The calendar of stars - 12 names to bid farewell to 2024

2024 has come to an end, leaving behind its familiar footballing aroma of competitions, codes, and customs, but marked by a blend of new, established, and unexpected protagonists.

At BeSoccer, we've crafted a "calendar" of 12 standout figures to shine a spotlight on the most memorable moments in the footballing world. From the European Championship and Copa America to the Champions League, Libertadores, and Ballon d'Or, the year's highlights have, as always, been at the heart of the global football conversation.

As a summary—and with an eye on what 2025 has in store—these are the figures we've chosen, in the ever-difficult task of distilling football into a dozen names. After all, football is a universe of its own, seen differently by every observer, beyond the objective milestones that define its history.

Our list of key figures of 2024 in the football world

Franz Beckenbauer​

We begin with those we lost this year. 2024 began with a sombre tone as the footballing world said goodbye to some of its legends. Just seven days into the new year, Franz Beckenbauer passed away, marking the start of a year coloured by significant losses.

The calendar grew darker with the passing of Cesar Luis Menotti, Johan Neeskens, Andreas Brehme, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Mario Zagallo, and Toto Schillaci.

Particularly tragic was the passing of Uruguayan player Juan Izquierdo, who collapsed on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match between Nacional and Sao Paulo and died days later in hospital due to cardiac arrest.

Kylian Mbappe

After years of speculation, the long-awaited transfer finally happened—the French star left Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid.

The football world's spotlight was firmly on him, with Madrid fans hopeful he would further enhance Ancelotti's star-studded squad. However, his performance over the past six months has fallen short of expectations, despite securing two titles and scoring 12 goals in his debut season with the Spanish giants.

Xabi Alonso

Meanwhile, a Spanish manager cemented his greatness by leading Bayer Leverkusen to an unprecedented achievement: becoming the first-ever unbeaten champions in Bundesliga history. He also ended Bayern Munich's streak of 11 consecutive league titles. The historic year was crowned with a DFB-Pokal victory and an astonishing record of 43 wins and nine draws across all competitions.

The only blemish on an otherwise perfect season was a Europa League final loss to Atalanta, denying Leverkusen a legendary treble. Nonetheless, his accomplishments in 2024 have solidified his place among the elite managers in football history.

Toni Kroos

Every year, as is the way of life, football bids farewell to some of its greatest icons. Toni Kroos, a legend for both Germany and Real Madrid, used the Euro 2024 tournament on home soil as the stage for his retirement. After lifting the Champions League trophy—his sixth—he couldn't secure a double by winning the Euros, but he still bowed out in grand fashion.

Another legend, Andres Iniesta, followed in his footsteps shortly after. Other illustrious names to hang up their boots included Pepe, Thiago Alcantara, Bonucci, Raphael Varane, and the most recent addition to the list, Jesus Navas.

Lamine Yamal

To say he's established himself in football’s elite at just 17 speaks volumes. In 2024, Barcelona's young winger lived up to the immense promise surrounding him: Euro 2024 champion (and the tournament's top assist provider) with standout performances in key moments, and major individual honours such as the Golden Boy award, Best Young Player of the Euros, an eighth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or, fifth place in The Best awards, and a place in the Team of the Year.

Aitana Bonmati

No player on Earth has received more accolades this year than her. Ballon d’Or, The Best, Champions League Player of the Season, Champions League top assist provider, inclusion in the Champions League Team of the Season (for the second consecutive year), Best Player of the Nations League, Final MVP for both the Champions League and Nations League, top scorer of the Nations League Finals, and, as the crowning achievement, the Laureus Award.

Her individual dominance was nothing short of stratospheric, complemented by team success: Nations League glory with Spain and a treble—La Liga, Copa del Rey, Champions League, plus the Spanish Super Cup—with Barcelona.

Rodri Hernandez

The second Spanish player in history to win the Men's Ballon d’Or, the leader of a European Championship-winning Spain, and a key figure in Manchester City's Premier League triumph. Rodri ended 2024 in the spotlight but also in the treatment room, sidelined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

His absence highlighted his value, as his team's performances faltered significantly without him in the lineup.

Pep Guardiola

The decorated Catalan manager experienced the worst moments of his coaching career in 2024. A string of consecutive defeats—the worst of his tenure—visibly took its toll, with his frustration evident in both his comments and demeanour.

One particularly striking moment came in a press conference where he appeared with scratch marks, the result of compulsive scratching after watching Feyenoord overturn a 3-0 lead in the final 15 minutes.

This marked a stark contrast to the start of the season, when he became the first manager in history to win four consecutive Premier League titles.

Harry Kane

Harry Kane made headlines in 2024 after leaving his boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur behind to join Bayern Munich in pursuit of the silverware that had eluded him throughout his career.

Despite an incredible debut season in which he scored 44 goals and provided 12 assists, his dream remains unfulfilled as the Bavarian giants failed to secure any trophies this year. The England captain continues to shine individually but awaits the team success he has long craved.

Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp ended his nine-year tenure at Liverpool to take on a new challenge as head of Red Bull’s football operations. The German manager faced criticism from both his former club for this unexpected career shift.

Despite speculation, Klopp has firmly ruled out managing another English club, reaffirming his deep connection to the Reds.

Alejandro Garnacho

The Argentina international continues to adapt to life under new manager Ruben Amorim following Erik ten Hag's departure. However, his brilliance under the Dutchman has left a lasting legacy, highlighted by his Puskas Award-winning bicycle kick against Everton on 26 November 2023.

At just 20 years old, Garnacho remains a beacon of promise for the Red Devils.

Vinicius Jr

Lastly, we turn to Vinicius Junior, who, just days before the year's end, was crowned The Best. The award carried extra significance for him following his disappointment with the Ballon d'Or, which went to Rodri despite widespread expectations favouring the Brazilian.

The honour capped off a year in which Vinícius, through both brilliant football and controversy, found himself in the headlines nearly every week of 2024.