Well, 2021 is just about done and dusted, and as that dust settles on a wild year, the footballing world now turns it’s head to reviewing what’s just occurred in the form of awards and accolades. Here at NextGoalWinner, we are no different, and have picked out 7 special recognition awards for specific categories. From top player to surprise package, we feel these 7 winners deserve celebrations (or not as the case may be), and we are sure the recipients will be delighted.

As with anything in the world of football, these choices are purely individual choice and can quite easily be disputed and challenged if you so feel. If you do have anything to say about our selections, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinnerBlog) and let us know what you think.

Biggest Winners – Chelsea FC

The European Champions of course have to be our biggest winners, and although it hasn’t been plain sailing, to turn around their 2021 campaign with Tuchel at the helm has been huge. Again, it’s not been perfect by any means, losing the FA Cup final, the European Super League scandal and ending the year falling behind to close league rivals Manchester City, however I must repeat… they are European Champions. From their transfer banned summer under Lampard to a Champions League win under Tuchel, it’s been the blink of an eye and suddenly they’ve gone from battling for 4th to one of the strongest squads in World football currently. With the arrival of £90+million man Lukaku, things are only looking up for the Blues, and perhaps with Tuchel doing the business on-field, they may break their managerial cycle and be building a true legacy for a long period at Stamford Bridge, then again, they may just sack the man and begin again in 2 months time. Who knows? Either way, they have to be our biggest winners, as they literally are the biggest winners.

Biggest Losers – European Super League

What a mental 2/3 days that whole thing was. Springing up from out of the blue in the midst of a pandemic, football was almost lost as we know it. A few major protests later, a cancelled Manchester United vs Liverpool game and god knows what else, the U-turn is the biggest since lockdown’s began from football’s superpowers. Turning a US franchise like disaster proposition into something remarkable which brought football fans of all sides together, it was one wild but almost beautiful moments in football, and one that will hopefully go down in history as a lesson learned. Meanwhile, the ‘big boys’ have run home with their tails between their legs.

Surprise Package – West Ham United

David Moyes is doing a remarkable job at West Ham, that’s all we can say really. Working wonders with a squad that many could see as overachievers, they reached the Europa League places last season, and have maintained this incredible league form, realistically looking at Champions League places midway through the current season, all while performing at a top level in their Europa League campaign, Moyes, Rice, Antonio and co. are just flying in 2021, and thousands of loyal Hammers’ fans will be hoping this will continue into 2022 and beyond.

Player Of The Year – Robert Lewandowski

69 goals in a calendar year, and breaking Gerd Muller’s Bundesliga record of 41 goals in a season, of course Robert Lewandowski is the player of the year, and has been for the previous two seasons. Running away with the 2020 award, it feels like justice is being served for the 2021 award going his way. Admittedly, this year he has had much more competition, from Messi, Salah and several others, however he has remained so clinical and constantly in form that the striker has netted in just about every game he’s played. There hasn’t been a Bayern game in my memory that I have not seen the Polish striker hit the back of the net, and in a world where we are talking constantly about big name strikers being on the move from their clubs, signing mega-deals and being eyed up in £100/£150/£200million moves, Lewandowski is knocking in goals for fun.

Manager Of The Year – Thomas Tuchel

We mentioned previously about how Chelsea have become the ‘Biggest Winners’ and the main reason in my opinion for this, is Thomas Tuchel. Since his arrival, and admittedly Lampard was influential in acquiring the team now at his disposal, Tuchel has been the missing piece of the jigsaw, bringing the ultimate prize to Stamford Bridge, almost from nowhere. Tuchel has shown that he can manage huge occasions and although losing the FA Cup final, securing the biggest prize in club football is all Chelsea fans will ever care about from that season, and Tuchel has won the hearts of the Stamford Bridge faithful as a result.

Moment Of The Year – England In A Final

The win over Denmark is my personal moment of the year, and although perhaps fortunate at points, I have now seen England in a final, something I had never expected to witness in my life. Although the final result didn’t go the way many intended, seeing my country play in a final of a major tournament is just about everything I could have ever wished for. Along with this, the whole lockdown scenario, the Wembley backdrop for the final game and the sun shining in this country for a change meant everyone was optimistic, whether a casual supporter or die hard follower of Southgate’s Barmy Army. What a tournament and what a moment in time.

Rising Star – Jude Bellingham

It feels almost strange to have Bellingham listed as our winner of ‘Rising Star’, as he has been around for a few years now, however his summer performances at the Euro’s and taking up a major role at his club following the departure of Sancho at just age 18 is still remarkable. He is a true talent of the game and his game hasn’t yet come near to it’s peak. With the potential for another 15+ years at the top of the game at the highest level, it’s no wonder clubs are ready to spend big to acquire the services of one of football’s brightest sparks.