With the calendar year quickly coming to a close, our editorial team came together to highlight some of the things that made this year so special from across the soccer world. From golazos to Streetgatos, Gabrielle Nordstrom and Joseph Reina sifted through the archives to create a collaborative list of our favorites of 2024.
Favorite Teams to Watch
Joe: Real Madrid
With a spellbinding style of play, Los Blancos secured their record 15th Champions League title before adding Kylian Mbappé over the summer. They’ve since won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup thanks to the spellbinding play of Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde.
Gabby: USWNT
The USWNT is back. The young, fresh energy led by Mal Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, also known as Triple Espresso, and elite level of defense by Naomi Girma, has made the USWNT a special team and an exciting watch.
Favorite Jersey
Gabby: Inter Miami Archive Jersey
The Inter Miami Archive jersey sported a look similar to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. A bright, but simple jersey brought some fun to one of the MLS’ best teams.
Joe: Juventus 3rd
This instant classic captures the rich
history of La Vecchia Signora while incorporating the new logo into its base design for a shirt that looks just as good on the pitch as it does while sipping an espresso on the streets of Turin.
Favorite Coaching Debut
Joe: Arne Slot - Liverpool FC
In the wake of long-time Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s departure, his hand-picked replacement has overperformed if anything during his freshman campaign. His side are comfortably top of the league at Christmas and are in a great spot to claim the club’s second Premier League title.
Gabby: Emma Hayes - USWNT
Emma Hayes joined the USWNT two months before the US brought home the gold medal after an undefeated run. She also won Women’s Coach of the Year after her first few months with the US, and has already been added to the conversation of best USWNT coaches.
Favorite Cleat
Gabby: Nike Mercurial Superfly - Mad Ambition Pack
The Nike Mad Ambition Pack brought bright cleats ready for superstar moments. As someone whose favorite color is light blue, the Mercurial Superfly is one of the best out there at the moment.
Joe: New Balance Tekela Pro - Grey Day Pack
Working at a soccer store is great because it allows me the ability to look at tons of shoes, and be picky. When it came time for me to replace my old, well-worn Nike Hypervenoms, I immediately fell in love with New Balance’s Tekela Pro from the Grey Day Pack thanks to their soft upper, great soleplate, and stunning visuals that instantly stand out.
Favorite Players to Watch
Joe: Croix Bethune
In her rookie season with the Washington Spirit, Bethune destroyed expectations as she led the league with ten assists in her first 15 appearances, equaling the all-time NWSL single-season record. The 23-year-old had the fourth-highest goals and assists per 90 (0.98) in the entire league, and was named to the NWSL Best XI, despite missing the last two months of the season due to injury.
Gabby: Mal Swanson
The return of Mal Swanson is not talked about enough. A torn patella tendon, three surgeries, an infection, and 11 months on the sideline did not stop Swanson from coming back and being a big reason the USWNT is on top of the soccer world again.
Casual Footwear
Gabby: Adidas Argentina Gazelles
The adidas Gazelle Argentina Indoor shoes are the perfect addition to an everyday look while casually supporting one of the best teams in the world.
Joe: Nike Streetgatos
Whether you’re walking around town or getting ready for some small-sided footy, Nike’s Streetgato line delivers guaranteed comfort as well as the perfect casual soccer fan aesthetic. There are so many great colorways to choose from but my favorite has to be the Summit White and Night Forest combo.
Favorite Goal
Joe: Alejandro Garnacho vs Everton
I must admit, I’m a sucker for a good bicycle kick, and Garnacho’s was as good as they come. In a year chock-full of outrageous and audacious goals, it’s fitting that Garnacho won the FIFA Puskás Award for his brash and brilliant effort.
Gabby: Trinity Rodman vs Zambia
Trinity Rodman stole the show during her first Olympic game when she did a quick, sneaky turn around a defender in the middle of the eighteen off a pass from Lindsey Horan and then put the ball in the back of the net. An unforgettable moment for the young USWNT star.
Favorite Official Match Ball (OMB)
Gabby: Puma Orbita 3 La Liga
The Puma Orbita 3 La Liga OMB is the perfect combination of simple but flashy. The color choice, for the few parts that are not white, is perfect and mixes well together while not being too flashy. A simple OMB will always be a good decision.
Joe: adidas Women's UCL Eindhoven Pro Match Ball
My phone, laptop, and work computer all use dark mode, so it’d stand to reason that I’d prefer a ball that shares the same dark energy. Yes, adidas has knocked it out of the park with several of their recent match balls, but this one is truly a work of art that stands apart.
