Find a Football Team

Find a Football Team

Bookmark and Share Home »    

Buckhurst Hill

Address
Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, , IG9 6BJ
Teams
Adult Male
Website
http://www.bhfc.co.uk
View map

Football Team News

» Mauricio Pochettino unhappy with 'surprise' England decision as Chelsea star left injured
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell suffered a dead leg after playing both games for the Three Lions havingonly recently returning from injury, meaning he faces a race against time to be involved this weekend
» Sandro Tonali hit with new FA charge after 50 bets in first two months of Premier League season
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is currently serving a 10-month ban over breaches of rules on betting on matches in Italy before his £55million move to the Premier League
» Cesc Fabregas tipped to emulate Mikel Arteta as his next coaching move emerges
Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is only in the early stages of his coaching career, but the Spaniard's current boss is already convinced that he will follow in the footsteps of Mikel Arteta
» Five Arsenal stars at risk of missing Man City clash with key men in race against time
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are among the big names who could be absent for Arsenal at Manchester City as Mikel Arteta sweats on the fitness of several stars
» Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta facing transfer dilemma with decision on red-hot loan star
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has his sights set on a new striker in the summer, but Gunners prospect Mika Biereth has excelled on loan in Austria and is set to be the subject of transfer interest
» Marouane Fellaini makes feelings on David Moyes clear after Manchester United 'nightmare'
David Moyes brought Marouane Fellaini with him from Everton after taking charge of Manchester United in 2013, but the season turned into a disaster for both of them
» Man City vs Arsenal: 5 key battles that could decide Premier League title showdown
Manchester City and Arsenal face off at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a game that could potentially decide the destination of the Premier League title at the end of the season
» Disgraced Dani Alves makes first court appearance after 'party until 5am' follows release from jail
Disgraced former Barcelona star and Brazil international Dani Alves forked out just shy of £1million to land himself bail as he appeals against his four-and-a-half year jail sentence after being found guilty of rape
» Larry Lloyd dies: Nottingham Forest legend and former Liverpool star passes away age 75
Larry Lloyd, a defender who played in the iconic Nottingham Forest team which won consecutive European Cups in 1979 and 1980, and who also made over 200 appearances for Liverpool, winning the First Division with both clubs, has passed away
» Harry Kane's important Bayern Munich role made clear by remarkable claim ahead of Der Klassiker
Harry Kane and his Bayern Munich team-mates are ambitiously bidding to chase down unbeaten Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, and it starts this Saturday against Borussia Dortmund
» Novak Djokovic conspiracy theory raised by Andy Roddick after 'surprising' mid-season decision
Novak Djokovic announced earlier this week that he would be parting ways with long-term coach Goran Ivanisevic, and Andy Roddick doesn't believe it will be the last change made by the 24-time Grand Slam champion
» Man Utd target new defender after Sir Jim Ratcliffe made feelings on transfers clear
Manchester United have lodged an inquiry for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi as Erik ten Hag proceeds with plans to bolster his defensive options in the summer transfer window
» Arsenal legend Lee Dixon fires warning to Mikel Arteta ahead of crucial Man City fixture
Arsenal face a crucial clash against Manchester City this weekend in a game that could decide the winner of the Premier League title - and Mikel Arteta has been issued a simple instruction
» Kylian Mbappe's full name leaves football fans stunned as old FIFA card goes viral
Kylian Mbappe has become a global icon but when he broke onto the scene with Monaco as a teenager, he was known by a different name which he has since dropped
» Man Utd injury news and expected return dates including Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Luke Shaw
Erik ten Hag has nothing close to a fully-fit squad as Manchester United prepare to face Brentford away from home on Saturday and begin their Premier League run-in
» Luke Littler sends plea to Frank Lampard to join Soccer Aid team - but on one condition
Luke Littler has confirmed that he would love to take part in this year's Soccer Aid, if given the opportunity by former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard
» Roy Keane holds three meetings over new manager job after 'enjoyment' admission
Manchester United and Ireland legend Roy Keane has held talks with the FAI over the vacant manager role since the decision was made to part company with Stephen Kenny
» Arsenal injury news and expected return dates including Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal are preparation for a heavyweight clash against Premier League rivals Manchester City after returning from the international break with concerns over Bukayo Saka's fitness
» Sir Jim Ratcliffe has three-player transfer plan but is unsure on one Man Utd position
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already promised to invest in the squad this summer and has identified the key positions he wants to recruit ahead of his first transfer window
» Seven Man City stars at risk of missing Arsenal clash as Pep Guardiola faces injury crisis
Pep Guardiola is gearing up for Manchester City's crucial clash with Arsenal amid an injury list that could see him be without the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones
» Man Utd 'angry' over treatment of youngster involved in training ground bust-up
Hannibal Mejbri has endured a tricky time of things during his loan spell with Spanish side Sevilla and his spell in La Liga has left some of the Manchester United hierarchy disgruntled
» Fernando Torres names favourite Liverpool player after emotional Anfield return
Mohamed Salah is Fernando Torres' favourite player with the ex-Liverpool striker hailing the Egyptian's efforts having crossed paths with him at Chelsea previously
» Ex-Arsenal star to 'consider future' after nightmare campaign and retirement U-turn
Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has not enjoyed the best of fortunes since leaving North London for Juventus in 2019 and could now step back from international duty after failing to reach the Euros
» Man Utd winners and losers from international break with two full debuts and one injury
Manchester United had a number of players representing their countries over the international break - but which of their stars shone and who had a tough time on duty?
From

Football resources

» The FA
» BBC Sport
» SportsCoach
» Little Kickers
» Kiddikicks

Other sport news:

» Euro 2024 power rankings: a look at the 24 teams going to Germany

While France and England are among the favourites, Austria could spring a surprise

This was not a vintage window for Didier Deschamps’ side with a home defeat against Germany followed up by a shaky 3-2 win against Chile in Marseille. The captain, Kylian Mbappé, had a difficult few days and the absence of Antoine Griezmann, who missed his first France games for seven years because of injury, was clearly felt. There were positives, however, with the 18-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery having a good game against Germany and Randal Kolo Muani scoring and assisting against Chile. Deschamps made nine changes for the second game with William Saliba getting a rare start in Marseille, even though the coach had said beforehand that the Arsenal player “does things he doesn’t like”. Still the team to beat. Marcus Christenson

Continue reading...
» Haaland v Havertz: a style subplot as City’s goal machine meets Arsenal’s false 9 | Karen Carney

The Norwegian remains ruthless but in the awkward German the title pretenders have acquired a player growing in efficiency

Sir Alex Ferguson once said: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you championships.” The meeting of Manchester City and Arsenal on Sunday could well prove the former Manchester United manager right.

