FirstTouch’s Top 10 Female Players of 2019

Megan Rapinoe poses backstage during the 2019 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards at Alice Tully Hall on November 11, 2019 in New York City.

(Nov. 10, 2019 - Source: Getty Images North America)

In no chronological order, they are as follows;

1. Megan Rapinoe

It takes someone special to be a major influence both on and off the pitch. Megan Rapinoe has become one such player, a major force in the world of soccer who walks the talk. They say good things come to those who wait and seemingly Pinoe has had to wait until the twilight years of her career to become a global phenomenon. The year 2019 was particularly unreal for the USWNT star who led the Stars & Stripe to a record 4th World Cup title in France, finishing as a joint top goal scorer and taking home the Golden Ball Award for the best player of the tournament. The 34-year-old was also named the 2019 FIFA Best Women's Player of the Year and even won bigger battles off the pitch as she became a banner for gender equality advocacy in football.

2. Lucy Bronze

You have to be really good to get any mention on these lists if you are a defender. Fans of the game just have an interesting bias towards prolific goal scorers. Bronze is that good and more. The England international also had a fruitful 2019 as she helped the Lionesses finish 4th at the World Cup in France. At club level, the 28-year-old was also a key member of the Lyon squad that typically won multiple trophies, including the coveted Champions League title. The flying full-back was named the 2019 UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, finished 3rd behind Rapinoe and Alex Morgan on the FIFA Best Awards and also took home the Silver Ball from the World Cup finals in France.

3. Sam Kerr

Talk about scoring goals. The Australian international did that for fun in the 2019 NWSL season as her Chicago Red Stars reached the play-off finals. The 26-year-old bagged a total of 18 goals and served up 5 assists in 21 matches during the campaign, breaking the record of goals scored in a single season previously held by herself. In that process, she also extended her record as the all-time leading goal scorer in the American top-flight league. After months of speculation, with some of the big clubs in Europe reportedly monitoring her, Kerr eventually joined Chelsea at the end of the NWSL season in the FA WSL.

4. Ada Hegerberg

The Norwegian is no stranger to this list after being the first-ever woman to win the Ballon d'Or in 2018. She may have missed out on the 2019 World Cup finals in protest against her country's football federation on the grounds of poor investment in the women's game, but her club performance was just as impressive. She scored a total of 20 goals in 20 domestic league matches for the 2018/19 season, also helped Lyon retain the Champions League and French Ligue 1 titles. In fact, she bagged a hattrick in the UEFA final as the French club sank Barcelona by a 4-1 scoreline. Most remarkably, the 24-year-old striker became the all-time leading goal scorer in the Champions League in October when she scored her 53rd goal in 50 appearances, breaking the record previously held by the German Anja Mittag.

5. Wendie Renard

Lucy Bronze of England controls the ball during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group D match between England and Scotland at Stade de Nice on June 09, 2019 in Nice, France.

(June 8, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

The French international has a knack for scoring goals even though she is a center-back by trade. At the 2019 FIFA World Cup finals, she finished as the 5th joint top goal scorer with 4 strikes in 5 appearances for Les Bleus who were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by eventual champions, USWNT. Just like Bronze and Hegerberg, the 29-year-old Renard was a key figure in the Lyon side that won multiple trophies in 2019 and continues to prove to the world that they just might be the greatest living sports team. If men's football can boast being endowed with the immaculate Van Dijk, then women's football have the presence of Renard.

6. Vivianne Miedema

The Dutch forward could be the most talented forward in this generation and yes I am an Arsenal fan. Sue me if you may for being biased, but Miedema is almost as good as they come. At just 23-years-of age, the Gunners forward has already become the all-time leading goal scorer for both the women's and men's national teams in the Netherlands, surpassing the record previously held by her idol, Robin van Persie. In the year 2019, she helped Arsenal to a domestic treble and was awarded the PFA Women's Player of the Year, with her compatriot Van Dijk winning the men's accolade. She was also instrumental to the Oranje side who reached the 2019 World Cup finals, scoring 3 times in 7 appearances. In the ongoing Champions League campaign, Miedema is the top goal scorer with 10 in 4 matches and her club will play PSG in the last 8.

