By Uri Levy, Yossi Medina, Idan Segev, and Eden Roitfarb
2024. Another hectic year with events that could fill a decade.
This year saw the world taking another turn toward extremism and division across different regions. Conflicts deepened, reignited, and erupted nearly everywhere, especially in the Middle East, BabaGol's home and centre of operations.
For this year's BabaGol yearly review, we decided to focus on events in our region before covering stories from other areas we monitor. There are some good ones, alongside sad ones, but all are real football incidents that shaped 2024.
May the coming year bring an end to the suffering, release of the hostages still held captive, and peace for all innocent lives in the Middle East.
Previous years’ reviews:
Hapoel Jerusalem fans commemorate the memory of Hersh Goldbreg-Polin, an Israeli October 7 hostage that was murdered by Hamas. Hersh turned a familiar face and name among ultras groups across the world in 2024. (Photo courtesy: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
War in the Middle East and its impact on football
Since October 7, 2023, the Middle East has changed dramatically. In Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, and Syria, the impact on football was direct, dramatic, and total.
Budapest has become Israel’s new “home away from home”. The Israeli national team preparing for 2024 Euro qualifier (Photo courtesy: Shaul Greenfeld/BabaGol).
In Israel, the league stopped, then returned without fans, before gradually allowing spectators back - though this was interrupted when Hezbollah and Iran began firing rockets toward population centres. Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa had thrilling campaigns in the UEFA Europa Conference League playing away from home soil, but both failed to progress further than the round of 16.
The leagues in Gaza and the West Bank have stopped operating since October 7, 2023. Oday Dabbagh celebrate a goal for Palestine in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar (Photo courtesy: The Asian Football Confederation).
In Palestine, both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, local football has completely stopped and has yet to resume amid the ongoing war in Gaza and fragile conditions in the West Bank. Both Israel and Palestine are barred from hosting international matches by clubs or national teams, as FIFA, UEFA, and AFC are taking no risks. Hilal Al Quds, probably one of the few still-function Palestinian clubs, had participated in the AFC Challenge League after more than a year without football.
In Lebanon, all football activities were halted at the end of September after the first matchday in the Premier League, following the elimination of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akel. The Lebanese league is likely to return in January 2025.
Rockets in the Iranian sky, flying towards Israel. Isfahan as the epicenter of the tensions. (Photo: 27 A)
Only international matches were moved away from Iran, as Mohun Bagan refused to play there against Tractor Sami and opened a Pandora box. The Nagsh-e Jahan Stadium became an epicentre of regional events. Iranian rockets toward Israel flew above the stadium during an AFC Champions League match, and somehow, it hosted the Persian Gulf Pro League's first-ever female-only fixture.
Syria entered the equation with Bashar Al Assad's ousting in December, which brought football activities in the country to a complete halt. Just before this, the Syrian FA changed its logo and colours from the Baathist traditional red to the 'revolutionary' green.
At last, even Yemen, the Middle Eastern nation with the most devastating football present, gained a rare victory in the 2024 Gulf Cup in Kuwait.
The Middle East conflict influenced regional leagues and encouraged multiple events and narratives across the football world. The Palestinian FA filed an unsuccessful demand to ban Israel from FIFA; the Libyan league opened its doors to Palestinian players as non-foreigners, encouraging a significant migration of Palestinian football talent; Sagiv Jehezkel, Antalyaspor's Israeli rising star, was expelled from Turkish football and faced police investigation after celebrating a goal by calling to "bring home" all hostages. Around the world, from Glasgow and Bremen to Santiago de Chile via Tunis and Jerusalem, fans in every stadium expressed their opinions on the war through tifos, choreographies, and songs. The character of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli hostage who Hamas murdered in late August, has united fanbases in Germany and Israel. In one incident, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans faced an attack in Amsterdam that drew global responses.
The Middle East's ever-dynamic reality has shaped much of world football in 2024 and will likely continue to do so in 2025.
Palestine at Asian Cup 2023
One of the main on-field stories connecting the Gaza war and football occurred at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. The Palestinian national team participated in their third straight Asian Cup, making history with their best achievement yet: reaching the round of 16. Although Oday Dabbagh shocked the world with his goal against Qatar, the hosts managed to comeback and end Palestine's respectable journey. Nevertheless, Palestine's national team performance stands as one of football's greatest underdog stories.