The teams are very different in style when it comes to their centre-forwards. Manchester City have arguably the world’s best No 9 in Erling Haaland, whereas Kai Havertz assumes the role of a false 9 for Arsenal. The contrasts make for an intriguing match at the Etihad, with both teams knowing the importance of the result.

Continue reading...
» Who is in form as the Premier League hits the business end of the season?

Arsenal face their biggest test of the campaign on Sunday. Their trip to Manchester City could not have come at a better time

By Ben McAleer for WhoScored

Domestic duties return with a bang this weekend as Manchester City host Arsenal in what could prove a decisive clash in the Premier League title race. Just a point separates the pair at the top of the table and, with Liverpool playing Brighton earlier in the day on Sunday, neither side can afford to drop points at the Etihad.

Before the big games this weekend, WhoScored have assessed the players who have shone in recent weeks. To qualify, players must have featured in two of their side’s last three games, and six of their last eight. The ratings are also weighted chronologically, with recency bias coming into effect.

Continue reading...
» ‘Compete with the big dogs’: new era beckons for the Dominican Republic

Having become the first senior team to represent the country at a major tournament, sights are set on a professional league

They came, they saw and they … lost heavily. Five-nil, 8-0 and 3-0 in fact. But on this occasion it did not matter, or not much. The key bit was the “came” as the Dominican Republic women’s team became the first senior side to represent the country at a major tournament.

They beat Guyana 1-0 to qualify for the Concacaf W Gold Cup and, despite the USA, Mexico and Argentina proving too strong at the tournament, the captain, Lucía León, was proud of the players. “We were tired,” she tells Moving the Goalposts. “Four games in 10 days and some players arrived having not played competitive games for a couple of months because of their club schedules or not having a club so training by themselves. So I think putting all that into consideration, we did a good job.”

Continue reading...
» Larry Lloyd, former Nottingham Forest and Liverpool defender, dies aged 75
  • Lloyd was key member of Forest’s two European Cup wins
  • Centre-back also won league and Uefa Cup double at Anfield

Nottingham Forest have paid tribute to double European Cup winner Larry Lloyd, who has died at the age of 75.

Lloyd, who also won the First Division title and Uefa Cup with Liverpool, was a key player in the Forest side which won the European Cup in 1979 and 1980 under manager Brian Clough. The Bristol-born defender won four caps for England, too, and went on to manage Wigan and Notts County following the end of his hugely-successful playing career.

Continue reading...
» Southgate backs push for 26-man squads at Euro 2024 amid injury pile-up
  • Walker, Maguire, Stones and Johnstone injured in last fortnight
  • Manager insists ‘door is open’ for Ben White to return to fold

Gareth Southgate has suggested he would be in favour of 26-man squads at the European Championship in Germany this summer and revealed that the issue is to be debated next month at a Uefa coaches ­meeting, where it will have support.

Southgate’s plans over the past international window were turned upside down by injuries and there is a growing feeling that the physical demands on players mean larger squads will be needed for the ­tournament.

Continue reading...
» Ukraine prepare to make some noise at Euro 2024 in fight for freedom

The further the team go at the tournament, the louder they can shout about their country’s plight – a fact they are well aware of

After everything, after the celebrations on the pitch and the celebrations in the stands and the Icelandic-style hand claps, a curious blankness seemed to descend on the Ukrainians. One by one, player after player shuffled towards the team bus in a kind of crumpled stupor, not yet able to process what any of this meant.

“I’m very tired, there are no emotions,” Georgiy Sudakov said with a sigh. “I left everything in the locker room,” said Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Continue reading...
» Mayra Ramírez opener eases Chelsea into WCL semi-finals despite Ajax rally

Chelsea progressed to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League despite being held at Stamford Bridge by a stubborn Ajax. Mayra Ramírez fired the hosts ahead before Chasity Grant levelled in the second half to ensure parity on the night. It was a result that mattered little, however, as Chelsea went through 4-1 on aggregate.

The manager, Emma Hayes, acknowledged the test while expressing her contentment with her much-changed Chelsea side. “They could have scored; we could have scored more in the first half,” she said. “But when you make so many changes, you have to expect there will be a disruption … [At 4-0 up] we relaxed a little. We’re through and I’ll focus on that.”

Continue reading...
» Luis Rubiales faces possible 30-month jail sentence for Jenni Hermoso kiss
  • Spanish prosecutors issue two charges against Rubiales
  • Three others alleged to have coerced Hermoso

Luis Rubiales could face a prison sentence of two and a half years if convicted of kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips against her will, court documents have shown. The former Spanish football federation chief has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one of coercion in the aftermath of the kiss, offences carrying jail terms of one year and 18 months respectively.

The 46-year-old grabbed ­Hermoso and kissed her on the lips on 20 August during the awards ceremony after Spain beat England in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, sparking global outrage and ­causing a national debate in Spain about ­sexism. ­Hermoso and her teammates said the kiss was unwanted and demeaning, but Rubiales argued it was consensual and denied any wrongdoing.

Continue reading...
» Lionesses legend Steph Houghton to retire at the end of the season
  • City defender won 121 caps for England during glittering career
  • ‘Taking the decision is such a difficult thing to do’

Steph Houghton has played such a transformative role in making ­women’s football part of the national conversation that the game will inevi­tably feel a poorer place when she retires at the end of this season.

The Manchester City centre‑half and former England captain prompted richly deserved plaudits on Wednesday night as she announced the decision to hang up her boots at the conclusion of the campaign this spring.

Continue reading...
» ‘It just came out’: Eric Cantona reveals inspiration for 1995 seagulls comment

Former Manchester United star says his near-30-year silence on subject has been his revenge on the press

It was one of the most baffling utterances ever made by a footballer.