7. Alex Morgan

The 30-year-old also had a fun year being Rapinoe's "ride or die." Together they co-captained the USWNT to World Cup glory, also finishing as joint top goal scorers with 6 goals in 7 matches. She also received the FIFA Bronze Ball after being named the 3rd best player of the tournament in France and was among the three short-listed candidates for both the FIFA Best Awards and the UEFA individual prizes. Morgan didn't have as successful a club campaign with Orlando Pride in the NWSL and had to even pull out of the squad towards the end of the season to have surgery on a knee injury she had been nursing throughout the world cup.

Sari Van Veenendaal receives The Best FIFA women's goalkeeper of the year award at the Teatro alla Scala during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 on September 23, 2019 in Milan, Italy.

(Sept. 22, 2019 - Source: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images Europe)

8. Lieke Martens

She is one of the quickest and most skillful women soccer players alive. Lieke Martens played through injury, helping the Netherlands reach the world cup finals in France. The winger's club form and exploits were relatively more fruitful as she was key in the Barca side that made the Champions League finals, eventually losing out to Lyon in the final. The 26-year eventually losing out to Lyon in the final. The 26-yearold just returned from the injury sustained during the world cup and like Messi, could be key in leading Barcelona to more silverware this new season.

9. Asisat Oshoala

Year after year, the Nigerian international continues to get a mention. The 25-year-old helped the Super Eagles to a historic knock-out round finish at the 2019 FIFA World Cup finals in France. Alongside South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana, they both top the list of the deadliest strikers on the African continent. With Lieke Martens, she also helped Barcelona reach the 2019 UEFA final, becoming the first African to score in the women's Champions League.

10. Sari van Veenendaal

No one had a safer pair of hands in 2019 than Atletico Madrid's van Veenendaal. The Dutch won the Golden Glove Award after being named the best goalkeeper at the 2019 World Cup finals where the Oranje finished 2nd behind the USWNT. She made a leading total of 23 saves during the world cup and earned herself a first-ever 2019 FIFA Best Women's Goalkeeper Award. Before France, the 29-year-old had also helped Arsenal to a domestic treble in the FA WSL. Now, she has been minding the goal for the Spanish champions who are in contention to win the Champions League crown after eliminating Manchester City in the round-of-16.

Is VAR a superhero or a villain in the future of global football?

VAR has come under scrutiny once more after a series of controversial decisions made using the instant replay system during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.  FIFA introduced virtual assistant refereeing technology on the global football stage in the 2018 FIFA Men's World Cup in Brazil. It has received significant push back from football fans who argue that VAR will disrupt the game as it has come to be loved. Much of the same argument still exists. The position of VAR skeptics is that an increased focus on accuracy would take away the flair and free play. The relevance of VAR has been brought into question even further this year. VAR dominated headlines in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after players and coaches raised fresh criticism about its relevance to global football.

“The statistics still show VAR improved the decision-making accuracy in the group stages to 98% as compared to 92.5% without it. Human error in football has always been frustrating given the fact that once the referee makes a call, whether right or wrong; there was no way to check in real-time.  ”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

Alex Morgan of the USA is fouled by Stefanie Van der Gragt of the Netherlands leading to a penalty during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Final match between The United States of America and The Netherlands at Stade de Lyon on July 07, 2019 in Lyon, France.

(July 6, 2019 - Source: Getty Images Europe)

VAR controversy at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup  

FIFA's decision to approve the use of VAR at the tournament came in March, just three months before the start of the competition. The timing of the VAR was the major challenge, with some coaches and pundits calling out FIFA for using the Women's World Cup as a testing ground for VAR. Cameroon's Indomitable Lionesses had a passionate protest during their round-of-16, 3-0 loss to England. Specifically, after feeling hard done by, the Cameroonians proceeded to stop play for minutes, refusing to continue the game in protest of the VAR decisions. Ellen White's second goal of the match was firstly ruled as offside and later allowed after VAR consultation. The same way that the Indomitable Lionesses felt that VAR had robbed them of their chances; other teams also faced a similar fate to the Cameroonians.

Among the other teams that had a bone to pick with the VAR system, was Scotland.  In the group stages of the tournament, Argentina came back from a 3-0 loss against Scotland to draw, 3-3. In stoppage time, a late infringement led to a VAR penalty decision which was initially saved by the Scottish goalkeeper. In a shocking twist, the referee ruled that the goalkeeper moved from the line before Argentina took the penalty shot and after consulting VAR, the penalty was retaken. Nigeria was too a victim of the penalty retake after France had missed the penalty, it was judged with VAR that the Nigerian goalie had moved off the line before the kick. 