Qatar and Akram Afif win Asian Cup 2023
After the 2022 World Cup, Qatari football was in shambles. Their below-par performance before the world had damaged their reputation. However, Qatar received a second chance when China relinquished hosting rights. At the Asian level, Qatar proved its talent remains competitive. Akram Afif, Qatar's eternal star, guided the Annabis to their second consecutive Asian Cup with eight goals, three assists, and spectacular displays. This performance earned Afif the Asian Player of the Year award, leaving many wondering: what might have happened had Afif stayed in Europe?
Al Ain wins the AFC Champions League
Despite billions in Saudi investment, the 2024 Asian champions emerged from the United Arab Emirates: Al-Ain. A-Za'im displayed endless resilience throughout a journey that included two coaches (Alfred Schruder and Hernan Crespo), an Israeli player (Omer Atzili), and one brilliant Moroccan star - Soufiane Rahimi. With thirteen goals and three assists in thirteen games, Rahimi led the Ainawys to their second AFC Champions League title, eliminating both CR7's Al-Nassr and Jorge Jesus' Al-Hilal. Al-Ain proved unstoppable in the 2023/24 ACL term, demonstrating that tradition and experience trump big money and big names. Though their 2024/25 campaign started poorly, leading to Crespo's dismissal, the Emiratis left their mark on 2024.
Al Hilal Sets World Record for Straight Wins
While Saudi teams missed the ACL trophy, Al-Hilal achieved something remarkable. The Hilalys played so consistently that they secured the world record for consecutive victories across all competitions: 34. Welsh side The New Saints also contended for this honor, but Jorge Jesus's players remained unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League, Kings Cup, Supercup, and ACL between September 25, 2023, and April 11, 2024, earning their Guinness record and place in football history. The streak ended on April 17, 2024, when Al Hilal lost 4-2 away to Al Ain in the AFC Champions League semi-finals.
The Saudi football revolution continues
2024 maintained Saudi Arabia's momentum in world football. Saudi players ventured into European football for the first time, making positive professional impressions. Saud Abdulhamid became the first Saudi player in the Italian Serie A with AS Roma, scoring in the Europa League. Al-Ittihad's young duo, Marwan Al-Sahafi and Faisal Al-Ghamdi joined Belgian side Beerschot and secured starting positions. While these signings came through Saudi company sponsorships (Riyadh Season at Roma, and Yelo at Beerschot), their professional impact is undeniable. With confirmed 2034 World Cup hosting rights, 2024 marked another milestone in Mohammed bin Salman's 2030 Vision through football. The kingdom now enters a ten-year sprint to create world football's most spectacular event.
Came for the stars, stayed for the fans. The Saudi football revolution continued in full force in 2024 (Photo courtesy: Al ittihad official X account).
Ivory Coast Wins AFCON 2023
African football saw significant developments in 2024. Ivory Coast hosted a delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and claimed victory in impressive fashion. Les Elephants started poorly, leading to Jean-Louis Gasset's dismissal after a draw and loss in the first two games. Caretaker Emmerse Faé took charge for the final group game. This proved decisive, as Faé unleashed the team's potential, guiding them to their second AFCON title in an emotional journey.
Mohamed Salah's Peak Form Despite Contract Uncertainty
Mohamed Salah continues to excel, enhancing his scoring prowess with increased assists. Liverpool's Egyptian king has been outstanding throughout 2024. With 20 goals and 17 assists in 26 games in all competitions in 2024/25 so far, Salah became the first Premier League player to achieve double-figure goals and assists before Christmas. While contract negotiations with Liverpool continue in the background, Salah strengthens his case as the greatest Arab and African footballer ever, on a weekly basis. A league title with Liverpool and an AFCON with Egypt in 2025 would cement this legacy.
In the second part of 2024, the world understood that the best player in the world is an Arab named Mohamed, coming from a small village 400km from Cairo.
Finished 2024 as the best player in the world. Mohamed Salah (Photo courtesy: Mohamed Salah official instagram account)
“In the second part of 2024, the world understood that the best player in the world is an Arab named Mohamed, coming from a small village 400km from Cairo.”
Ademola Lookman's Europa League Final Heroics and CAF Award
2024 marked a shift in Nigerian football. As Victor Osimhen's volatile Napoli departure made headlines, Ademola Lookman stepped into the spotlight. After scoring a historic hat-trick for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, the London-born Nigerian claimed the CAF Player of the Year award.
