2022. rocked the world - in many ways

Just as nations all over the globe were beginning to recover from the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of new crises emerged to envelop the world. 2022 saw the international community shaken by tragedies, armed conflicts, and mass protests while the silver lining came for many with football's biggest tournament.

DONETSK, UKRAINE - DECEMBER 20: A destroyed classroom is seen in a school in Avdiivka on December 20, 2022 in Donetsk Region, Ukraine. The town of Avdiivka has largely become a ghost town, as nearly all residents have evacuated, heavy fighting continues on the southern edge of the city and constant shelling by Russian forces has left no building untouched. A large swath of Donetsk region has been held by Russian-backed separatists since 2014. Russia has tried to expand its control here since the February 24 invasion. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Credit: Chris McGrath/Getty Images