Your Complete 2017 Football Soccer Schedule Guide for Every Major League

As I sit down to map out the 2017 football season, I can’t help but reflect on how unpredictable and thrilling the world of soccer can be—both on and off the pitch. I remember coming across a quote from a rising star, Mary Joy Soyud, who once said, "Nagulat ako na nandun ako sa wishlist. No one expected na nandu’n ako." That sense of surprise, of being unexpectedly in the mix, resonates deeply with how many fans and even teams approach each season. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, having a clear schedule guide is like having a treasure map to the year’s biggest moments. Let’s dive into the complete 2017 football soccer schedule for every major league, blending data, personal insights, and a bit of that underdog spirit.

First off, the English Premier League—the league I follow most passionately—kicked off on August 12, 2016, and wrapped up on May 21, 2017, with a total of 380 matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. I still recall the nail-biting title race where Chelsea clinched the trophy with 93 points, leaving Tottenham Hotspur trailing by 7 points. What made it special for me was the sheer consistency; week in, week out, teams battled through 38 matchdays, and as a fan, I’d block out my Saturdays for those 3 PM GMT kickoffs. It’s not just about the big clubs, though. Smaller teams like Leicester City, who’d shocked the world the previous year, showed that anyone could rise—or fall—dramatically. Over in La Liga, the schedule ran from August 20, 2016, to May 21, 2017, with Real Madrid and Barcelona dominating the narrative. I’ve always had a soft spot for El Clásico dates; those fixtures, like the one on April 23, 2017, where Messi scored that last-minute winner, are etched in my memory. La Liga’s 38 rounds featured 20 teams, but let’s be honest, the drama often centered on the top two, with Madrid finishing with 93 points and Barça close behind at 90. The scheduling quirks, like midweek games in December, added a layer of chaos that I find both frustrating and exhilarating.

Moving to Serie A, the Italian league spanned from August 20, 2016, to May 28, 2017, and Juventus’s dominance was a masterclass in resilience—they racked up 91 points and sealed their sixth straight title. I’ll admit, I’m biased toward defensive football, and watching Juve’s backline shut down opponents was a thing of beauty. The schedule included 38 matchdays, with key derbies like the Milan Derby on November 20, 2016, drawing global attention. Meanwhile, the Bundesliga, running from August 26, 2016, to May 20, 2017, saw Bayern Munich claim another title with 82 points, though I’ve always felt the 34-game season makes it a bit less grueling than others. As someone who loves underdog stories, I rooted for RB Leipzig’s surprise run; their match against Dortmund on September 10, 2016, was a highlight that showed how unpredictable the league can be. Ligue 1 in France, from August 12, 2016, to May 20, 2017, was all about Monaco’s stunning title win with 95 points, breaking PSG’s streak. I remember tuning into their clash on January 29, 2017—it felt like a cinematic upset, reminding me of Soyud’s quote about unexpected appearances.

Beyond Europe, Major League Soccer in the U.S. had a longer run, from March 3 to December 9, 2017, with 34 matches per team and Toronto FC lifting the Cup after a dramatic final. I’ve attended a few MLS games, and the summer schedule, packed with cross-conference rivalries, offers a different vibe—more family-friendly, yet fiercely competitive. Champions League and Europa League fixtures interspersed throughout, like the UCL final on June 3, 2017, where Real Madrid beat Juventus 4-1, added layers to the calendar. From my perspective, balancing these international cups with domestic leagues is where the real magic happens; it’s like juggling multiple storylines, each with its own twists.

In wrapping up, the 2017 football calendar wasn’t just a list of dates—it was a tapestry of surprises, much like Soyud’s unexpected rise. Whether you’re planning viewings or analyzing trends, this guide should help you relive those moments or discover new ones. Personally, I lean toward leagues with tight races, like the EPL, but every major league offered something unique. So grab your calendar, mark those key fixtures, and get ready for a year where, as in football, anything can happen.