Previously, such minor infringements would have gone unnoticed, but VAR is making the enforcement of the rules of the game much stricter. While everyone would agree that the rules should be observed for fair play, some do feel that football is becoming too rigid and too technical. 

Part of the debate around the FIFA Women's World Cup was around the new rule that was responsible for dashing the dreams of both Scotland and Argentina. The new rules from the International Football Board say that a goalkeeper must always have one foot on the line during a penalty kick as opposed to the previous rule of two feet.

The big screen inside the staduim informs fans of a VAR review in consideration, after referee Milorad Mazic awards Senegal a penalty, which he then rescinds after looking at the VAR footage during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Senegal and Colombia at Samara Arena on June 28, 2018 in Samara, Russia.

(June 27, 2018 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

Do we even need VAR?

VAR is not detached from traditional refereeing —it's a sidekick to the match official, and it's not an either-or situation. Referees still have the last call in deciding whether an infringement has been made. Having video-assisted refereeing has overall reduced the number of incorrect calls and improved the accuracy of referees. The statistics still show VAR improved the decision-making accuracy in the group stages to 98% as compared to 92.5% without it. Human error in football has always been frustrating given the fact that once the referee makes a call, whether right or wrong; there was no way to check in real-time. 

A positive aspect of VAR is that it increases the transparency of the calls made by referees. They are countless allegations of dubious referees being caught in the thick of match fixing scandals that have rocked the footballing world and made us question the authenticity of the entire system. These referees were often part of a large scheme of match-fixers and betting mafias. When these ​match-fixing scandals​ come to the public's attention, it has always triggered a discussion around solutions to prevent such callous disregard of ethics by match officials. VAR can bring accountability, which has sometimes been lacking in football.  Before VAR, it was easy for referees to make dubious calls as a referee, VAR makes it more challenging to hide blatant match-fixing attempts. 

Colombia players confront referee Milorad Mazic after he awards Senegal a penalty before rescinding the decision after reviewing VAR footage during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Senegal and Colombia at Samara Arena on June 28, 2018 in Samara, Russia.

(June 27, 2018 - Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images Europe)

While the coming of VAR was quite a noble effort by the football governing bodies, the interpretation of "match-changing situations" needs to be given more attention. Referees have lost the autonomy to make decisions without leaning on the VAR to confirm each decision, leading to longer and slower games. I would argue that the biggest flaw of VAR is that it slows down the pace of the game. Games are now featuring more abrupt 2 minutes, even up to 4 minutes stop to allow the referee to review the VAR footage. Before VAR, it was rare to see a game stop as many times as has become common. Ultimately, increase in stoppage time has increased the average length of matches. In the 2018 Men's World Cup, the average stoppage time increased from 5.4 minutes to 6.4 minutes.

VAR going forward

The success of VAR depends on making some critical changes to how it's used. The Premier League will use VAR for the first time in the 2019/20 season. The Football Association has been paying close attention to the controversies surrounding VAR at the Women's World Cup in preparing for the launch of VAR in the 2019-2020 season. One thing that has come up in how the FA would like to do things differently to how we've seen VAR in previous tournaments is to reduce its interference and apply it more consistently in accordance with the laid out rules.

Despite the controversies, I would argue that VAR should stay. Fair play is becoming more of a reality owing to VAR. The FA has correctly defined the guidelines for the part that VAR will play in the Premier League. FIFA must reanalyze the interaction with VAR globally which would allow for more seamless consultations.

2019 WWC Review: Five Breakout Stars of the Tournament (Stars of the future)

WE ALL WIN

“One of the most secure bets in the entire world will always be on Thembi. As South Africa took on Spain in their first ever world cup finals match in France 2019, she got the landmark goal. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Inside a close to 60 000 capacity filled Lyon Olympic Stadium, an aura of love and triumph filled the air. Rumblings, hummings, cheers and all kinds of sounds that can be heard when thousands of voices come together for a common goal and spectacle. Most audibly were the chants, “USA…USA… USA,” the Stars and Stripes had put two goals past the Oranje of Netherlands to claim the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a second successive world cup gold and a record fourth for the Americans. Obviously the Dutch players and supporters weren’t the most joyful in that stadium but their ponytailed hair, orange painted faces and the three striped flags still hoisted high sent a clear message of momentary disappointment at a lost battle but everlasting delight of a won war. Just outside the stadium, in France, Europe, America and all across the world; watch parties satisfactorily concluded and the interviewed supporters in New York, who wore “Team USA” apparel could be heard saying, their women’s team “are like superheroes,” tears of joy streaming down their cheeks also bearing witness to the said words.

