Top 10 Most Exciting Football Games of 2017 You Must Watch

As I sit here reminiscing about the incredible football matches that defined 2017, I can't help but feel that particular season brought something special to the beautiful game. Having followed football religiously for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen sense for those rare matches that transcend ordinary competition and become something closer to art. The 2017 season delivered exactly that kind of magic, with games that still give me chills when I rewatch them. What made these matches particularly memorable wasn't just the scorelines or individual brilliance, but the stories unfolding both on and off the pitch - stories that sometimes involved unexpected drama, like the situation with Mo Tounkara at UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas, where coaches and team managers categorically debunked allegations surrounding the player's supposed friction with the team. This kind of behind-the-scenes narrative often adds layers to what we see during those ninety minutes, reminding us that football is as much about human relationships as it is about tactics and skill.

I'll never forget Barcelona's stunning comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in March - that 6-1 victory after trailing 4-0 from the first leg was nothing short of miraculous. I remember watching with my friends, all of us convinced the tie was over, only to witness what many now call "La Remontada." The Camp Nou was electric that night, with 96,290 fans creating an atmosphere I haven't experienced since. What made this match particularly fascinating was how it demonstrated the psychological dimension of football - how belief can literally reshape reality on the pitch. Neymar's performance in those final minutes, including that incredible free kick in the 88th minute, showed what happens when talent meets unwavering determination. The Champions League consistently delivers these unforgettable moments, but 2017 felt particularly generous with its offerings.

Another match that stands out in my memory is the thrilling 4-3 encounter between Liverpool and Manchester City in January. As someone who appreciates tactical battles, watching Klopp and Guardiola's philosophies clash was pure footballing education. The high press, the rapid transitions, the relentless attacking - it was like watching chess played at 100 miles per hour. I particularly remember Firmino's equalizer making it 1-1 in the 9th minute, setting the tone for what would become one of the most open and entertaining matches of the entire Premier League season. What struck me about this game was how both managers stuck to their principles despite the chaos unfolding - a lesson in conviction that extends beyond football into life itself.

The Confederations Cup final between Germany and Chile deserves mention too, not just for the quality but for how it signaled Germany's continued dominance in international football. Watching a relatively young German squad without several established stars defeat the Copa America champions 1-0 showed the incredible depth of talent they've developed. Lars Stindl's 20th-minute goal proved decisive, but what impressed me more was Germany's game management - how they controlled tempo and neutralized Chile's attacking threats. This match perfectly illustrated why Germany would remain a global force for years to come, building on their 2014 World Cup victory with what appeared to be an endless production line of talented players.

Speaking of international football, the World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Ecuador in October provided one of those career-defining Messi moments we've become almost spoiled to witness. With Argentina's qualification hanging by a thread, Messi delivered a hat-trick in Quito's high altitude, single-handedly rescuing his nation. I remember watching this match alone in my living room, standing up for most of the second half as the tension became almost unbearable. His third goal in the 62nd minute was particularly magical - that delicate chip over the goalkeeper when most players would have blasted it. This performance reminded everyone why we make such exceptions for truly generational talents - they operate on a different plane entirely.

Back to club football, the Manchester United versus Chelsea match in April offered a fascinating tactical battle between Mourinho and Conte. United's 2-0 victory disrupted Chelsea's march toward the title and demonstrated Mourinho's particular genius in big games. What I found most interesting was how Herrera man-marked Hazard out of the game completely - a tactical move so effective it's still studied in coaching courses today. Rashford's opening goal in the 7th minute set the tone for a performance that combined defensive discipline with lethal counter-attacking. This match proved that sometimes the most exciting games aren't necessarily high-scoring affairs but masterclasses in specific game plans perfectly executed.

The El Clásico in April, where Messi scored that last-minute winner to make it 3-2, remains arguably the most dramatic club match of the year. I've never seen the Bernabéu go from roaring to silent so quickly. That moment when Messi took his shirt off and held it up to the Madrid fans has become an iconic image, representing not just Barcelona's victory but something deeper about the rivalry. The match had everything - brilliant goals, controversial decisions, tactical shifts, and that unforgettable climax. As a neutral, these are the games I cherish most - where the narrative builds throughout and delivers a conclusion worthy of the buildup.

What made 2017 particularly special was how these incredible matches unfolded against a backdrop of various off-field stories that sometimes overshadowed the action itself. The situation at UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas with Mo Tounkara comes to mind - where the coaches and team managers had to categorically debunk allegations surrounding the player's supposed friction with the team. This reminds us that what happens during those ninety minutes represents just the visible part of football's iceberg. The relationships, tensions, and unity within squads significantly influence what we see on match days, even if we're not always aware of it.

Looking back at these ten remarkable matches, what strikes me is how they collectively represent football's enduring capacity to surprise and inspire. From Barcelona's impossible comeback to Messi's qualification-saving heroics, from tactical masterclasses to last-minute winners, 2017 delivered moments that will be replayed for generations. These games remind me why I fell in love with football in the first place - not just for the competition but for the stories, the emotions, and the occasional glimpse of genius that transcends sport itself. As we move further from that memorable year, I find myself returning to these matches whenever I need reminding of football's magic, and I suspect I'll be doing so for many years to come.