2024 is here and naturally, at the start of a new year, it’s time to look ahead – in life and in the world of soccer.
The next 12 months promise to be just as packed as the last 12 months with the Copa America, Euro 2024 and Paris Olympics all taking place, not to mention the culmination of the European league seasons and the Champions League.
Here are five big soccer storylines to keep an eye on in 2024.
Will Kylian Mbappe finally leave Paris Saint-Germain?
We’ve been here before, but Kylian Mbappe’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the season. This was the case back in 2022 too. The French forward was expected to join Real Madrid, but signed a new contract extension with the French giants instead. This time, though, it’s expected that Mbappe will finally leave the Parc des Princes.
Real Madrid have spent years chasing Mbappe. They view the 25-year-old as the next ‘Galactico’ in-waiting and have prepared the groundwork for the Frenchman to thrive at the Santiago Bernabeu – Carlo Ancelotti has switched to a 4-2-1-2 system that has a more obvious place for Mbappe than the previous 4-3-3 shape.
What will Manchester United look like under new management?
Christmas Eve brought official confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of 25% of Manchester United from the Glazer family with the British billionaire’s company, INEOS, receiving sporting control of the club as part of the deal.
INEOS have already started conducting an assessment of the club which would result in a complete overhaul at Old Trafford. A new CEO and sporting director will be hired and Erik ten Hag’s position as manager could come under scrutiny. What will United look like under new management? Is this really the start of a new era for the club?
Can Gareth Southgate sign off in glory as England manager?
Most with English soccer believe Gareth Southgate will depart as England manager after Euro 2024. The 53-year-old has held the position since 2016, but next summer could be his final tournament in charge of the Three Lions.
Southgate has been England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey (who won the 1966 World Cup), but he has yet to get his hands on silverware. England have made a tournament final, a semi-final and a quarter-final under Southgate, so can he sign off by finally delivering the glory that has evaded him so far?
How far will the USA go at the Copa America on home soil?
Many will view the 2024 Copa America as an opportunity for the US Men’s National Team to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. However, Copa America is a major tournament in its own right, and it’s on home soil for Gregg Berhalter’s team. This is a chance to achieve something special.
2023 was a transitional year for the USMNT as Berhalter returned as head coach in the summer, but 2024 must see plans start to solidify. The US will have the chance to test itself against some of the best international teams in the world. It will be about much more than just preparing for 2026.
Will Messi Mania continue for Inter Miami in 2024?
2023 saw Lionel Messi make the landmark move to Inter Miami, sparking Messi Mania across American soccer. The legendary Argentine helped his new team win the inaugural Leagues Cup and reach the US Open Cup final, but there was too much ground to make up to reach the MLS play-offs.
Inter Miami will have a packed schedule in 2023, with Tata Martino’s team set to take part in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, but play-off run will be at the top of their priority list this year. Last year offered a hint of what Inter Miami could be with Messi included. This year could see Messi Mania reach new levels.