When Eric Cantona said at a 1995 press conference: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea,” everyone was left scratching their heads.

Continue reading...
» Rashford’s England rivals circle as his United slump goes international

Out-of-form attacker was mostly overlooked by Southgate in friendlies as Bowen, Gordon and Maddison took their chance

Gareth Southgate did say. When the England manager announced his squad for the Wembley friendlies with Brazil and Belgium, he made clear that Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish faced competition for their Euro 2024 places from the next generation of wide attackers – specifically Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer. There was also a prominent namecheck for Jarrod Bowen.

As the dust settled on the international window, which was defined for Southgate by injury chaos and the usual debate about who had advanced their claims or hurt them, it was easy to go back to those words. And to process another round of them that, for Rashford in particular, did not sound encouraging.

Continue reading...
» On the plane or sofa? How England’s Euro 2024 squad is shaping up

With the tournament just over 11 weeks away, we assess where players lie in the pecking order under Gareth Southgate

Jordan Pickford’s error against Belgium will have no impact on his status as England’s No 1. Only injuries can disrupt Gareth Southgate’s defensive plans. John Stones is vital at centre-back and nobody has stepped up to take Harry Maguire’s place. Kyle Walker, who limped off against Brazil on Saturday, remains the leading right-back. Expect Kieran Trippier, who can also play at left-back, to provide cover for him. The smart money is on Trippier starting on the left if Luke Shaw is unable to regain fitness.

Continue reading...
» ‘Sexism is the risk factor’: football’s race to learn more about ACL injuries

Doctors and coaches alike cannot fully explain the worrying trend among female players but many believe that a lack of resources, rather than biology, is a key factor

After 30 years of research, it is still a mystery why women footballers are five to eight times more likely to sustain a career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament injury than their male counterparts.

For physicians such as Joan Carles Monllau, one of Europe’s top orthopaedic surgeons who has operated on the double Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas’s ACL injury, as well as Barcelona men’s star Gavi and many other top players, biology remains the determining factor in why women are more prone to ACL injuries.

Continue reading...
» A-Leagues avoid Easter TV blackout but financial worries remain
  • Broadcasters NEP step in to produce season’s remaining matches
  • APL makes late deal after Global Advance enters administration

Longstanding broadcasters NEP have stepped in to save the A-Leagues’ blushes of an Easter weekend TV blackout after production partners Global Advance were placed into voluntary administration.

The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) were forced into a scramble on Tuesday when Global Advance notified them of their inability to produce broadcasts of this weekend’s matches and their intention to enter into administration.

Continue reading...
» Richarlison considered quitting football during post-World Cup depression
  • Brazil player says going to therapist ‘saved my life’
  • ‘I wanted to give up … It seemed like it all fell apart’

The Brazil forward Richarlison has revealed he endured depression after his country’s quarter-final loss to Croatia at the 2022 World Cup and considered quitting football.

Richarlison, who plays for Tottenham, said in September he would seek psychological help after he was photographed crying on the bench when he was substituted during Brazil’s 5-1 thrashing of Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. The 26-year-old, capped 48 times, has urged players to seek help for their mental health.

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org

Continue reading...
» Roméo Lavia’s Chelsea season over after one 32-minute appearance
  • Thigh injury rules out midfielder for rest of campaign
  • He has not played since December debut after £53m move

Roméo Lavia, who has played 32 minutes of competitive football since joining Chelsea for £53m in August, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a thigh injury.

The update on the Belgium midfielder is the latest in a long line of worrying developments for ­Mauricio Pochettino, who has had to cope without a number of key players at various points of a ­testing campaign. Reece James, Chelsea’s captain, has not played since December and ­Christopher Nkunku, Lesley ­Ugochukwu, Levi Colwill and ­Wesley Fofana are also in the treatment room.

Continue reading...
» Wales ‘are going places’ despite missing out on Euro 2024, insists Rob Page
  • Manager proud of side after shootout defeat against Poland
  • ‘There’s a lot more to come and plenty more good times ahead’

Rob Page insisted Wales “are going places” and that there are “plenty more good times ahead” despite an agonising 5-4 penalty shootout defeat against Poland ending their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024.

Daniel James’s decisive spot‑kick was saved by the Poland ­goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, but the Wales manager said he and his squad will rally around the Leeds winger.

Continue reading...
» Southgate defends picking John Stones despite injury against Belgium
  • Manchester City player was substituted after 10 minutes
  • ‘We have done what Holland did with Van Dijk tonight’

Gareth Southgate defended his decision to start John Stones in the friendly against Belgium after the England centre-back limped off five days before Manchester City’s pivotal game against Arsenal.

It has been a costly international break for City, with Kyle Walker ­having made an early exit ­during England’s defeat against Brazil last Satur­day.

Continue reading...
» Mudryk strikes late as Ukraine defeat Iceland in playoff to reach Euro 2024

On Sunday, Russia escalated its aerial bombardment of Kyiv, launching a major wave of missile and drone attacks. On Monday, 10 people were injured when an art academy and exhibition hall were demolished in an airstrike. On Tuesday, Mykhailo Mudryk’s late winner secured for Ukraine a place at Euro 2024, ­sealing a 2-1 victory against Iceland in the Uefa Path B playoff.

One of these things, evidently, is not like the others. And yet nor does Ukraine’s qualification for their first major tournament since the ­beginning of their war with Russia feel like a mere triviality or footnote. On a night of high drama, high ­emotion and ultimately high celebration, these players – and the thousands of fans who had followed them here – recognised that something more was at stake.

Continue reading...
» Just how important is a settled central defence in the Premier League? | Oliver Hopkins

Arsenal have gone top of the table with a steady defence, whereas Manchester United keep chopping and changing

By Oliver Hopkins for Opta Analyst

A solid centre-back partnership has been the foundation of many of the Premier League’s best sides. From Tony Adams and Martin Keown, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, to even the undeniable importance of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth; a settled, reliable partnership is at the heart of any great side.

With Arsenal’s title charge underpinned by a dominant defence led by Gabriel and William Saliba, we investigate the current crop of Premier League centre-backs. Who are the most effective combinations? Which teams can barely field the same partnership from week to week? And are we seeing the death of the back three?

