Over the years, our writers have been present for some of the game’s greatest occasions. In a 10-part series, they told their stories.
Including Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s MLS arrival, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham carrying their countries to World Cups and Carli Lloyd scoring a World Cup final hat trick.
Zidane headbutts Materazzi, Suarez bites Chiellini, Nani sees red: Most controversial moment
Including a pair of Luis Suarez incidents at World Cups and Thierry Henry’s handball against Republic of Ireland, but dominated by a moment of infamy for Zinedine Zidane.
Donovan’s last-gasp winner, Leicester’s long-shot title, Man United’s UCL miracle: Best moment
Including a USA World Cup late show courtesy of Landon Donovan, Leicester’s shock Premier League title and a Manchester United Champions League final miracle.
Ronaldo’s overhead, Giroud’s scorpion, Van Persie and Zidane volleys: Best goal
Including a spectacular Cristiano Ronaldo effort for Real Madrid as well Carli Lloyd’s World Cup final epic and and vintage volleys by Zinedine Zidane and Robin van Persie.
Magnificent Messi leads the way but is not a unanimous pick: Best player
Including Lionel Messi — a popular pick for the majority of writers — as well as Diego Maradona and Kaka.
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Liverpool stun Barcelona, Aguero saves Man City, Man United and Arsenal’s FA Cup epic: Best game
Including Champions League comebacks by Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester United, an MLS playoff classic and Agueroooo!
Barcelona toy with Man United, Germany humble Brazil, Spain win Euro 2012: Best team performance
Including Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona humiliating Manchester United and Real Madrid, Germany thrashing Brazil and Spain at Euro 2012.
Germany humiliate Brazil, U.S. miss the World Cup, Ronaldo out, then in: Most surreal thing
Including Germany’s humiliation of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup and the U.S. failing to qualify for the tournament four years later.
Ronaldo’s celebration flex, Balotelli asks ‘why always me?’, Ramos drops the Copa: Funniest thing
Including Cristiano Ronaldo’s over-the-top goal celebration in a Champions League final and Mario Balotelli asking, “Why always me?”
Guardiola’s Barcelona, Ferguson’s Man United, superb Spain, mighty Milan: Best team I have seen
Including Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, the Spain team that won three straight tournaments and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.