In the cutthroat world of professional football in the modern era, is there any particular month in which a manager can relax… safe in the knowledge that their job is, for 30 or so days at least, more secure than normal? Conversely, is there any specific calendar month in which a head coach should open …
It sounds like the plot of a Hollywood movie. But, as is so often the case, the truth is stranger than fiction… and that is certainly the way in the weird and wonderful world of Paul Pogba and his family. In December 2024, his brother – former Wrexham, Crawley Town and Crewe Alexandra striker Mathias …
Meet the Pogbas: Mathias Jailed Over Incredible Plot to Kidnap His Own Brother Paul Read More »
What’s the easiest way to win a vote? Make sure you’re the only option that can be voted for. Saudi Arabia has been selected by FIFA as the host nation for the 2034 World Cup, beating… erm, nobody in the vote. That’s because no other country nominated themselves as a potential host for the quadrennial …
Saudi Arabia Awarded 2034 World Cup Hosting Rights in ‘Walkover’ Scandal Read More »
It was somehow fitting that a player with the nickname ‘Cold’ would bring up a Premier League penalty scoring record with a nerveless Panenka straight down the middle of the goal. This is Cole Palmer we’re talking about and Cole Palmer is an extraordinary footballer in just about any way you can imagine. The 22-year-old …
Cole Palmer Breaks Premier League Penalty Record in Typically ‘Ice Cold’ Fashion Read More »
Going into the game as the 3/10 favourites with the bookmakers, Chelsea were expected to hand Southampton something of a towelling in their December 2024 meeting. The Blues had scored two or more goals in four of their prior five outings, while the Saints were conceding, on average, two goals per game on home soil. …
Expecting Goals: Chelsea Break Record for Highest Away xG in a Premier League Game Read More »
Most retired footballers look to stay in the sport after they have hung up their boots, be it as managers, coaches, pundits or club ambassadors. Others make a clean break from football altogether, perhaps looking to reinvest their earnings into property or a burgeoning business empire. A small handful of former pros, meanwhile, have opted …
Former Man City Star Kavelashvili Joins the Ranks of Footballers Turned Politicians Read More »
Imagine being a footballer that has been sent out on loan by their parent club, and who then finds him or herself playing against their employer for their temporary team. The motivation to play well and showcase their ability must be off the chart, and that is reflected in the number of players that have …
Biting the Hand That Feeds: On Loan Players That Have Scored Against Their Parent Club Read More »
Imagine finding yourself inaugurated into a club of which only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are members. That would be proof positive that you were doing something right. Up until November 2024, only two players had scored 100 or more goals in the Champions League since its rebrand from the European Cup in 1992. They …
Lewandowski Joins the Champions League 100-Goal Club… There May Never Be Another Member Read More »
The idea of having a draw to decide who plays who at football tournaments is to ensure the fixture list is random and free of bias. Sure, the seeding system can keep certain teams apart, but that is to reward them for their past performances: it could be their world ranking, league position or the …
Russia vs Ukraine and Other Banned International Football Games Read More »
It comes with the territory as a professional footballer that fans of opposition clubs will give you a hard time. That could range from light-hearted banter to rather more heavyweight chants and abuse, which – while not condoned in any way – are incredibly hard to combat. How do you tell 20,000 people to stop …
How James McClean Became the Most Controversial Footballer in England Read More »