Continue reading...
» ‘They can be exploited’: clubs help young footballers navigate digital age

Child prodigies attract huge followings but Premier League clubs are warning against the consequences of early fame

As a six-year-old with four million Instagram followers, Arat Hosseini was not your typical academy footballer, but although “Mini Messi” is an extreme example, the young Iranian epitomised the challenge confronting England’s top football clubs as the digital-native generation of young players comes through.

The headline-making child prodigy has now left Liverpool, where he spent three years, but there are others: “Kid Messi” and “Kid Ronaldo”, children whose parents have documented their “careers” on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. Boot deals are signed aged 11 and one’s fame was such that he was mobbed while playing at a recent tournament.

Continue reading...
» India left reeling by Afghanistan as World Cup hopes begin to fade again

Expanded 2026 World Cup finals have given hope to Igor Stimac’s side but the Lions of Khorasan had other ideas

Perhaps the one positive for India from their shock 2-1 home defeat by Afghanistan in 2026 World Cup qualification is that the team have risen far enough for shock defeats to be a thing. It is not much of a comfort, however, and once solid-looking dreams of reaching the final stages on the road to the World Cup for the first time are starting to hang by delicate threads of Assam silk.

On Thursday, fans in that state’s biggest city, Guwahati, were confident of a comfortable win against Afghanistan, a team ranked 158 in the world. The 0-0 draw between the two five days earlier in the south-west corner of Saudi Arabia, rather than in Kabul, was surely a blip. Qatar were streaking ahead in Group A of qualification, leaving India and Kuwait to fight for the second spot that also brings a place in the final 18 that will fight it out for Asia’s increased World Cup allocation of eight. India had four points from the first three games and could have moved four points clear of third with two games to go.

Continue reading...
» Cardiff turns into a theatre of pain and leaves Wales facing an empty summer | Barney Ronay

This was an exercise in slow-burn dread – two and a half hours of relentlessly draining Euro 2024 qualifying playoff football

Well, that’s something new at least. And don’t worry. It only takes about 30 years, a little bit of scar tissue, and perhaps a mournful novelty song to get over it. Poland had five shots on target all night at the Cardiff City Stadium. Unfortunately for Wales all five came in the penalty shoot out at the end of two and a half hours of relentlessly draining Euro 2024 qualifying playoff football.

In the process a first ever competitive shootout for Wales became also a first ever defeat by that most knuckle-biting of margins. It fell to Dan James to contribute the decisive miss at 5-4 down, always the worst way to lose in this self-contained theatre of pain. The kick felt wrong from the moment James lined it up. The run was too short. There is that feeling, in these moments, of a footballer suddenly cramped in their own space, the radar starting to bleep, the dials whirring, the day starting to slide the wrong way.

Continue reading...
» Up the brackets! Have teams with parentheses in their names ever met? | The Knowledge

Plus: missing automatic promotion with an average of more than two points per game; drawless away campaigns and more

“Ashford Town (Middlesex) played South Park (Reigate) in the Isthmian League South Central Division on 16 March,” tweets Andrew Wilson. “Are there any other parentheses derbies?”

Jack Hayward has taken this question and run with it, all the way to the other side of the world. Thankfully, he sent us an A4 postcard while on his travels.

Al-Ahli SC (Tripoli) and Al-Ittihad Club (Tripoli) in the Libyan Premier League.

Al-Ahli SC (Doha) and Al-Arabi SC (Doha) in the Qatar Stars League.

Al-Ahli SC (Amman) and Al-Hussein SC (Irbid) in the Jordanian Pro League.

Al-Nasr SC (Salalah) and Al-Wahda SC (Sur) in the Oman Professional League.

Al-Nasr SC (Ardiyah) and Al-Arabi SC (Mansouria) in the Kuwait Premier League.

Continue reading...
» Caroline Graham Hansen: ‘They said Barcelona was a step down in my career’

The Norwegian reflects on joining her childhood club in 2019, being ignored for individual awards and focusing on what happens on the pitch, not off it

Arguably one of the most underrated players in women’s football yet one of the most important at Barcelona, Caroline Graham Hansen has won every trophy available with the club of her dreams. The 29-year-old is regarded as one of the best in the world by her teammates, but judges on award panels seem to overlook her when compiling lists of the best footballers.

The Norwegian winger has numbers that most players on those lists never hit. She is leading the Spanish league in goals and assists with 17 and 16 in 19 matches and has five goals and five assists in six Women’s Champions League appearances.

Continue reading...
» 'They wanted me to speak, I spoke': Eric Cantona reveals reason for 1995 seagulls comment – video

When Eric Cantona said at a 1995 press conference: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea,” everyone was left scratching their heads. Cantona made the statement after being ordered to speak to the press to explain his notorious kung-fu kick on an abusive Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park in January 1995. After nearly 30 years Cantona has revealed the inspiration for the quote and admitted his silence was his little revenge on the press.

Continue reading...
» 'Our dream has come true': Georgia fans go wild as team reach Euros for first time – video

Georgian football fans took to the streets of Tbilisi to celebrate their qualification for Euro 2024. Thousands of people thronged the city, waving Georgian flags and chanting to celebrate their victory over Greece. Georgia will make their major tournament debut at Euro 2024 after beating Greece 4-2 in a penalty shootout. It had been a tense and testy 0-0 draw in a raucous atmosphere in Tbilisi. The Georgian team joined the celebrations in the centre of Tbilisi, where they took the stage and thanked the fans for their support.

Continue reading...
» 'I have to keep fighting': Vinícius Júnior breaks down in tears discussing racism – video

Brazil's Vinícius Júnior wept after being asked about the racism he has faced while playing for Real Madrid. The 23-year-old, who moved to the Bernabéu in 2018, has been the victim of racist abuse on several occasions while playing for Los Blancos. 'I'm sorry. I just want to play football,' the forward said as he broke down in tears, adding: 'I just want to do whatever I can for my club and for my family'

Continue reading...
» 'It was beautiful': Sven-Göran Eriksson thanks Liverpool for fulfilling dream – video

Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson says he cried during the Liverpool match against Ajax as he fulfilled a life-long dream of coaching the Reds. Eriksson joined the coaching staff for the sold-out match after revealing in January this year that he had terminal pancreatic cancer. 'To sit on the bench for Liverpool has been my dream,' said the 76-year-old during the press conference following the match.

