2023 proved to be a wonderful year for football. It has truly been one of the momentous years in football's history as some of the most iconic moments happened this year. Let's have a footballing round up as 2023 as we are almost at the business end of the year.

2023: Football year in review

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr move lit up the footballing world

Cristiano Ronaldo didn't have the best ending last year as he and Manchester United decided to part ways mutually following a whirlwind interview with Piers Morgan. The Portuguese international was roped in by Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in one of the most lucrative deals in football.

The former Real Madrid forward's current contract is speculated to be more than 200 million Euros. His move opened the space in the Saudi Pro League as the likes of Neymar, N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema soon followed his path.

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Lionel Messi rings in a change in 2023

Following his World Cup triumph in 2022, Messi clearly didn't want to stop his bandwagon. The 36 year old left PSG to sign up with MLS side Inter Miami. David Beckham who happens to be the co-owner of the club reportedly convinced the Argentine to taste the US soil and it has proved to be a game changer.

He also lifted his eighth Ballon d'Or title at a gale evening in Paris.

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Spain's FIFA Women's World Cup glory

Spain displayed a brilliant brand of football through the FIFA Women's World Cup and deservedly they became the second only team to lift both the men's and women's World Cups. Olga Carmona scored the only goal in the summit clash as they defeated England to lift the trophy for the first time.

However, their victory got marred by a controversial incident as former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubialses was seen kissing Spanish footballer Jenni Harmoso and after receiving severe backlash he later resigned from his post.

Manchester City's season defining treble

Manchester United no longer hold the record of being the only team in England who have a continental treble in their tally. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City rode on their success and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League to solidify their dominance once again. Erling Haaland netted a whopping 52 goals as City ended up with three most coveted title to their name.

Napoli became the champions of Italy

Victor Osimhen led Napoli to the Seria A title as the Italian giants ended their long 33-year trophy drought. Diego Maradona last guided the Naples side to the ultimate glory back in 1990.