Top 5 Soccer Moments 2017

By: Daniel Herrera Oregel

2017 had many memorable soccer moments. Including many unforgettable tricks, awards, and plays that ranged over a variety of different teams and players. Many may have different opinions of who or what team was on top this year. This article is just a collective review from many different articles and many soccer fanatics’ opinions, experiences, and points of view. Here is a list of the top 5 soccer moments of 2017.

 

5. Ronaldo wins His 5th Ballon d'or

Cristiano Ronaldo won his 5th Ballon d’or in 2017. A Ballon d’or is awarded to the player of the year. He was named the winner in France Football's prestigious award at a ceremony in Paris.  This has put him at the same level as Lionel Messi, (Messi also has 5 Ballons d‘or). The international Portugal player had previously won this award in 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2016. In this case Messi had come in second and Neymar in third for the ballon d’or.

 

4. Olivier Giroud's Magnificent Scorpion Kick

On New Year’s Day against Crystal Palace, Olivier Giroud flicked his leg back and it was soon seen by the whole world.

Giroud ran down the pitch after Arsenal’s Lucas Perez stole the ball away from Crystal Palace. Forward player Alexis Sanchez received the ball downfield and ran with it almost into the box as he crossed it to Giroud. With one perfectly timed kick, Giroud flipped the ball past the goalkeeper into the goal.

The goal would go on to win the Puskas Award for “most beautiful goal of the year.”

3. Real Madrid Wins Back to Back Champions Titles

Real Madrid has won this title back to back for the first time in history, which makes this victory even more memorable to the club Real Madrid. After winning the cup in 2016 to Atletico Madrid in Penalties and then winning this year by smacking Juventus 4-1. They also have the most champion league titles.

2. Neymar transfers to the PSG

Neymar transfers to the club PSG to set a new record for highest trade in FIFA history with a fee of $263 million, more than double the previous world record. He was received like a king in France with celebration and huge announcements for the young 26 year old Brazilian.

1. Barcelona's Greatest comeback in Soccer history

The two teams, PSG and Barcelona had made it to the finals. The starting game was in PSG’s hometown of Paris, France, where they defended and came out with a 4-0 win against Barcelona (in the first leg). However, Barcelona didn’t lose hope in this game, playing with true pure hearts. They came out with a 5-1 win against PSG, defying all odds.