15 best soccer moments of 2016
2016 was an exciting year in the world of soccer. Here we take a look back at the the 15 best moments.
It’s been another exciting year in the world of soccer, and as it draws to a close it’s time to look back on the moments that will be best remembered in years to come. 2016 was the year of the underdog, from Leicester to Portugal to (sort of) the Seattle Sounders, but that didn’t stop a few more familiar faces making their mark as well.
In our list, we tried to look at the best moments from all corners of the world, and individual as well as team triumphs. So come take a trip down memory lane with us and re-live what has been a remarkable year for the beautiful game.
15. Paul Pogba becomes world’s most expensive player
There’s always one — the transfer saga that never ends.
This year that transfer involved Paul Pogba, who made his long-awaited, and very expensive, return to Manchester United. When Pogba left United in 2012, a return to Manchester seemed unimaginable, especially after Sir Alex Ferguson accused him of showing a lack of respect for the club in his move to Juventus.
But if it was disrespectful, it was also the best move for Pogba’s career. In four years with the Italian club, the Frenchman made 128 appearances and scored 34 goals, becoming one of the most sought after midfielders in the world.
In 2015, the first rumors of a Pogba return began to circulate, but the Red Devils were left disappointed when he decided to remain in Turin. The rumors picked up right where they left off a year later, and only escalated as Pogba helped France reach the final of Euro 2016.
This time they seemed to have more substance, but nothing’s ever easy in the world of high-profile player transfers. United first declared their interest in Pogba at the start of July, and didn’t land their man until August.
He didn’t come cheap either. At a whopping £89 million ($109 million), Pogba became the most expensive player in the world. The media campaign that surrounded the move was also a new, possibly unwelcome, addition to the traditional transfer saga. Pogba made the official announcement himself in a video, while also featuring in an Adidas-sponsored video alongside English rapper and Manchester United fan Stormzy.