Continue reading...
» 'It isn't the St George's flag': Gareth Southgate downplays England Nike kit controversy – video

England manager Gareth Southgate downplayed Nike's altered St George's Cross on their kit after the sporting brand’s decision angered some fans online.

Nike, which makes the kit for England's national soccer teams, unveiled its new design this week, which it said paid homage to the country's 1966 World Cup-winning men's team. It features the St. George's Cross, red on a white background and England's national flag, in shades of red, blue and purple on the back of the shirt collar.

Nike called the change a "playful update" that was meant to "unite and inspire", adding that the design "disrupts history with a modern take on a classic".

Continue reading...
» Trabzonspor fans storm pitch and attack Fenerbahce players in latest ugly Super Lig scenes – video

Fans of Turkey’s Trabzonspor stormed the pitch and brawled with players from visiting Fenerbahce and security staff, in the latest incident in a Super Lig season that has been marred by controversy. As Fenerbahce’s players celebrated the 3-2 away win in the centre of the pitch, a supporter ran on to the field and fought with visiting defender Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Video footage showed Osayi-Samuel swinging a fist towards the fan, while forward Michy Batshuayi, who had scored the winning goal in the game, could be seen kicking out at supporters as security forces tried to intervene. Dozens more then stormed the pitch, as security forces tried to shield Fenerbahce players who were running off the field.

Continue reading...
» Debutants dazzle for Socceroos to add vigour to Arnold’s hardened pros | John Davidson

Kusini Yengi and John Iredale scored their first international goals while Patrick Yazbeck claimed an assist as new faces starred in 5-0 rout of Lebanon

The kids are all right, but so are the old boys.

“You can’t win anything with kids” was Alan Hansen’s immortal TV line about Manchester United, back in 1995, after they lost to Aston Villa on the first day of the season. United, of course, famously went on to win the double that season and countless trophies in the years that followed in a team built around the youthful exuberance of the Neville brothers, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and one David Robert Joseph Beckham.

Continue reading...
» Late show helps USMNT past Jamaica and into Concacaf Nations League final
  • USA 3-1 Jamaica (aet)
  • US score equalizer six minutes into added time
  • Will face Mexico in final

The United States escaped defeat with an own goal in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, Haji Wright scored twice in extra time and the Americans rallied past Jamaica 3-1 on Thursday night to reach the Concacaf Nations League final.

Greg Leigh scored just 30 seconds into the game for the Reggae Boyz, and the Americans were on the verge of losing their third straight match, after successive defeats to Trinidad and Tobago, and Slovenia. Instead, Wright scored in the sixth and 19th minutes of extra time and the US will try to win the Nations League for the third straight time on Sunday.

Both of Wright’s goals were set up by Gio Reyna, who entered at the start of the second half after being limited to 42 minutes over four substitute appearances for Nottingham Forest since he was loaned from Borussia Dortmund in January.

Four minutes of second-half stoppage time originally were signaled and later five, and the clock was at 95:25 when Christian Pulisic’s corner kick to the near post was headed on by Miles Robinson. The ball deflected off Jamaican forward Corey Burke and past goalkeeper Andre Blake. It was the latest goal for the Americans since Ricardo Clark scored in the seventh minute of stoppage time to beat Venezuela 1-0 in 2012.

Continue reading...
» Socceroos’ chaotic win over Lebanon marred by injuries
  • Australia beat the Cedars 2-0 in World Cup qualifier
  • Keanu Baccus and Kye Rowles score first international goals

Australia have now played three games on the road to the 2026 Fifa World Cup. They have emerged triumphant in all three games and after their 2-0 win over Lebanon, they already have one foot in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying. But the victory over the Cedars in Sydney’s west has extracted a significant price on Graham Arnold’s side.

Riley McGree and Jordy Bos limped from the CommBank Stadium surface before the half-time whistle on Thursday, throwing into doubt their availability for Tuesday’s return fixture against Lebanon in Canberra and also their status for club sides Middlesbrough and KVC Westerlo. Two of the side’s key gamechangers and creative outlets, their absence prevented any attempts to uplift what was a largely nondescript Socceroos win.

Continue reading...
» ‘Why should fit young men be dying?’: migrant worker deaths spark concerns over Saudi Arabia World Cup

Campaigners warn Fifa over risk of death toll rising once 2034 preparations start, after Guardian investigation reveals most of the thousands of Bangladeshi workers’ deaths are unexplained

An ambulance is weaving through the chaos of the cargo depot at Dhaka’s international airport, navigating a careful route through trolleys stacked high with boxes, men hauling rolls of cloth and trucks reversing into loading bays. It stops and, shortly afterwards, from between the towering piles of goods, a coffin is wheeled out. Then another. And another. On this one day, the bodies of 10 migrant workers are being returned from Saudi Arabia back home to their families in Bangladesh.

Among those present to meet the coffins is Khadija Begum, whose 35-year-old husband, Abdul Jalil Shaikh, had gone to work in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of 2023. He left with his family’s dreams on his shoulders and now is coming back in a wooden box, most of his 500,000 taka (£3,750) debt – the price he paid a recruitment agent for his job – returning with him.

Continue reading...
» Court allows Dani Alves to leave prison in advance of appeal hearing
  • Brazilian footballer was convicted of raping woman in 2022
  • Alves ordered to surrender passports and pay €1m bail

A Spanish court decided on Wednesday that Dani Alves could leave prison if he pays a bail of €1m (£850,000) and hands over his passports while awaiting the appeal against his conviction for raping a woman in Barcelona.

The former Brazil and Barcelona player was found guilty of having raped the woman in a nightclub in 2022 and sentenced to four years and six months in prison. During the three-day trial he denied wrongdoing.

Continue reading...
» Spanish police raid Luis Rubiales’ house as part of corruption investigation
  • Several arrests made amid allegations of money laundering
  • Football federation HQ and Rubiales’ property in Granada raided

Police have arrested at least six people and raided the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation and a residence belonging to its former president, Luis Rubiales, as part of an investigation into allegations of corruption and money laundering.

Spanish police told the Associated Press that Rubiales, who made headlines around the world after an unsolicited kiss and defiant refusal to step down, was not among those arrested on Wednesday. However, a source connected to the operation said Rubiales was among five additional people officially put under investigation.

