Wow, what a year — so much so that it's almost impossible to really know where 2020 ended and when 2022 begins! The best way to get beyond this simultaneous feeling of being stuck in the past and hurtling violently towards the future is to stop and take stock of things with an awards gala unlike any other. You're on the guest list.
The18 d'Or
POV: You're entering our prestigious ceremony in Bismarck, North Dakota.
#1. Men's Player of the Year
Lionel Lewandowski. Seriously, it was a dead heat.
#2. Women's Player of the Year
The only unanimous decision we had: Alexia Putellas
#3. Goal of the Year
Zero consensus here, so just watch them all.
#4. Best Moment of the Year
Denmark's emotional run to the semifinals of Euro 2020 after the sudden cardiac arrest suffered by star midfielder Christian Eriksen during the opening match.
Honorable mentions: Canada and Christine Sinclair winning Olympic gold, and Lionel Messi winning Copa América.
#5. Flop of the Year
Robin Ramos of Batanecos FC (Guatemalan third-division) picks up an object and pretends that it struck him.
Honorable mention: Deyverson going down in the Copa Libertadores final.
#6. Own Goal of the Year
Haiti's Josue Duverger with one of the Gold Cup's greatest gifts.
#7. Coach of the Year
The USMNT's Gregg Berhalter
#8. Game of the Year
2021 CONCACAF Nations League Final: USA 3 - 2 Mexico (AET)
Honorable mention: UEFA Euro 2020 Round of 16: France 3 - 3 Switzerland (4-5 penalties)
#9. Team of the Year
Manchester City
Honorable mentions: Barcelona Femení, Denmark and Chelsea
#10. CONCACAF Shithouser of the Year
Suriname Vice President Ronnie Brunswijk. The 60-year-old owns Inter Moengotapoe, named himself captain and in the starting XI against Olimpia in the CONCACAF League, played 54 minutes and then was filmed handing out cash in the Olimpia locker room after the match.
Honorable mention: Henry Kessler
#11. Broadcaster of the Year
Again, no consensus, but it's a massive victory for CBS with Kate Abdo, Clint Dempsey, Christian "Bobo" Vieri and Peter Drury all earning plaudits. Stu Holden is FOX's lone representative.
#12. Most Disappointing Player
Take your pick from a litany of players who previously captured our imaginations but fell on hard times in 2021: Eden Hazard, Ousmane Dembélé, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sergio Ramos and Daryl Dike (we just want him to become the No. 9 that we know he can be).
#13. Bonehead of the Year
The Chelsea pitch invader that got trucked by Sam Kerr.
#14. Fan(s) of the Year
No consensus.
University of Montana
Portsmouth
Edmontonians at Canada vs. Mexico
Groom and bride that abandoned their wedding party to watch Atlas win its first Liga MX title in 70 years.
The guy who parkourrd off the Paramount+ set during the Nations League.
#15. The18's Social Media Content of the Year
The18 wins this one!
#16. Defensive Play of the Year
Soccer journalist Carlos Orduz escapes any major injuries after taking on a falling wall.
Honorable mentions: Manuel Neuer's beautifully timed tackle vs. Union Berlin, Thiago Silva clearing one off the line vs. Juventus and Lionel Messi crunching Lucas Paquetá to set the tone against Brazil in the Copa final.
#17. Most Hated Team of the Year
England at Euro 2020
Honorable mentions: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Portugal
#18. Jersey of the Year
Atlético Mineiro away
Honorable mentions: Racing Louisville home and away, Venezia home and Ajax third