A historic 60 000 capacity stadium filled for a women’s game is an applaudable feat, but so are the 14.3 million viewers who were watching on their television sets all across the USA alone, pipping the 11.4 million that watched the 2018 FIFA Men’s World Cup. In the grasp of the monumental milestones for the women’s game, young and daring upcoming stars who grabbed the world cup opportunity by the scruff of its neck posed a stubborn assurance of what’s to come in the near future. In other words, it’s all just getting started.

Lest we forget, we took some time to list down five of the breakout stars of the France 2019 tournament, we should all keep a keen eye on in the near future. Without further ado, let’s get it!

VIVIANNE MIEDEMA - NETHERLANDS & ARSENAL

Vivianne Miedema of Netherlands reacts during the Group A match between Belgium and Netherlands during the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 at Koning Willem II Stadium on July 24, 2017 in Tilburg, Netherlands.

(July 23, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe

Background

Graceful. That’s how I can describe her. It’s like she has some ice in her veins. At only 23, the common age for upcoming players, she is already the all-time top goal scorer for the Netherlands women’s national team. Vivianne’s 61 goals tally even surpass the record for the men’s team held by Robin van Persie.

The young forward started playing football as early as the age of 5. Since then, the Hoogeveen born player hasn’t stopped quickly climbing up the ranks while taking the world by storm. Miedema made her senior career debut with SC Heerenveen in her home country, scoring 78 goals in 69 appearances after which she was quickly snapped up by Bayern Munich once she reached eighteen. After 3 years in Germany, a time in which she was part of a Bayern side that finished the 2014/15 season unbeaten and won the league title for the first time since 1976, Miedema linked up with FA WSL side, Arsenal. It was also during her Bayern spell that the forward earned the reputation of “being the most gifted striker in Europe.” It’s actually easy to see why.

Playing style

By reason of having grown up idolizing the Arsenal and Dutch legend, Robin van Persie, her game and manner of playing is very much like the 35-year-old Feyenoord forward. Although, careful mention needs to be made that Vivianne is the first of her name; in all aspects. Standing at 1.75m tall, she is relatively taller than most women footballers and poses a strong and imposing figure in the opponent’s box. She is in the top 0.01% when it comes to hold-up play, that is excellent first touch and releasing other wide players even as she maintains the furthest and most central attacking position at both Arsenal and the Netherlands. Most remarkably, Miedema is praised for her “killer instinct.” You don’t have to take my word for it, former Dutch coach, Roger Reijners described her as that, after helping the nation secure its first ever world cup qualification in 2015. The Arsenal forward can carve out defences, wriggle past markers, make something out of nothing, possesses the fiercest of shots and is very good in the air.

What’s to come?

She has been the Dutch team’s main striker and star player. The team that won the 2017 UEFA Women’s Championship and the 2019 FIFA Wold Cup silver medal. She scored her first three world cup goals to help the Netherlands go all the way to their first world cup final. After also having racked up a record 22 FA WSL goals in Arsenal’s title winning 2018/19 season, winning the PFA Players’ Player of the year and several other individual accolades during the course of her career, it’s clear that much more is to come. With at least 7 years left in her football career, one would be very unwise not consider her as a possible future Balon d’Or winner.

ROSE LAVELLE – USWNT AND WASHINGTON SPIRIT

Rose Lavelle of USA during the international friendly between Sweden and USA at Ullevi Stadium on June 8, 2017 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

(June 7, 2017 - Source: Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images Europe)

Background

This is the lady who exploded towards the Netherlands box, carved out the defence and scored the insurance goal, the one that wrapped up the US Women’s National Team’s 2-0 world cup title win against the Netherlands in front of a 60 000 capacity stadium. The Cincinnatti, Ohio born girl who picked “professional soccer player,” as her intended career in a 3rd grade book report, is much more than that now. Just a few weeks ago, she took home the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Bronze ball after being recognised as the third best player of the tournament behind world cup winning captain, Megan Rapinoe and England’s Lucy Bronze. In only her first ever world cup appearance since debuting for the world champions in 2017.