Continue reading...
» ‘This will change women’s soccer’: why KC Current’s stadium has set a new standard

Players in Kansas City used to get changed in parking lots. On Saturday, the city’s latest club opened the first purpose-built stadium for a women’s professional sports team

Through strength, speed and courage, Temwa Chawinga created an opening in the Portland defense. She sprinted past a defender to beat oncoming Portland goalkeeper Shelby Hogan to the ball, which spilled out into space. Teenager Alex Pfeiffer saw an opportunity, closed in and buried her left-footed strike. Music, smoke and pyrotechnics burst from the Kansas City Riverfront. Kansas City Current led Portland Thorns, 5-1.

The brand-new CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team, billowed with the joy of 11,500 fans in the midday Missouri sun. At 16 years, three months and 20 days old, Pfeiffer became the youngest goalscorer in National Women’s Soccer League history.

Continue reading...
» When will the US produce a soccer coach who can win respect in England?

Jesse Marsch and Bob Bradley faced scepticism from many in the Premier League. But the antipathy wasn’t wholly deserved

Jesse Marsch had a point to make. He made it rather well and at length. Given a chance to be a pundit on Sky Sports’ flagship Monday Night Football last month, the Wisconsinite zoomed around the studio’s touchpad with the same zest he would expect of high-pressing players. His casual garb of stonewashed jeans and shiny white sneakers did not deflect from the fact that this was a presentation aimed at future employers, club owners; MNF has become a regular vehicle for unemployed managers to announce they are ready to work again.

“I love the Premier League and I love the power of what the league means globally, but honestly the true answer is I want to find like-minded people that are committed to developing people, relationships and building something,” he said. If Jamie Carragher occasionally harrumphed through the 45-minute coaching masterclass, little doubt was left that Marsch is detailed and has an authentic grasp on modern football.

Continue reading...
» Are Valverde’s Athletic Club the most fun football team to watch in 2024? | Sid Lowe

Manager is helming the thrilling third stint in a trilogy that could see the club win a first major trophy in 40 years

“Football is like a film,” Ernesto Valverde says, and sometimes it is an entire trilogy of them. The man who allayed fears that sequels are never any good by reminding everyone of The Godfather Part II when he returned to Bilbao for a second spell as coach of Athletic Club in 2013 and then proved it by leading to them to their first trophy in 31 years has gone and done it again. If Part II was even better than the original, the player they called “The Ant” becoming the only manager who could match what he had achieved first time round, Part III of his San Mames saga might be the best yet, Valverde back to take them where they have never been, not even with him.

When Valverde rejoined Athletic in the summer of 2022, his last job had ended with him being sacked by Barcelona, he had not worked for 30 months and he signed for a single season. But at least he was home, among those who appreciated him; besides, he insisted, it was an adventure – and it has been excellent. Eighth in the league – as high as Athletic had been since he was last there – and within four minutes of the Copa del Rey final in his first season, a year on and with his contract extended, this season they did get there, putting four past Barcelona and Atlético Madrid en route to April’s final against Mallorca in Seville. Then this Saturday, they got two more to defeat Alavés and move into fourth – well-placed to qualify for the Champions League for the third time and the first since way back when the manager was, well, him.

Continue reading...
» The 100 best male footballers in the world 2023

Erling Haaland has been voted the best player in the world for 2023 by our 218-strong panel, with Jude Bellingham finishing second

Continue reading...
» The 100 best female footballers in the world 2023

Aitana Bonmatí, Sam Kerr and Salma Paralluelo top the list of female footballers in the world in 2023 according to our judges

Continue reading...
» Erling Haaland voted the world’s best player – and he’s just getting started | Niall McVeigh

The Norwegian is only 23 but his devastating goal record has seen him voted as the No 1 player in the world by the Guardian’s expert panel

When Pep Guardiola tearfully claimed Manchester City could not replace the departing Sergio Agüero in May 2021, he didn’t just create a meme. Guardiola was soft-launching a global audition for his team’s new attacking talisman. An unsuccessful pursuit of Harry Kane in the summer of 2021 came between two title-winning seasons where Ilkay Gündogan (13) and Kevin De Bruyne (15) were the club’s top league goalscorers. Guardiola’s slick creative machine needed a new front man, and they found him in Erling Haaland.

Like Agüero before him – and in contrast to many of City’s most successful Pep-era signings – Haaland arrived as a bona fide superstar, a plug-and-play addition to an already stellar lineup. Whether he was a bargain is another question. The release clause paid was €60m (£51.2m), but some reports suggest Haaland’s five-year deal could cost the club in the region of £300m. And while there was an ominous logic to the move for City’s rivals, questions remained.

Continue reading...
» Spain and Barcelona lead way in women’s football after year of success | Rich Laverty

Aitana Bonmatí the clear winner of the Guardian’s best 100 female footballers in the world with 15 Spaniards on the list

After Alexia Putellas reigned in 2021 and 2022, her Barcelona and Spain teammate Aitana Bonmatí has been crowned the top female footballer of 2023 by the Guardian’s panel of 112 experts. The World Cup winner triumphed by a clear margin, finishing more than 500 points ahead of second-placed Sam Kerr.

Injuries and a World Cup meant there was a definite changing of the guard feel to this year’s list, sadly emphasised by the fact last year’s top two – Putellas and Beth Mead – missed a large chunk of our 12-month voting period with ACL injuries.

Continue reading...
» Premier League title race hinges on Etihad collision and the force is with Arsenal | Jonathan Wilson

The title is still up for grabs as the big three enter final turn and the last of the meetings between the contenders will be vital

After 10 games of the Premier League season, Tottenham stood top of the table with Arsenal and Manchester City two points back and Liverpool a further point behind that. But for the VAR snafu that cost Luis Díaz a goal at Spurs, the top three would probably have been the same as it is now, with 10 games remaining.

Which tells us what, exactly? That the top three are pretty evenly matched, that they have been consistent over the season and perhaps that, although the sense of this season has been of constant bubbling intrigue, modern league football doesn’t really allow for huge shifts of fortune.

Continue reading...
» PSR and late-season points deductions – this is why we all fell in love with football | Max Rushden

With off-field wrangles looking like affecting Premier League relegation this season, is it any surprise that fans are furious?

