Most Important Football Moments of the 21st Century

A lot has happened since the turn of the century. Titles were won in the dying seconds, unknown underdogs shocked the world, and new rules changed the way we watch the game. Some moments made headlines for weeks, others still get talked about years later.

Here’s a look at the football events that truly shaped the modern era.

The First World Cup in Asia (2002)

Held in Japan and South Korea, the 2002 World Cup was the first ever in Asia—and the first with two host nations. Brazil, led by a rejuvenated Ronaldo Nazário, lifted their fifth title. But the tournament was full of chaos and surprises: Senegal beat reigning champions France in the opener, South Korea made it to the semi-finals, and Turkey finished third.

Arsenal’s Invincibles Go Unbeaten (2004)

Arsenal starting XI posing before their Champions League match against Celta de Vigo in March 2004, featuring key players from the Invincibles era like Vieira, Henry, Bergkamp, Cole, and Lehmann. — Credit: Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images.

Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal side did what no team had done in the Premier League era: go an entire season unbeaten. Across 38 matches, they played sharp, attacking football and finished with 26 wins and 12 draws. No one could touch them, and no one’s matched that run since.

But more than 20 years later, Arsenal have yet to lift the Premier League trophy again. For all the glory of that unbeaten season, some fans have come to wonder — did the Invincibles leave behind a legacy or a curse?

Greece Won the Euros (2004)

No one expected anything from Greece in Euro 2004—not even the Greek fans. But under Otto Rehhagel, they stunned Europe. They beat hosts Portugal in the first match and again in the final, where Angelos Charisteas’ header secured one of the biggest shocks in tournament history.

As a Portuguese, that image of the goal still haunts me to this day.

Zidane’s Headbutt (2006)

One of the best footballers ever played his last match in the 2006 World Cup final. And it ended with a headbutt. Zidane had already scored a penalty against Italy, but after clashing with Marco Materazzi in extra time, he was sent off.

It was the kind of moment fans still talk about—and wish they’d captured live. Tools like iCall make that possible, letting you record voice notes, interviews, or even calls during big games. Explore on App Store to start saving your reactions when football history happens again.

Africa Hosts the World Cup (2010)

South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup—the first to take place on African soil. The tournament gave us vuvuzelas, Siphiwe Tshabalala’s thunderbolt in the opener, and Ghana’s heartbreaking quarter-final exit thanks to Luis Suárez’s handball. Spain took home the trophy after a tense final against the Netherlands.

VAR Arrives (2016)

Credit: Simon Hofmann/Fifa via Getty Images.

VAR officially entered football in 2016, first tested in a Dutch Cup game before showing up at the 2018 World Cup. It changed how decisions were made—and how fans watch the game. Offsides, penalties, red cards—nothing felt certain anymore. Like it or not, VAR is now part of football.

Neymar’s 222M€ Transfer (2017)

In 2017, PSG paid a world-record €222 million to sign Neymar from Barcelona. It wasn’t just a blockbuster deal—it reset the market. Transfer fees skyrocketed, and clubs backed by massive wealth began to dominate the game in a new way.