2021 in association football

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2021 in Football

The year 2021 was marked by numerous significant events and achievements in the world of football. From major international tournaments to domestic league competitions, this article highlights some of the most notable moments from the past year.

In January, several high-profile matches took place. Kawasaki Frontale won the Japan Cup by defeating Gamba Osaka 1-0 at the New National Olympic Stadium. Paris Saint-Germain claimed the Champions' Trophy after beating Olympique de Marseille 2-1 in Lens. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao secured their first Spanish Supercup title by edging FC Barcelona 3-2 in overtime.

The Italian champion Juventus won the Italian Supercup by defeating SSC Naples 2-0 at the Mapei Stadium-Città del Tricolore in Reggio d'Émilie. In South America, Defensa y Justicia claimed the Copa Sudamericana after beating Club Atlético Lanús 3-0.

In Europe, Bayern Munich won both the Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League title for the first time in less than a year. The Frenchman Willy Sagnol was named as a new coach in Georgia.

The summer months saw several major international tournaments take place. Brazil finished fourth at the 2021 Summer Olympics men's tournament, while Spain took third place behind Japan and Mexico. In Russia, Portugal won the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, with Argentina finishing fourth.

In Asia, Kazakhstan secured a bronze medal finish in the 2021 FIFA Futsal Weltcup after losing to Brazil. The United Arab Emirates finished fourth at the same tournament. Meanwhile, Qatar hosted the 2021 Fifa Arab Cup, where Algeria took third place behind Tunisia and Egypt.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) saw several regional tournaments take place in 2021. Thailand won the 2020 AFF Championship title after defeating Singapore 2-1. In Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan finished fourth at the 2021 CAFA U-15 Championship.

In South Asia, India secured a bronze medal finish at the 2021 SAFF Championship, while Bangladesh took third place behind Nepal and Maldive. The West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) saw several regional tournaments take place in 2021, including the WAFF U-18 Championship won by Iraq.

The African continent also hosted several major international tournaments in 2021. Ghana finished fourth at the 2021 Africa