The 24-year-old Lavelle started playing soccer at a tender age and has gradually climbed up the ranks of U.S youth teams. After a hugely successful 4-year collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers, Lavelle has had a highly nomadic career representing all of Dayton Dutch Lions twice, Seattle Sounders, Boston Breakers and now the Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Playing style

As an extremely hard-working box to box midfielder, it’s easy to explain why Lavelle has managed to score 10 goals in 33 appearances for her country since her debut in 2017. Midfielders don’t usually rack up such numbers. Rose is a dynamic, quick, intelligent and very composed player who seem to have a maturity least expected of her age. That world cup final goal against the Dutch goes a long to explain what she’s like; quick, tricky, direct, fearless and ruthless.

What’s to come?

As the youngest player who was a consistent presence in the USWNT and started the world cup final, we don’t have to look very far if we are to play a game of identifying future stars and captains of the USWNT. Her bronze ball win at the 2019 FIFA Women’s world cup is surely the first of many widely acclaimed international individual accolades to come. It sure looks like Rosemary is going to need more space to contain her over 14 individual accolades won during her collegiate career and many more to come.

KEIRA WALSH – ENGLAND AND MANCHESTER CITY

Keira Walsh of England during the International Friendly between England Women and Australia Women at Craven Cottage on October 9, 2018 in London, England.

(Oct. 8, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Background

You cannot talk the future of English football without mentioning the name Keira Fae Walsh coming up more than once, obviously together with other headlining young stars such as Georgia Stanway. Just like the aforementioned USWNT’s Rose Lavelle, Walsh was England’s youngest player in their semi-final clash against the Americans and for the greater part of the tournament, if not throughout. Coincidentally, just like Lavelle, they all help anchor the midfield of their nations. The 22-year-old Rochdale born midfielder first burst onto the scene in 2014 appearing as a substitute for FA WSL’s Manchester City. The wheels just never came off from hence forth, playing a total of more than 64 competitive fixtures for the Manchester Blue. Also, interestingly similar to Lavelle, Walsh was also making her FIFA World Cup debut for the Three Lionesses in France and it’s safe to say she took it with aplomb.

Style of play

Walsh’s composure makes you wonder if she takes ice for breakfast. She is not the kind to run up the pitch and knack-in some goals but rather prefers to stay put and cover her defensive frontline, which worked seamlessly well as she partnered with a more experienced and advanced midfielder, Jill Scott in England’s set-up. Walsh hardly does the spectacular and really doesn’t need to. Her first touch, pin point accurate passes, tackles and ability to break-up opposition play ensures she really becomes an anchor of any midfield fortunate enough to have her.

What’s to come?

After a highly successful start to her Manchester City career that has seen Keira learn to win as they captured 6 major trophies in 5 years which include an FA Women’s Super League title and 2 FA Cups, she is just going to win so much more. With a lot of years ahead of her and the legs to run them, future England success will most probably have her fingerprints all over it. Quote me anywhere and I will say now and maybe forever;

Keira Walsh, that’s a future English captain right there.

KADI DIANI – FRANCE AND PSG

Kadidiatou Diani of France during the friendly match between France Women and Australia Women at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on October 5, 2018 in Saint-Etienne, France.

(Oct. 4, 2018 - Source: Marc Atkins/Getty Images Europe)

Background

Ask all the players who were less fortunate to be entrusted with the role of marking her in the just ended FIFA world cup and they will tell you all about Kadidiatou Diani. The 24-year-old pacey winger really has an enviable relationship with the ball, able to do whatever she wants with it. In France’s run to the quarter-finals where they lost 1-2 to eventual winners, the USWNT, Diani was a constant presence on the right flank, tracking back and unrelenting in the offensive. Whenever she held the ball, something special always seemed most likely to happen and yes she did leave defenders in sixes and sevens once or twice with her bag of tricks and directness. Kadi was born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France and first played senior professional football for Juvisy between 2010-17 before joining Paris Saint Germain. She has since scored 19 goals in 44 appearances for the Parisians and capped 51 times by the France national team since her international debut in 2014.

Playing style

The PSG forward didn’t score a handful of goals during the world cup but her work on the right channel was there for all to see, a super exciting player to watch that reminds many of the exploits of French legend, Thierry Henry. Full of confidence, supersonic pacey and power; Kadi is fully aware that she can take on any challenging player in the business, evidenced by the high rate of successful dribbles per match. Her work-rate which has seen her recover balls and force mistakes off defenders, illustrates an admirable skill set of a modern player who is equally as good on the ball just as she is off it.