It’s what we all want: the as-it-stands table changing all the time on the final day. The title and relegation going right down to the wire. Cross to Soccer Saturday (on a Sunday, forgive the marginally out-of-date casting).

“We’re off to the court of arbitration for sport, there’s been a points deduction but who for, Chris Kamara?” “I don’t know Jeff, has there? I must have missed that” … “Chris, have you not been watching?” “I haven’t” … Kammy picks up. “No, you’re right, I saw Evangelos Marinakis clench his fists at the judge, but I thought he’d won his appeal.”

Continue reading...
» Plans for regulator illustrate inherently political nature of football | Jason Stockwood

Sport does not exist in a vacuum and football clubs will always be powerful emblems of our communal identity

Mustafa Suleyman’s timely book The Coming Wave discusses the combinational technologies that will define our future. One quote particularly stood out: “I’ve often heard it said that technology is ‘value neutral’ and that its politics arise from its use. This is so reductive and simplistic that it’s almost meaningless.”

I agree and was thinking similarly that football extends beyond the pitch, weaving itself into the very fabric of our societal, cultural and, most unmistakably, political realities. The notion that sports can exist in a vacuum, devoid of the world’s complexities and challenges, is not only implausible but naive. Football, as exemplified by the controversies surrounding the World Cup in Qatar, encompassing debates over workers’ rights, environmental practices and discrimination based on sexual orientation, has proven a catalyst for a larger global discourse.

Continue reading...
» Football Daily | Welsh woes and a Paul Bodin moment for the modern age

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!

As the reverberations of Wales’s Euro 2024 playoff final defeat by Poland echo through the air, questions will arise, each more uncomfortable than the last, for Rob Page to ponder, as he reflects on having hopes of qualification dashed. Can they realistically stride forward into this post-Gareth Bale era, or are they doomed to dwell in the shadow of the golf legend’s glory days? Yet, in the immediate aftermath, introspection takes a backseat to the collective Welsh groans and finger-pointing.

L*ton T*wn’s b@ntertastic request to Coldplay to change the name of their hit single to Orange (yesterday’s Football Daily) got this Hornet thinking. Sure, We Never Change, because Yes, we’ve sacked at least 42 managers – a higher number than there are Cemeteries of London – since Daybreak. And of course I Shiver and tell myself Don’t Panic when I even consider the possibility that L*ton might stay up. But rest assured, Sparks will fly if the Dirgecore legends even think about changing the name of a song that is obviously a WFC tribute. And if Deeney finds out, you can bet there’ll be Troy-ble” – Mac Millings.

Ah, Football Daily. If only we could Fix You” – James Yelland.

On Big Website, Kobbie Mainoo is described as being ‘a cross between a No 6 and a No 8’. Now, I am getting on a bit and, to me, that means both a left half and an inside right. Confusing. I hope I am not the only reader who would benefit from a lesson in this new-fangled terminology and that an explanation would raise our limited enjoyment of the tea-timely email” – George Kirk (and no others who are asking the wrong tea-timely email).

Lovely to see the sweet style of a David Beckham 1998 free-kick in yesterday’s Memory Lane (full email edition) and the big hair on Carlos Valderrama. Can never forget that he was the only player I’ve seen carried off, knacked on a stretcher, before coming back on to play the rest of the match” – Clive Brown.

This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions.

Continue reading...
» Heartbreak for Wales, joy for Poland, Georgia and Ukraine – Football Weekly

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Paul Watson, Jonathan Wilson and Ben Fisher as Wales fail to qualify for Euro 2024

Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast and Stitcher, and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and email.

On the podcast today: Wales lose to Poland in their first ever penalty shootout – a missed Dan James penalty means Wales won’t qualify for Euro 2024. Poland will be joined by Georgia and Ukraine, who won their qualifiers respectively.

Continue reading...
» Golden goal: Wayne Rooney for Manchester United v Fenerbahce (2004)

The teenage signing from Everton captured the imagination at Old Trafford with a storybook debut hat-trick

For all the adulation modern footballers receive, most will never comprehend the impact they have on young people. Sure, you get 21st-century icons such as Jack Grealish or James Maddison, who cut through all that silly public scrutiny on their hair or fashion choices and manage to connect with young supporters, but the vast majority can never truly know what they mean to fans.

I’ve worked in football journalism for almost a decade and met a fair few figures who could be deemed idols. Going to a José Mourinho press conference as a student on work experience was surreal. Making my first visit to the Old Trafford press box felt like a landmark as a boyhood Manchester United fan, as was shaking hands with Ole Gunnar Solskjær after covering a United pre-season friendly in Norway.

Continue reading...
» Will the WSL title race go down to the final day? – Women’s Football Weekly

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzanne Wrack, Sophie Downey, and Marva Kreel to discuss all the weekend’s WSL action

On today’s pod: the panel rounds up all the weekend’s WSL action as Manchester turns blue with City beating United at the Etihad, thanks to a first-half brace from Jess Park and a record-breaking strike from Bunny Shaw. Will the WSL title race go down to the last game of the season? Is the best yet to come from Chelsea as they see off West Ham and a frustrated Rehanne Skinner?

Plus, more trouble for Arsenal after their bus was stuck in traffic. They won 3-1 against Aston Villa, but should their third goal have stood, and is it time for Arsenal to change their keeper?

Continue reading...
» Quiz time: can you name these nations’ most-capped female footballers?

Which players have turned out the most times for the leading countries in the women’s game? Test your knowledge now

If you enjoyed this quiz, why not sign up for our twice-weekly women’s football newsletter, Moving the Goalposts?

Continue reading...
» Who was the first footballer booked for removing a shirt in celebration? | The Knowledge

Plus: most goals conceded with a positive GD, more refuseniks and managerial replacements with the same initials

“After watching Amad Diallo get sent off for removing his shirt, I have a few questions,” begins Alan Middlemass. “Who was the first player to be given a yellow card for celebrating by removing a shirt? Was anyone notorious for doing so before the punishment was introduced? How many have still made the celebration when on a first yellow?”

