Football fans all over the world will be in their element during the summer, with the schedule packed with a plethora of exciting events.
Two UEFA club finals kick-off an exciting period that includes major international tournaments in Europe and South America.
The Summer Olympics will also feature top-class football, with the men’s tournament likely to be filled with many of the sport’s future talents.
The start of the 2021/22 season will also be eagerly anticipated by football fans, with the Premier League undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. Read on as we take a closer look at what’s in store.
Europa League
UEFA’s second tier club competition has grown in stature over the past few years, with teams eager to lift the trophy and secure a place in the following season’s Champions League.
Manchester United are the favourites to win the Europa League this term having performed impressively since joining the competition at the knockout stage.
The Red Devils defeated Serie A club Roma 8-5 on aggregate in the semi-finals and will fancy their chances of completing the job against Villarreal and adding to their Europa League winners’ record.
However, it would be foolish to underestimate the La Liga outfit, who have won 12 and drawn two of their 14 matches in the competition this season.
Champions League Final
The Champions League final is an all-English affair, with Chelsea and Manchester City going head-to-head to be crowned as the Champions League winners.
Chelsea have improved massively since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard as manager in January, and the German will be keen to crown the season with a trophy.
The Blues have beaten City twice over the past few weeks and they will rightly be confident of completing the hat-trick in the final.
However, City are aiming to clinch the treble having already won the Premier League for the third time in four years, as well as the Carabao Cup, and should edge what will be a hugely entertaining game.
Related: Champions League & Europa League Finals Predictions
European Championships
The best international teams in Europe do battle this summer as the prestigious European Championships take place.
The event features 24 nations and will be staged in 11 cities across 11 different countries, with the semi-finals and final hosted at Wembley Stadium.
Belgium have been tipped by many pundits to win the 2020 Euros after their impressive third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Spain, Italy and England are also fancied to make their mark, while defending champions Portugal will be keen to spring another surprise.
Copa America
Some of the world’s top players will be on show as Argentina and Colombia host the 2021 Copa America.
The tournament is the South American equivalent of the European Championships, bringing together the 10 best footballing nations on the continent.
The Copa America has not been a happy hunting ground for Argentina in recent years, with their last success coming back in 1993.
Reigning champions Brazil look a good bet to lift the trophy for a tenth time, while Colombia and Uruguay should also be in the mix.
Olympic Football
The 27th edition of the men’s Olympic football tournament will be staged in six cities in Japan, with the final scheduled to be played in Yokohama.
The event is restricted to U23 players, although each competing nation can also select three overage players in their squad.
The tournament has featured some of world’s most famous players, with the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar representing their countries at previous Olympic Games.
With many of world football’s up-and-coming talents on show, the Olympic football tournament will be well worth watching this summer.
Premier League
The start of the 2021/22 Premier League season on August 14 will headline the back end of a busy summer for football.
Man City will be aiming to win the title for the fourth time in five years, but numerous teams will be eager to knock them off their perch.
Local rivals United are likely to be their biggest challengers, while Chelsea and Leicester City will believe that they can close the gap on the reigning champions.
Liverpool will also be hoping to force their way back into contention after mounting a woeful defence of the title during the 2020/21 campaign.
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