As the year comes to a close, look back on the defining achievements, developments and moments from the last 12 months of the beautiful game across the globe.
The author of Fever Pitch, the celebrated memoir of football fanhood, considers the fraying relationship between supporter and shareholder ahead of a new season.
Barcelona has gotten itself into the financial mess that won't allow the club to bring Lionel Messi back, but you wouldn't know that from its grandstanding.
Fans have had enough, a billionaire savior claims to have emerged and a former coach stands in the way of the one achievement that could salvage the season.