Soccer Monday: Man City wins Club World Cup, ugly Christmas sweaters and player of the year
Everything you need to know before the year ends
Happy holidays!
Our final newsletter of 2023 (we will be off next week) is a potpourri of goodies for you to enjoy under the tree as you open presents.
The Club World Cup was the last trophy awarded this calendar year and Man City won it easily. Off the field, we also take a look at ugly Christmas sweaters — you’re probably wearing one right now! — and our player of the year award.
As mentioned, we will be off for the holiday break. Our next newsletter will be in your inboxes on Jan. 8.
3. Manchester City wins Club World Cup
We got the final everyone wanted. In the end, the clash between Europe and South America on Friday was easily won by Manchester City.
The Premier League club routed Brazilian side Fluminense, the current Copa Libertadores winners, 4-0 to capture the Club World Cup. After winning the treble this past season, Man City added a fourth trophy in what can only be defined as an historic run.
“Julian Alvarez’s double, a Nino own goal and Phil Foden's strike sealed the win for City in Saudi Arabia” was how Sky Sports recapped the game. The emphatic win, however, also featured an ankle injury to Rodri, the only blemish on what was otherwise an epic night.
2. Ugly Christmas sweaters
Ugly holiday sweaters are a tradition. In recent years, soccer clubs around the world have gotten in on the act by selling their own ugly sweaters.
Which ones are the best of the worst is a matter of opinion. ESPN.com did their own ranking. I won’t tell you which ones came out on top. I will say that Everton and Manchester City did a lovely job with it this year. I may have to get those once they hit the sale rack once the holidays are over.
And if you want an ugly sweater with a little patriotism, U.S. Soccer put out their own versions this holiday season for those looking to spend that gift card grandma gave you.
1. Player of the year award
Planet Soccer’s player of the year (drumroll, please) is … not Lionel Messi!
I know, I know. He was recently awarded the Ballon d’Or and everyone can’t stop talking about him.
And yes, he may even be the GOAT (Cristiano Ronaldo fans may have something to say about that) and his arrival at Inter Miami over the summer boosted the profile of MLS in the U.S. and around the world.
Nonetheless, I think the best player of 2023 was Erling Haaland.
He shattered scoring records in the Premier League — his first season there with Manchester City — with an astounding 36 goals in 35 games. In all, he scored 52 goals across all competitions.
On top of that, he led Man City to the treble, a season highlighted by capturing the Champions League for the first time in club history.
Who’s your player of the year and why? Let us know in the comments below. See you in 2024!