What’s to come?

At only 24-years of age, Kadi looks an indispensable figure on the right flank of Les Bleues, a collectively young, progressive and hungry side tipped to start winning some elusive major silverware in the near future. She may have scored just 10 goals in 51 appearances for France but every logical aspect of her style of play, career and growth tells the story of much more to come. Soon enough, the most memorable moments of her career won’t be limited to the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup where she bagged 4 goals and helped France to the title; Kadi’s next big moment might just define the future of football as a whole.

THEMBI KGATLANA – SOUTH AFRICA AND BEIJING BG PHOENIX F.C

Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa runs with the ball during the Women's Group E first round match between South Africa and China PR on Day 1 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(Aug. 5, 2016 - Source: Harry How/Getty Images South America)

Background

This is not obviously the first time we are writing about Thembi here at First Touch. The 23-year-old has been undoubtedly the best player on the continent in the past year after playing a starring role for South Africa’s silver medal win at the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations and in securing a historic world cup finals debut appearance for Banyana Banyana. The young forward was on song throughout the 2018 Ghana AFCON finals, taking home the top goal scorer award, the best player of the tournament accolade and also bagging several others at the 2018 CAF Awards Gala. Kgatlana became somewhat a revelation to many when she first appeared on the international scene in 2018. Before then, the South African forward had been silently on the grind in the books of the University of Western Cape in the Southern African nation. She has since moved to the U.S National Women’s Soccer League side, Houston Dash and now represents the Chinese Women’s Super League side, Beijing BG Phoenix.

Style of play

Before her, not many as quick as her, slick, direct, in possession of the most powerful shot and having that sort of killer instinct had been seen rising up and shining on the continent. She announced herself to the world with a cracker of a goal on the edge of the box as Banyana registered a 1-0 win over defending champions Nigeria, in their 2018 AWCON opening match.

What’s to come?

One of the most secure bets in the entire world will always be on Thembi. As South Africa took on Spain in their first ever world cup finals match against Spain in France 2019, she got the landmark goal. A woman who shines everywhere and one who has become the face of the future of African football.

FINAL NOTE

Conclusively, Vivianne, Rose, Keira, Kadi and Thembi are really some of the most exciting stars to keep an eye on in the near future. Who else makes this list?

“A historic 60 000 capacity stadium filled for a women’s game is an applaudable feat, but so are the 14.3 million viewers who were watching on their television sets all across the USA alone, pipping the 11.4 million that watched the 2018 FIFA Men’s World Cup. In the grasp of the monumental milestones for the women’s game, young and daring upcoming stars who grabbed the world cup opportunity by the scruff of its neck posed a stubborn assurance of what’s to come...”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

February Week 3 Quotes: FT's Top News From Around The Globe

Bizzare crotch grabbing celebration at the Wanda Metropolitano, Spain

“It means we have balls, a lot of balls. To start [Diego] Costa and Koke after they hadn't played for a month takes balls. I did it as a player in Lazio-Bologna and I did it again to show our fans that we have cojones. It wasn't aimed at the other team, I was turning towards our own supporters. It's not a nice gesture, I'll admit, but I felt the need to do it. It was such a tough game, we fought so hard and Diego Costa worked really hard when he wasn't 100 percent fit. I had to show what I was feeling. I can only apologise if anyone was offended, but I did it from the heart.” - Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid Manager

After Atletico Madrid 2-0 first leg win over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League round of 16

Diego Simeone, Manager of Atletico Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Juventus at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on February 20, 2019 in Madrid, Spain.

(Feb. 19, 2019 - Source: Angel Martinez/Getty Images Europe)

Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on during a press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group H match against Juventus at Aon Training Complex on October 22, 2018 in Manchester, England.