Morocco and Egypt run in the Olympic Games
While Olympic football traditionally receives limited attention, Morocco and Egypt challenged this perception at the 2024 Paris Games. Both nations reached the semifinals before falling to Spain and France respectively. The bronze medal match became a Moroccan celebration as they defeated Egypt 6-0, securing a historic medal and highlighting Morocco's ascending football trajectory.
Türkiye plays at ״home״ in Euro 2024
Euro 2024 was an event taking place in Germany, in the rapidly changing reality of Western Europe, with the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East in the background. No wonder the Turkish national team will feel at home in the games with seven million Turkish-origin residents in Germany. The “home support” in Dortmund and Hamburg has helped Türkiye reach the quarterfinals, but things got politicized with the “Grey Wolf” gesture by Merih Demiral. The CB was banned from three matches, pushing Türkiye’s president, Reçep Tayyip Erdoğan, to come to support the team from the stands. It didn’t help, but Türkiye’s inspiring run in Euro 2024, definitely symbolized the discussion around the changing character of European society.
The unofficial hosts of Euro 2024 in Germany. Turkish fans at Dortmund (Photo courtesy: Uri Levy/BabaGol)
North Korea won the U-20 and U-17 Women’s World Cup
After years of isolation following their 2011 World Cup suspension and COVID-19 restrictions, North Korea marked their return to international football through youth success. Within two months, they claimed both the U-20 and U-17 Women's World Cups, defeating favored USA teams in both semifinals. These victories gave North Korea three titles in each age group, making them the most decorated team in U-17 World Cup history and joining the USA and Germany atop the U-20 rankings.
Olympiacos wins the Conference League
The Conference League fulfilled its promise of giving smaller leagues a chance at European glory through Olympiacos's unexpected triumph. Despite early struggles under José Luis Mendilibar and a 4-1 home defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the round of 16, Olympiacos staged a remarkable comeback. They won the second leg 6-1, then eliminated Fenerbahçe and Aston Villa. Ayoub El Kaabi's 11th goal of the campaign secured Greece's first European title in a memorable Athens final.
San Marino wins the first game in 20 years
The UEFA Nations League proved its worth for football's smallest nations through San Marino's breakthrough. Ranked last in both UEFA and FIFA rankings, they had won just once before - against Liechtenstein in 2004. In September 2024, Nicko Sensoli, born after that previous victory, scored to secure San Marino's first official win, again versus Liechtenstein. Two months later, they won the return fixture in Vaduz, earning promotion to League C. The story turned viral with millions of fans celebrating San Marino’s achievement, which has proved once again that in football: almost everything is possible.
Passport Scouting Boost
The growing trend of recruiting players from abroad to represent their countries of origin has been a defining feature of international football this year. From the AFC Asian Cup and AFCON in January to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, more nations are embracing the benefits of integrating players who blend their native identity with European or Latin football heritage. For many of these players, it’s an opportunity to gain international exposure—but it’s also something more significant. With the expansion to 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, the stage is set for more teams and players to make their mark on football’s biggest platform. Key players embodying this phenomenon include Brahim Diaz (switching from Spain to Morocco), Mahmoud Dahoud (Germany to Syria), and Eliano Reijnders (Netherlands to Indonesia). Even as 2024 came to a close, the trend continued, with Hamza Choudhury declaring his allegiance to Bangladesh. The world is changing, and as societies grow more multicultural, international football is evolving in ways that cannot be ignored.
Botafogo Clinches Brasileirao and Copa Libertadores Titles
After narrowly missing the championship in heartbreaking fashion last season, Botafogo came roaring back in 2024. Under head coach Artur Jorge's guidance and standout performances from Igor Jesus, Luiz Henrique, and Junior Santos, the team dominated the Brasileirao, leading the league for most of the season and claiming their first title since 1995.
However, their crowning achievement came in the Copa Libertadores, where they delivered a stellar campaign. Botafogo dismantled strong opponents throughout the tournament and capped it off by dominating Atletico Mineiro in the final, securing their first-ever Libertadores title.
Copa America 2024: Drama, Dark Horses, and Organizational Failures
The second Copa America on American soil showcased Colombia as the tournament's standout team, led by James Rodriguez, who was named MVP. But despite their firepower, Argentina proved unyielding. In a tense final, even after losing Lionel Messi in the second half, Argentina triumphed in extra time to lift their 16th continental title.
