What a year of football!

Come and join Footyscout for a review of one of the most magical and captivating years that the 'beautiful game' has ever bestowed upon us.

Leicester City Football Club

The most memorable moment of 2016 was the improbable climb to the summit of the Premier League by Leicester City Football Club. A team that was 5000/1 to win the title at the beginning of the season defied all odds through their comradarie and lionhearted approach complimented by rapid counter-attacking flair to shock the world and win the Premier League title by 10 points. A squad worth a total of £62.55 million blew the big spenders of Manchester City (£411M), Manchester United (£391M) and Chelsea (£302M) out of the water and showed that even in a day and age where money talks, Cinderella lives on.

Portugal claims European Championship

Cristiano Ronaldo cemented his name amongst the greatest ever footballers by leading his country to their first major International trophy as Portugal triumphed over France in the European Championship Final. Despite getting injured in the 24th minute, Ronaldo was a lion on the sidelines barking orders and willing his team to victory. A player often claimed to be arrogant and above his teammates showed his true self-worth as he hobbled, knee strap and all, up and down the sidelines waving his arms in passion exemplifying the characteristics that have elevated the powerhouse to the upper echelon of world football.

A tournament which was tainted with memories of the 2015 Paris terror attacks provided some solace for a country which had gone through so much trial and torment in the not to distant past. Football was able to unite a continent who is going through unprecedented challenges and showed that people whom rally in unity succeed through eternity. The colour and pageantry was absorbing and the football was breathtaking.

France, we salute you.

Chile Wins Copa America Centenario

A team which exemplified togetherness and the ability to change tactics according to the present situation, Chile beat favorites Argentina in the Copa America Centenario Final at the MetLife Stadium in New York. A final which lacked the quality exemplified in the prior matches of the competition saw the two respective superstars of each squad, Alexis Sanchez and Lionel Messi, fail to impress. Regardless of the initial, sombre 120 minutes the drama will be remembered in football folklore as Messi skied the first penalty over the crossbar allowing Chile the impetus they needed to go on an claim victory on Francesco Silva’s penalty success. Arguably the greatest player in history, Messi shed tears of sorrow as he lifted his shirt over his face in shame expressing agony at again, failing on the international stage. La Pulga, in the heat of passion, shockingly claimed his retirement from international football which he later rescinded to the relief of the entire country of Argentina.

Champions League - La Undecima

A fantastic season for Cristiano Ronaldo was complimented by La Undecima, Real Madrid’s 11th Champions League title – an astonishing accomplishment. The final was held at Milan’s San Siro stadium where, for the second time, it was a battle of Madrid with Atletico pitting their underdog card versus the mammoth that is Real. The affair was tightly contested with Atletico arguably having the better chances including a missed penalty from their talisman, Antoine Griezmann. The contest went to penalties and fittingly, Ronaldo banged in the decisive fifth kick on his way to lifting the trophy.

MLS Cup - The 'Save'

The 2016 MLS Cup saw Toronto Football Club battle the Seattle Sounders at BMO field in Toronto. The final was a tense and cagey contest which was decided on penalty kicks. 'The Save' by Stefan Frei was the defining moment as he showed perfection in goalkeeping by changing direction, moving his feet quickly and leaping to his left to claw out a powerful Jozy Altidore header that was destined for the top corner.

The tournament saw the emergence of Canada in Major League Soccer as Toronto battled the Montreal Impact in a semi-final which produced one of the greatest two-legged ties in the league's history.

Player of the Year:

Cristiano Ronaldo: Champions League Winner, European Champion, fourth Ballon d'Or, 500th professional goal, Club World Cup Winner, new Real Madrid contract through 2021 and the proclamation that he can play until age 40.

Nuff said.

Goal of the Year:

Honorable Mention:

A Message from Footyscout:

I began Footyscout in 2016 as an avenue to share my thoughts on the beautiful game and a sport which has shaped my character and provided me emotions which some don’t experience in a lifetime. I believe that there is an abundance of un-tapped potential in Canada that needs football education to grow in the most popular sport on the planet. Footyscout’s objective is to continue to entertain the masses but also provide a channel of guidance for participants of the greatest game ever invented.

I’d like to take a moment to thank you all for your support and feedback in Footyscout’s first year of operation – it truly is appreciated and I wish you nothing but the best for 2017.