(Oct. 21, 2018 - Source: Jan Kruger/Getty Images Europe)

Mourinho’s new found off-the-pitch bromance with Arsene Wenger continues

“And we were like a third force coming. Chelsea had a great desire to be champions for the first time in so many years. So, of course, it was the confrontation of forces and you can imagine that Sir Alex, Wenger and myself we were fighting for the same. We were like, I like to say in football, 'sweet enemies.'” - Jose Mourinho, Former Manchester United Manager

Jose’s comments on the former Arsenal Manager upon him winning the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award

Ikenna Martin “Ike” Opara joins MLS’s Minnesota United

“I finally invested in a proper outerwear jacket. It's amazing how comfortable and warm those things are. You don't actually realize how cold it is here.” - Ikenna Opara, Minnesota United Defender

Ike, a native of North Carolina speaks on his recent switch to Minnesota from Sporting Kansas City

South Africa’s Women national team intensifies 2019 World Cup Preparations

“We are back in camp to continue with preparations for the World Cup, and as we approach the start of the Cyprus Cup, this indicates we are edging closer and closer to our maiden World Cup tournament. We will be playing four top quality matches in Cyprus and at the end of the tournament we will not only know how far we are in terms of preparations but also which players will be ready for the World Cup.” - Desiree Ellis, South Africa Women’s National Team Coach

Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis on the team’s preparation plan for the Francen 2019 finals to be held between 7 June  and 7 July

Sadio Mane of Liverpool reacts during the Group C match of the UEFA Champions League between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on September 18, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

(Sept. 17, 2018 - Source: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe)

Sadio Mane’s home burgled while playing a champions league match against Bayern Munich

“While the occupants were not present at the time of the incident this will no doubt be a distressing experience for them and I would ask the offenders to do the right thing and return the stolen items to the owner in any way possible.We know the watches in particular are of significant monetary value and I would also like to appeal to anyone who might have been offered the items for sale since the burglary to contact police.” - Merseyside Police Detective Inspector
Detective Inspector Phil Mahon of Merseyside Police’s preliminary comments after the incident. This happens to be the second time, the Senegalese’s house gets burgaled after a similar incident occurred while away on champions league duty at Maribor in 2017. Mane joins a growing list of footballers falling victims to burglary as three of Lyon’s players suffered the same fate while they were playing Barcelona on Tuesday and PSG players who have had to deal with the same in recent years.

FT 2019 Preview: Will MLS teams have to adjust to a new era?

“As opposed to the previous state of affairs where the MLS was just a resting place for the super stars who were winding down their careers, its fast becoming a reliable source for budding talent. We are seeing young soccer players from communities which were never really known for the game, coming in and stealing the show.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

It came as a surprise particularly to outsiders as quite a number of the Major League Soccer groomed players began to make inroads to some of the perceived best leagues in the world, or at least being linked with such moves. Soccer in the United States is yet to be celebrated as much as in other territories and continents but the effort put by organisers, extra hours shifted in by players and the passion contributed by the most passionate of fans is starting to pay dividends.

Chris Richards #34 of Bayern Munich defends Riyad Mahrez #26 of Manchester City during the first half of the International Champions Cup at Hard Rock Stadium on July 28, 2018 in Miami, Florida.

(July 27, 2018 - Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images North America)

As opposed to the previous state of affairs where the MLS was just a resting place for the super stars who were winding down their careers, its fast becoming a reliable source for budding talent. We are seeing young soccer players from communities which were never really known for the game, coming in and stealing the show. Individuals from the Caribbean Islands, Africans and the CONCACAF in general are fast using the MLS as a platform to grow and even possibly transiting to the “soccer capital of the world,” which in my opinion is Europe. We saw individuals such as Venezuela’s Josef Martinez who has apparently gotten his big break at a later age but doing so with much grace and elegance. The 25-year-old banged 35 MLS goals and registered 6 assists in only 39 appearances, that kind of record stands out anywhere around the world. He is just annoyingly prolific and capped the year by winning the MVP award, ahead of the heralded Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Wayne Rooney. Martinez is not the least of them, other players such as the 24-year-old playmaker, Paraguayan Miguel Almiron who was his partner in crime has since been linked to a host of premier league clubs including the Arsenal. Two 18-year-olds namely Canadian footballer, Alphonso Davies of Ghanaian origin and USA’s Chris Richards have already escaped the grasp of Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas respectively, captured by German champions in Bayern Munich.

For the most part, the MLS had been used to receiving stars and now they seemingly have to quickly adjust to giving out. It will be interesting to see how that pans out. If you ask me, it’s a very much welcome development.

Feature: Why are people so crazy about football?