Unfortunately, the tournament ended on a sour note due to chaotic scenes outside the stadium before the final. A lack of security delayed the kickoff, leaving a bitter taste despite the thrilling on-pitch action.
Bolivia’s Resurgence at El Alto
Following a string of poor results in World Cup qualifiers and disappointment in the Copa America, Bolivia made a bold move. They abandoned the iconic Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz and relocated their home matches to El Alto—a city adjacent to La Paz with an altitude of 4,150 meters, the highest ever to host a World Cup qualifier.
The impact was immediate. Wins over Venezuela and Colombia at home, coupled with a stunning away victory against Chile in Santiago, marked Bolivia’s first three-game winning streak in 31 years, breathing new life into their campaign.
Have found a rare form at the highest stadium in the world. The Bolivian national team (Photo courtesy: CONMEBOL official website)
Canada’s Historic Copa America Run
After a turbulent 2023 that included the departure of long-time coach John Herdman, Canada rebounded in 2024 under new head coach Jesse Marsch. The team’s highlight was reaching the Copa America semifinals in their debut appearance.
Canada emerged from a challenging group featuring Argentina, Chile, and Peru, displaying resilience and technical quality. A dramatic penalty shootout win over Venezuela propelled them to the semis, where they were ultimately bested by eventual champions Argentina. Despite narrowly missing out on third place against Uruguay, Canada’s fourth-place finish solidified their status as CONCACAF's standout side.
Lassana Diarra Case: A Landmark Ruling
Every few decades, landmark legal decisions transform football. In 1995, the Bosman Ruling reshaped player contracts, granting players greater freedom and shifting power dynamics in the game.
In 2024, the Lassana Diarra case emerged as a similarly seismic moment. After a decade-long legal battle with Lokomotiv Moscow and FIFA over a 2014 contract dispute, the European Union's Court of Justice ruled in favour of Diarra on October 4. The court determined that FIFA's player contract rules violated EU law, a decision poised to redefine the football transfer ecosystem and potentially give players unprecedented leverage.
Inter Miami: From Dominance to Disappointment
Lionel Messi’s first season with Inter Miami was met with sky-high expectations. The team, packed with legends and promising young talent, delivered a record-breaking regular season, clinching the Supporters'' hield with Messi as MVP and Luis Suarez enjoying a standout campaign.
However, controversy arose when FIFA awarded Inter Miami a spot as host of the 2025 Club World Cup, a decision that angered rival American teams. Determined to prove their worth, MiMiami'slayoff hopes were dashed in a shocking first-round loss to Atlanta United—a team they had outperformed all season—marking one of the biggest upsets in MLS history.
Football in war zones received a new definition during the past year in the Middle East. Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s fans at the 2023/24 Israeli Cup final (Photo courtesy: Nicole Liberman/BabaGol)
Notable Mentions
Aliou Cissé Departs Senegal: A chapter ends for the coach who led Senegal to AFCON glory.
The Mansaf Match: Iraq vs. Jordan at the 2023 Asian Cup captivates fans.
Jordan shows Asia what Nashamah means. The Jordanians had a magnificent 2023 AFC Asian Cup and finished as runners-up.
The Special One in Istanbul: José Mourinho has joined Fenerbahçe.
James Rodriguez Resurgent: A standout Copa America for the Colombian star.
Farewell, Mario Zagallo: The football legend passes away at 92.
Drones and Cons: Canada women's national team is in trouble for the drone-spying saga.
USA Copa America fallout: Berhalter out, Pochettino in.
América Tricampeón: The club’s dominance continues in Liga MX.
Jamaican Chaos: Michail Antonio forgets his passport and later suffers a car crash.
Zion Suzuki Shines: From a shaky Asian Cup to Serie A stardom.
Al Ahly’s Triumph: A record 12th CAF Champions League title.
Persian Gulf Pro League attracts foreign talent: A shift in club ownership model changes a lot.
New club competition format in Asia: Clubs from developing nations have more opportunities to grow.
AFCON without Black Stars: Ghana misses out on qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. First time in 20 years that the Black Stars won’t be part of Africa’s prime competition.
Closing Thoughts
The year 2024 reminded us that football is more than a game. It reflects global realities, shapes narratives, and offers moments of hope and inspiration. As we look ahead to 2025, may the sport continue to unite, inspire, and transcend boundaries.
Previous years’ reviews:
Football in 2024: A Year of Conflict, Resilience, and Triumph. From Middle Eastern struggles to global milestones, explore the stories that shaped football this year.