5 most-anticipated debuts in the 21st century

Since the start of the 21st century, football clubs have gone deep into their pockets plenty of times to complete high-profile transfers. These transfers not only bolster the respective teams, but also improve the clubs’ appeal amongst football fans. The more popular the player, the faster the hype train goes.

Every little movement is dissected ahead of their first game for new employers. The coaches, staff, and, most importantly, the players, feel the burden of anticipation on their chest. Finally, the day comes, the flashes go off, and the magic unfolds.

There is nothing quite like the sweet feeling of seeing a superstar debut for their new club. Seeing them do wonders at a new club is what most of us crave, which is why we tend to blow debuts out of proportion. Although all debuts are special, some carry the potential of breaking the internet and tearing up the morning newspapers.

Today, we will take a look at five of those occasions.

The 5 most highly-anticipated debuts of this century

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Special mention: David Beckham at Real Madrid

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#5 Neymar at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain v Celtic FC - UEFA Champions League

In the summer of 2017, football economics started its journey towards the absurd mess that it is today. And all of it started with the €222 million transfer of Barcelona star Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG, who were desperate to establish themselves as one of the most spectacular clubs in Europe, found the perfect representative for their project. The Brazilian, who has a huge fan following on social media, finally made his debut on August 13th, 2017 in a Ligue 1 fixture against Guingamp.

Then-manager Unai Emery made him a part of his starting XI, and Neymar fully capitalized on the opportunity. He played a part in the own-goal by Guingamp, assisted Edinson Cavani for PSG’s second, and scored the third one himself. Away fans at Guingamp were ecstatic to see their superstar shine bright on his much-anticipated debut.

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#4 Ronaldinho at Barcelona

Ronaldinho of Brazil waves to the fans

Newly-appointed Barcelona president Joan Laporta deemed Ronaldinho one of the three most crucial players for the club’s future. The other two candidates, Thierry Henry and David Beckham, were unattainable at the time but Barcelona managed to get Ronaldinho for €30 million in 2003.

Ronaldinho, who joined from PSG, was one of the best players in the world at the time. He was an elegant attacking midfielder who could take on any defense in the world.

Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard was more than aware of his skill set and handed him his La Liga debut against Athletic Bilbao on August 30th, 2003. He did not score or assist on the night but cut an impressive figure nonetheless in Barcelona’s 1-0 win.

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#3 Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Real Madrid v Real Zaragoza - La Liga

Signed from Manchester United for €94 million, Cristiano Ronaldo became the most expensive transfer in world football in 2009. 80,000 people came to welcome the 2008 Ballon d’Or at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo, characteristically, pleased them by chanting “Hala Madrid!” at the top of his lungs.

Real Madrid knew they had a special player on their roster and his official debut could not come soon enough. Cristiano Ronaldo made his official debut on August 29th, 2009 against Deportivo La Coruna at home.

Ronaldo started alongside Raul, Karim Benzema and Kaka in attack and scored a 35th-minute penalty to open his account. Real Madrid won 3-2 on the night, marking Ronaldo’s first of many wins at the club.

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#2 Lionel Messi at PSG

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

They say “all good things must come to an end.” FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi understood the gut-wrenching reality of this statement in the summer of 2021. Struck by the double whammy of COVID-19 and a huge wage bill, which was not in accordance with La Liga rules, FC Barcelona failed to offer Lionel Messi a contract. Paris Saint-Germain cashed in on the opportunity and got the Barcelona captain on their books without paying a single dime to Barcelona.

The move went through swiftly and Lionel Messi was presented as a PSG player ahead of the match against Strasbourg. Fans at the Parc des Princes Stadium wildly celebrated his arrival but could not see him in action.

Finally, on August 29th, 2021, Messi made his PSG debut away at Reims. He came on in the second half with 30 minutes to play but could not score or assist on his debut. Unsurprisingly, the match against Reims became the most-watched fixture in Ligue 1 history, with 10.5 million viewers tuning in for Messi’s debut.

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#1 Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid debut was a sight to behold as thousands of fans cheered him on at the top of their lungs. At Juventus, too, he was greeted with much applause, which made him feel at home right away. However, his upcoming re-debut for old club Manchester United will undoubtedly overshadow the two former events.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who made 292 appearances and scored 118 goals during his first spell at Manchester United, is an out-and-out legend for the club. Ronaldo not only won his first Ballon d’Or (2008) at Old Trafford but also won nine major honors, including three Premier League titles and a Champions League, with the Red Devils.

Manchester United have reacquired Ronaldo’s services for €15 million and a maximum of €8 million in bonuses, which might seem excessive for a 36-year-old. However, given Ronaldo’s status and fan following at the club, the move seems to be a perfect fit for both parties.

Cristiano Ronaldo, whose new number 7 jersey is setting sales records across the planet, could make his second United debut against Newcastle United on Saturday.

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