From stunning goals to breathtaking saves, nail-biting comebacks to fierce rivalries, the 2022/23 football season will forever be engraved in our memories. This extraordinary season, extended due to the World Cup break, delivered an abundance of thrilling moments that left fans exhilarated and hungry for more. As the final whistle blew in the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan, the curtain fell on a remarkable chapter of the beautiful game, leaving us all in awe of the talent, drama, and passion that unfolded over the course of this unforgettable journey. Now, it’s time to take a moment to catch our breath and embark on a journey to unpack it all, starting with 365Scores season bests’.
Best Player: Erling Haaland
Was there any doubt? Well, a tiny bit, but not much. Lionel Messi, John Stones, Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappé all would have valid claims for this award in any other season. However, this season, it must be Erling Haaland. In 2022/23, Haaland scored 52 goals, provided nine assists for his teammates and won the treble with Manchester City. There were people who doubted his ability to score goals in the Premier League. He broke the season scoring record in his first year and he did it with multiple games remaining. That says it all and is why Haaland has claimed the top prize.
Best Young Player: Gabriel Veiga (Celta Vigo)
This could also be awarded as the best breakthrough this season. The 21-year-old Spaniard has half of Europe queuing up for his signature, and it’s easy to see why. His performances for Celta Vigo this season have been exceptional. He racked up 15 goals and assists in La Liga, including a final-day brace against champions Barcelona. Don’t be surprised if this young man gets a move in the summer.
Best Manager: Franck Haise (Lens)
This award could have gone to a large list of managers, none more prominent than treble winner Pep Guardiola. However, Franck Haise’s achievement with Lens has been extraordinary. With limited resources, Haise led this Lens side to 84 points and a 2nd place finish, one point off league winners PSG who had Messi, Neymar and Mbappé at their disposal. Lens will now compete in the Champions League for the first time in over 20 years. Good on you, Franck.
Best Team: Napoli
Manchester City were the best team, let’s be clear. They won the Champions League, the Premier League, and the domestic cup. But the list would be boring if City were the answer to every question. Therefore, Napoli is the next best. Winning their first Scudetto in thirty years with scintillating style, Naples has been bouncing for months. With Khvicha Kvaratskelia and Victor Osimhen spearheading attacks, Kim min-Jae holding down the fort at the back and their tenacious midfield winning all duels and overbearing their opponents, Napoli have been fantastic. 90 points on the board and a good Champions League run, they were superb. If Napoli manages to hold onto their best players this summer, they could form a real Champions League run next season.
Best Match: Argentina 3-3 France (4-2 AP)
Argentina vs. France in the World Cup Final will go down in history as one of the greatest matches ever witnessed. Packed with pulsating action, it had all the ingredients of a classic encounter. Both teams displayed relentless attacking prowess, showcasing an exhilarating blend of skill, speed, and precision. Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi going toe-to-toe. The future vs. the present. In the end, despite Mbappé’s hat trick, Argentina emerged triumphant, sealing their victory with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Emiliano Martinez’s last-gasp save on Randal Kolo Muani in the 120th minute was one of the most pivotal moments in football history. This thrilling spectacle epitomized the essence of football, leaving fans awestruck and forever cherishing the magic of that unforgettable night.
Funniest Moment: Tuchel vs. Conte Fight at Stamford Bridge
This season was packed with memorable, funny moments, but this one takes the cake. After a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, tensions were high on the touchline. After the game, Conte refused to look Tuchel in the eye as they shook hands and all hell broke loose from there. Even Jake Paul weighed in on the situation, demonstrating the gravity of the situation. Conte took to Instagram to write publically that Tuchel is lucky the Italian didn’t see him running past him, otherwise, he would have tripped him up. Neither manager survived until the end of the season. Either way, the entertainment they provided was golden.
And that wraps up the 2022/23 season. It truly was enjoyable. Bring on 2023/24!
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
