From memorable verbals to witty remarks, 2022 left a lasting imprint on football’s spoken moments. As the year closes, a retrospective gathers some of the most striking lines that defined the sport, with the World Cup casting a long shadow and becoming a backdrop for quotes that entered football lore.
Messi
What are you looking at, fool? Go there, fool. That line stands out as perhaps the fiercest expression of 2022. It followed a tense Argentina versus Netherlands clash in the World Cup quarterfinals, when the Argentinian icon confronted Wout Weghorst after a dramatic penalty shootout. Another notable comment saw him remark that Van Gaal wanted to play good football yet only lofted passes. Then came the oft-cited line after Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening World Cup match.
Louis Enrique
Newly stepping down as Spain’s manager, he issued a colorful message to the world of football influencers. Startled viewers heard him proclaim that streamers needed to make room as he carved a downhill path with no brakes. He added a playful nod about being called a father by those watching, hinting at the expectations surrounding his role and wages. A later quip involved Ferran Torres, promising a straightforward extension when the moment was right. He also teased a playful stadium moment, noting that if Ferran scored, celebrations would be grand, even as the pacifier moment took a seat in the stand.
Gianni Infantino
In a candid reply to critics of the World Cup host nation, he stated that his identity encompassed many facets. The FIFA president spoke of feeling Qatari, Arab, African, gay, disabled, a worker, and an immigrant, addressing the diverse reactions to the tournament’s venue.
Herve Renard
With Saudi Arabia stunning Argentina, the comment All the stars are aligned was offered as context for a long streak without defeat that the team had maintained. The Moroccan coach’s assessment framed the surprise as a turning point in the tournament narrative.
Walid Regragui
Describing his Morocco side as the Rocky Balboa of the World Cup, he captured the fighting spirit and improbability that marked their run as a revelation of the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese star reflected on a campaign that ended sooner than hoped with the remark The dream was fun while it lasted, a succinct summary of a World Cup campaign that ended earlier than anticipated.
Pique
The veteran defender reflected on his long career with Barcelona, saying that from a young age he wanted to be a Barca player and that there would be no other team after his time there. He hinted at a possible return one day, underscoring his lasting connection to the club and to Barça fans.
Benzema
In a moment framed by family and career milestones, he spoke of fulfilling three lifelong dreams: buying a home for his mother, signing with Real Madrid, and winning the Ballon d’Or. The sentiments highlighted the blend of personal achievement and professional peak.
Florence Perez
She weighed in on Mbappé’s Real Madrid aspirations, noting that the player demonstrated his desire to join the club and that a pivotal decision was reversed weeks earlier. She described Real Madrid as having long sought to bring Mbappé into the fold and suggested the players’ negotiations involved retrying and readjustment.
Lewandowski
Expressing contentment, he stated he was at the club he loves and that happiness makes everything easier, a line that resonated with fans who followed his smooth transition and performance in a new environment.
Neymar
Posting after a quarterfinal exit, he opened up about the psychological toll of defeat, acknowledging that the loss hurt the most and revealing the emotional weight behind a hard-fought campaign.
Guard
Addressing the perennial question of Europe’s flagship trophy, the sentiment The reason Real Madrid wins the Champions League is that they are always present captured the club’s habit of contesting the top prize year after year.
Marcelo
The longtime Real Madrid winger looked back on a remarkable journey, recalling his arrival at eighteen and leaving as one of the most decorated players in the club’s storied history, a farewell mark of a legendary era.
Vinicius
He reframed the narrative around the success of a Brazilian in European football with a bold comment about the unique blend of luck and pressure that accompanies victory abroad.
Simeone
In a year of strategic shifts, he recalled Xavi’s critique of Atlético’s style and outlined a determined approach to pressing and attacking when the moment allowed it, stressing the aim of finding ways to hurt opponents within their own setup.
Xavi
The Barcelona coach pushed back on comparisons to Atlético’s approach, arguing that every system has merits and is competitive in its own right. He added that Champions League success is not always tied to the best team, and that La Liga rewards consistency across 38 games.
Mbappe
Speaking on the global stage, he warned that not all European structures are mirrored in South America, suggesting that European football often dominates the narrative of the World Cup era, given the recurring outcomes across tournaments.
Ancelotti
The Real Madrid coach spoke about his own ambitions and joked about a wager with Fede Valverde. He also signaled his intention to retire after a Real Madrid chapter, while emphasizing that football is about more than just technical play. He added a broader reflection on the depth of football life.
Modric
Real Madrid’s veteran midfielder reminded fans that nothing compares to the pride of playing for the club, reinforcing the bond between player and institution that endures beyond seasons.
Courtois
The goalkeeper stated that he felt he had moved onto the right side of history, a sentiment that reflected both personal and team legacy in the wake of a demanding campaign.
Zidane
Commenting on theBallon d’Or triumph for Karim Benzema, he spoke with clear admiration for the player and the year he enjoyed with the club and country alike.
Laporta
There was hope that Messi’s saga with Barcelona was not over, a line that kept fans guessing about the next steps in Messi’s storied career and future with the club.
Cowman
He called for Xavi’s backing, hinting at a need for support within the coaching setup as conversations about direction and project continued.
Source: Goal