In 2023, the global sports arena witnessed the remarkable achievements of Argentina's Lionel Messi and England's Manchester City, and other stunning achievements of the Spanish national team will be remembered for years to come.

On the football pitches, Argentina's Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or award in his career (a record), and Manchester City made history, while the Saudi League saw a revolution with international stars, notably Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, signing several deals. and Benzema.

No year ends without shocking events, including the sacking of Spain's women's national football team coach despite winning the World Cup title.

“Bulga” sits on the Ballon d'Or throne

Miami's American star Argentine Lionel Messi has cemented his legend by winning the Ballon d'Or, world football's most prestigious individual award, for the eighth time in his career. Most of the awards, with a difference of 3 titles from his Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo, he was not in the list of 30 candidates in the first place.

Winning the 2023 Ballon d'Or is considered the most special of Messi's illustrious career as it comes after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which ended Argentina's streak of the prestigious title in 1986.

Ballon d'Or 2023 ranking#Pallandar pic.twitter.com/Y417zgJidu

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) November 4, 2023

5 titles for Manchester City in 2023

Under the leadership of its Spanish coach Pep Guardiola and an amazing group of players, Manchester City won 5 titles in 2023, becoming the first English team to win the Premier League title, Champions League, FA Cup, European Super. Cup and more recently the Club World Cup.

There are still lots of places 🏆🩵#City pic.twitter.com/HXHo8Tyu0T

— Manchester City (@Cityarabia) December 25, 2023

A major revolution in the Saudi league

More than 300 deals were completed by Saudi league clubs in the recent summer transfer market, during which they signed international stars after competing with well-established European clubs for their services.

Some of the most important signings in Saudi history include Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's top 5 player, French star Karim Benzema, Brazilian Neymar, Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Senegalese Sadio Mane and the brightest stars like Senegalese goalkeepers Edouard Mendy and Moroccan Yassin Bono.

In addition to concluding contracts, Saudi Arabia has emerged on the sports scene map by hosting international sporting events such as the Dakar Desert Rally, Club Handball World Cup, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, Formula One World. Championship, the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship and one of the “Live Golf” tours. Except for the bid to host football in 2034.

💛 Historical Paintings 🖼️ pic.twitter.com/G14VJuRysB

– Al-Nassr Saudi Club (@AlNassrFC) December 22, 2023

Sprinter Richardson is the queen of speed

American sprinter Shakari Richardson won her first world title in the 100 meters, posting a championship record time of 10.65 seconds, with Jamaican Sherika Jackson second and five-time champion Shelley-Anne Fraser-Pryce third.

“I'm back, I'm back,” Richardson shouted, referring to her return from a suspension before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics that resulted in a failed doping test that showed she had used cannabis.

Women's 100 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

One of the strongest and most exciting races in athletics… 23-year-old American Shakari Richardson set a championship record of 10.65 seconds.#World_Athletics_Championships pic.twitter.com/hkVGfs4PH0

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) August 22, 2023

“Kiss” leads the Spanish national team to the abyss

A kiss by confederation president Lloris Rubiales to a Spanish national team player marred the joy of winning the Women's World Cup in soccer, drawing local and international media attention.

Spain beat European champions England 1-0 in the women's final, and amid celebrations on the field, confederation president Rubiales decided to “congratulate” striker Jenny Hermoso by kissing her effort. He not only lost his post but was also arrested by the International Federation (FIFA) for 3 years for any football activity.

Rubiales described what happened between him and the player during a report on “Talk TV” by journalist Piers Morgan that it was a spontaneous movement, a mutual action, agreed upon by both parties, and driven by the moment and feelings of joy. , so I can confirm that this is what happened.

🟥 #latest_news | International Football Confederation @FIFAcom It has been decided to temporarily suspend the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/qDJijNtgBx

— beIN SPORTS News (@beINSPORTSNews) August 26, 2023