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2023 was a year of phenomenal feats on the football field, from record-breaking goalscorers to history-making youngsters. Here are some of the most mind-blowing stats that defined the year:
Goal Machines:
- Cristiano Ronaldo reigns supreme: CR7 topped the charts with 54 club goals in 59 appearances, proving age is just a number.
- Haaland smashes Premier League record: The Manchester City beast hit 50 Premier League goals in just 48 games, leaving Andy Cole’s long-standing record in the dust.
- Kane conquers Bundesliga: It took Harry Kane a mere 10 games to score his first 15 Bundesliga goals, rewriting the record books in Germany.
- Lukaku dominates international scene: Romelu Lukaku became the leading scorer in men’s international football with 15 goals, etching his name among European greats.
Wonderkids on the Rise:
- Camarda makes Serie A history: At 15, Francesco Camarda became the youngest Serie A player ever, leaving fans in awe.
- Paez breaks FIFA U-20 record: Kendry Paez, only 16, became the youngest scorer in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, proving the future is bright.
- Phair steals the show at World Cup: Casey Phair, another 16-year-old, became the youngest player in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, inspiring a generation.
- Yamal, the La Liga prodigy: Lamine Yamal, at 15, made his debut for Barcelona and then became the youngest ever La Liga scorer at 16, a star in the making.
Other Remarkable Feats:
- Barcelona’s historic streak: The women’s team notched up a record-breaking 62 consecutive Liga F wins, a testament to their dominance.
- Barça conquers Europe: Despite the Liga F streak ending, they became the second team ever to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League final after trailing by two goals, showing resilience and skill.
- Kovacic’s unique achievement: Mateo Kovacic lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy for the third time, this time with Manchester City, a feat only eight others have achieved with two clubs.
- Defensive midfielders break the bank: Three of the top ten most expensive transfers of all time were for defensive midfielders, highlighting their crucial role in the modern game.
2023 was a year where established stars shone bright and young talents announced their arrival on the grand stage. With goals galore, records galore, and wonderkids stealing the show, it was a year football fans will remember for a long time.
Source: FIFA