Yearender 2016: Football was the winner this year

Asian Age takes a look at the most amazing and glorious footballing moments of 2016. (Photo: Twitter)

Lionel Messi shocked football fans in 2016 as he announced his decision to retire from International football, after Argentina lost Copa America final to Chile. The striker soon changed his mind and returned to international stage in September against Uruguay. (Photo: AFP)

The two of greatest managers of the modern era, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho reunited in English Premier League in 2016. The Spanish coach joined Manchester City, while his fierce rival was appointed as manger at Manchester United. (Photo: AFP)

2016 was Cristiano Ronaldo's year. The star striker won Euro with Portugal, UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup with Real Madrid. Ronaldo also beat rival Lionel Messi to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for a fourth time. (Photo: AFP)

Indian football entered a new dawn in 2016 as I-League side Bengaluru FC became the first Indian football club to qualify for the finals of AFC Cup. The southerners lost the final to Iraq's Air Force Club, but the club did enough to put India back on the Asian football map. (Photo: PTI)

India achieved their highest annual ranking after 2009 to finish 2016 at 135 in the FIFA rankings. (Photo: PTI)

Portugal won their first European Championship after they beat France1-0. Portugal become the 10th different European nation to win the competition. (Photo: AFP)

Footballing powerhouse Brazil finally won their first men's Olympic football gold medal in 2016 after they beat Germany in the final of the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Photo: AFP)

The most special of all - minnows Leicester City became the champions of England after securing the 2015/16 Premier League title. The club beat the pre-season odds of 5000-1 to create history. (Photo: AFP)