We covered the last question – players being sent off for taking their shirt off – back in 2016. Most of the examples come from the 21st century, but we missed a good story from February 1996. Beppe Signori scored a late penalty to win the Rome derby for Lazio and was giving a second yellow card for overdoing the euphoria.

Continue reading...
» David Squires on … FA Cup quarter-final magic and shadowy cartels

Our cartoonist looks back at the round of Robins, with thrilling late wins for the Coventry manager’s current club – and his former one

Continue reading...
» Women’s Super League: talking points from the weekend’s action

Chelsea were utterly dominant against Arsenal but Manchester City are not going away any time soon

Chelsea were at their fluid, rampant and ruthless best in their 3-1 defeat of Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. How the team coped with a depleted squad and off-field controversies – Emma Hayes’s comments on relationships between players, which she clarified after the match – as well as the 30-minute delay to kick-off due to Arsenal’s wrong socks, was impressive. “We seem to do really well in adverse situations,” Hayes said. “It’s been a tough period, it’s been a tough day for us but we’re good at this, we know how to do this.” The odds on Chelsea winning a first ever Champions League, a historic quadruple, or even maintaining their domestic competitiveness have lengthened with each major injury, but time and time again Hayes has shown she can defy those odds. Betting against Chelsea would be a fool’s errand. Suzanne Wrack

Match report: Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal

Match report: Brighton 1-4 Manchester City

Match report: Everton 1-2 Aston Villa

Continue reading...
» ‘I cried, it was beautiful’: Sven-Göran Eriksson fulfils his Liverpool dream

Childhood fan, who is dying of pancreatic cancer, managed the home side to victory over Ajax at Anfield in a legends match

Anfield was packed, the Liverpool squad boasted 985 caps and seven Champions League winners. The match was not the most competitive occasion the stadium will host this season but it was one of the most memorable on an emotional and perfect day for Sven-Göran Eriksson.

The Swede watched on as Liverpool came back from two goals down to win a cerebral thriller 4-2. Eriksson listened to the Kop serenade the boyhood fan with You’ll Never Walk Alone, making an old man very happy. He might have wanted a crack at the Premier League with Liverpool but 90 minutes on a cold March day was more than enough for the former England manager who has less than a year to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Continue reading...
» Some people are on the plinth … an XI of football statues – in pictures

Following the emergence of Harry Kane’s statue which has been kept in storage for years, we take a look at others who have been honoured – with mixed results

Continue reading...
» Another World Cup will be tainted by worker deaths if Fifa fails to act, say rights groups

Saudi Arabia is likely to host the 2034 tournament, but a Guardian investigation has revealed there are already a high number of ‘unexplained’ migrant worker deaths in the Gulf kingdom

Human rights organisations are warning that another World Cup will be tainted by the deaths and suffering of low-paid workers if Fifa does not take urgent steps to ensure that Saudi Arabia deals with the widespread abuse of its migrant workforce.

As the sole bidder, Saudi Arabia is almost certain to be anointed by Fifa this year as host of the World Cup in 2034, but rights groups said “workers cannot afford a repeat of Qatar 2022”.

Continue reading...
» Jari Litmanen on Ajax, Barça and a wrist that ‘broke into eight pieces’

The best footballer Finland has ever produced reflects on the highs and lows of his career and his anonymous life today in Estonia

There are not many people who can get away with a leather jacket. Especially a fur-lined, double-breasted leather jacket. But Jari Litmanen, now 53, is definitely one of those people, as he strolls through the Old Town in his adopted home city of Tallinn. It would be impossible in Finland or Amsterdam but here he walks freely, seemingly just another middle-aged man trying to stay out of the cold. But between 1994 and 1996 he was the best footballer at Ajax, then the best male team in the world. Of course, he was loved for his talent. But he was also loved for the way he kicked the ball, the way he looked. Nineties Litmanen was a vibe, and it turns out the 2024 version isn’t far off.

The Finn doesn’t grant many interviews, certainly not in person. His aloofness has fed the image that he is shy, reserved, mercurial, perhaps even a little arrogant. This is the opposite picture of the person who comes bouncing into the room, who beams comfortably at the camera. Litmanen is generous with his time, polite to all those around him, meticulous with his details. He is also surprisingly funny. Not laugh-a-minute funny, but there is a mischief in his face, a sparkle in those dark eyes. We talk about his recent appearance on the Finnish version of Top Gear, his new Instagram account (in which he shares positive news of Edwin van der Sar’s recovery from serious illness), his acting as an Amsterdam diamond jeweller and comedic timing in Finnish children’s films as a Dutch art dealer and an Italian pizza delivery man.

Continue reading...
» Next Generation 2023: 60 of the best young talents in world football

From Warren Zaïre-Emery to Endrick, we select some of the best players born in 2006. Check the progress of our classes of 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

Continue reading...
» Next Generation 2023: 20 of the best talents at Premier League clubs

We pick the best youngsters at each club born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007, an age band known as first-year scholars. Check the progress of our classes of 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 and look at the editions from further back

Continue reading...
» From Saka to Ackermann: what happened to Next Generation 2018?

Five years ago we picked 80 of the most talented players in the world to follow their progress in a cut-throat business

It is the time of year when we check in on the Next Generation players we picked in 2018 to follow for five years, to assess their progress amid success, setbacks, injuries, trophies won and transfers made.

Next Generation started in 2014 with the aim of showing the difficulties that even the best prospects in the Premier League (we pick one from each club at first-year scholar age) and the rest of the world (we choose 60 born in a specific calendar year) face on their way towards the top.

A defensively minded midfielder who is incredibly strong (he used to be a wrestler) but with an excellent touch to go with his physicality. Made his debut in the Swedish top flight as a 16-year-old last year and captained Sweden as they reached the quarter-finals of the Euro Under-17 tournament in England this summer. Has taken an unusual path to the top. He left the top-flight side IFK Göteborg for sixth division Angered MBIK as a 14-year-old as he felt that he was not getting the right support for his football education. Another Gothenburg club, Häcken, snapped him up in 2017 and he made his senior debut that season. Has signed a new contract with the club from Hisingen until 2021 despite interest from Real Madrid and Benfica and trials at both Manchester clubs.

Continue reading...
From
© Find a Football Team 2024
| Privacy | Website design, Search marketing, Pay Per Click (PPC) and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) by The Online Marketing Shop