look forward to yet another year of chaos, drama and mayhem. It is the beautiful game, and one which we all love. So, it's goodbye to 2024, and roll on 2025!