The "Crazed" Fan

Citizens of the earth who are outside of the football fraternity look on the players of the game and the fans that back them with bewilderment, amazement and more often than not, with a little bit of envy. They ask; how could a grown-up man cry over a loss of a team which does not even know they exist or shares bit of the income when they triumph? Some ponder on whether these fans do not have anything better to do with their time instead of committing emotions, money and everything else to brave the cold winter nights to sit in the stands and shout “You will never walk alone!” in Merseyside, “Ka bo Yellow Masandawana!” in Pretoria or “DeMbare bhora” in neighboring Zimbabwe. Perhaps sharing the way I see the game could go along way in answering some of those questions. So here goes!

We see ourselves in the character of the teams we support

Have you ever wondered why someone would consider themselves die-hard Arsenal fans since 2005 and yet they have never the chance to witness their Gooner heroes lift any major trophy or accolades since then? At times the passion and zeal to commit to a certain team transcend just the obvious reasons of saying for instance, “I like Messi and henceforth I am a Barca fan” or that my favorite color is blue, so I support Zimbabwe’s Dynamos football club. Football clubs all around the world have characters and ‘personalities’ which radiate to the fans of the game. These fans are able to somehow discern these characters and end up subconsciously liking and choosing to support particular teams. It’s like falling in love where at times it goes deeper rather than liking someone for their physical attributes. So yes, its much more than who wins the biggest trophies or attracts the most talented footballers - the connection is engraved deep in the souls of those who love the game and are stewards of it.

Let me make it a bit more concrete. If you take a poll, you will probably realize that Manchester City fans are generally less outspoken than Manchester United fans; Arsenal fans may be more conservative and detail oriented than Chelsea fans who could generally be adventurous while maintaining that the end will always justify the means. The contrasting football philosophies could, for example, help to identify the undertones. Arsenal, more so under Arsene Wenger, cares more about keeping their attractive style of play and can keep a single manager for more than twenty years. On the other hand, most recently, Chelsea tend to have a new manager in every two seasons with different styles of play being employed and it doesn’t really matter if it helps them win trophies (the end justifies the means). Even in different parts of the world, the same construct still applies. The Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates are loved by their faithfuls for their strong culture of community and giving power to the people as is the case in the townships they come from. For some Soweto derbies, fans were given the chance to vote for how their teams would line up. Even the excessive showboating these two teams usually show is never despised irrespective of the match results. Its because the fans also grew up playing Kasi football (almost literally more about dribbling than goals) in the streets whilst listening to loud house music. There were never 4-4-2 tactics, or any mechanical formations to grind results when they played on the streets but just fun and nutmeg contests. Henceforth when they showboat, fans get more than just entertainment but identify themselves with the team. Clubs like England’s Everton have been dubbed a “working class” club showing just how much the love of a team by a fan goes beyond the colors but deep into their core values and lifestyle.

It’s simply fun

Living life on the edge can be thrilling especially if the adverse effects are less deteriorating. For every match that is played, football offers ninety minutes of uncertainty, adrenaline rush, laughter tears and a whole lot more. For every goal woodwork that is rattled, seats are deserted, jaws dropped and the near joy of what could have been, is revered and anticipated. For every goal that is scored, nations are united in celebrations and fans temporarily forget their religion, race, gender or creed and celebrate together as human beings without restrictions.

There are also those who assume the roles of artists on the pitch, picking out teammates intuitively like Mesut Ozil, riding invisible bicycles in scoring wonder goals like Cristiano Ronaldo, nutmegging opponents at will as Messi does and supermaning effortlessly to stop shots as is the case Marc-Andre Ter Stergen. Even the bizarre incidents of the likes of Luis Suarez turning out to be Vampire diaries actors or Asamoah Gyan and his Black Stars teammates switching from professional football to showbiz with funky haircuts and moves like Michael Jackson’s to celebrate goals.

And it is more than a football game

When fans gather to commute for long hours to back their heroes, wear cabbage leaves on their heads to support the green machine, CAPS United of Zimbabwe or obscure themselves by painting their bodies in national colors as West Africans do - it’s more than just supporting a team. It is an opportunity for friends to relax having a couple of drinks and catching up on life, a chance to pause from the stresses of everyday life, the privilege to influence the destiny of a people by cheering on the national team and more often than not, a golden chance to bag bragging rights. Most people really enjoy it when they are right about anything, there is no better way to show your friend that they are wrong other than having your team crush theirs.

Why are you still not watching football? What are you waiting for?