World Football: Recent Episodes
BBC World Service
Lee James is joined by John Bennett and the former Nigeria international Daniel Amokachi for immediate reaction to Senegal winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the final descended into chaos in added time of normal time after Morocco were awarded a penalty following an intervention from the VAR, which led to Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw leading his team off the pitch before Brahim Diaz had his penalty saved. Pape Gueye then scored the only goal in the first half of extra time to secure the title for Senegal.
Timecodes:
00:34 - Immediate reaction to a chaotic AFCON final02:42 - Are Morocco fit to co-host the 2030 World Cup after how they handled this final?04:21 - How much responsibility should Senegal take for the ugly scenes at the end of the game?07:12 - An undercurrent of hysteria around refereeing decisions08:43 - Analysis of decisions at the end of the game11:04 - Sadio Mane - Senegal's greatest ambassador11:50 - Brahim Diaz's failed Panenka - will it haunt him forever?14:26 - Senegal trophy lift
Lee James and John Bennett are joined by former Tottenham and Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong, Afcon winning Nigeria midfielder Sunday Oliseh and Moroccan football expert Amine El-Amri to preview the Africa Cup of Nations final, host's Morocco versus 2021 champions Senegal.
Plus, the team discuss the Senegalese Football Federation concerns about security and hear from Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, head coach Walid Regragui.
01:35 Senegalese Football Federation security, accommodation and training ground concerns07:00 Pressures of playing an ‘away’ Afcon08:00 The best Afcon teams progressing to the knockout rounds09:00 Morocco’s football investment11:00 African nations following Morocco and Senegal’s lead12:40 Impact of Afcon switching to every four years15:45 Sunday Oliseh on Nigeria’s tournament19:15 Tour of Rabat25:30 Moroccan football expert Amine El-Amri on role of football in Morocco31:00 Morocco’s aspirations to become a football superpower33:30 Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat interview36:30 Moroccan head coach Walid Regragui on the final37:30 Final Predictions
A special bonus Afcon episode from More than the Score, the BBC World Service podcast that tells stories from beyond the scoresheet. Find more by searching for More than the Score wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
This year's Africa Cup of Nations, or Afcon, has been dominated by the continent's big teams. Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria and Egypt reach the semi-finals, while the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mane will face off when hosts Morocco take on Senegal in the final.
With Africa's superstars seemingly in top form, can they keep it up at this summer's World Cup - and could an African nation finally go all the way, and win football's most famous prize?
The BBC's Lee James and John Bennett talk to African football experts Gary Al Smith and Maher Mezahi as Africa's biggest tournament nears its conclusion. Why have the stars shone at this year's Afcon, and does that bode well for the summer? How have Ghana and Cape Verde's World Cup chances been affected by missing out on Afcon? And with some of the continent's biggest names seemingly nearing the end of their international careers, who will step into their shoes?
Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Ivory Coast legend Yaya Toure, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.
And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore
Lee James is joined by John Bennett, North African football expert Maher Mezahi and Moroccan football journalist Jalal Bounouar to provide immediate reaction to hosts Morocco beating Nigeria on penalties to reach Sunday's final.
Piers Edwards and the former South Africa captain Dean Furman reflect on Senegal's 1-0 semi-final victory over Egypt, including reaction from match-winner Sadio Mane and teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Timecodes:
00:14 - Immediate reaction to Morocco's victory over Nigeria09:03 - Reaction to Senegal's victory over Egypt15:49 - Sadio Mane interview17:03 - Idrissa Gana Gueye interview
Delyth Lloyd is joined by former Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, Mani Djazmi, John Bennett, Maher Mezahi and Ali Howorth to preview two blockbuster Afcon semi-finals. Hosts Morocco face Nigeria’s in-form Super Eagles; whilst its Salah vs Mané III, with Senegal playing Egypt.
Timecodes:03:00 – 27:00 Nigeria v Morocco27:30 – 30:00 Salah vs Mané Part 330:00 – 36:00 Egypt v Senegal36:00 – 40:00 What impact would an Afcon win have on Salah’s legacy?41:30 – Final Predictions
Lee James is joined by John Bennett and the former South Africa captain Dean Furman to reflect on a dominant 2-0 win for hosts Morocco against Cameroon in Rabat.
Isaac Fanin joins from Tangier to look back on Senegal's 1-0 victory over Mail.
Ian Williams sends us a dispatch from Agadir ahead Egypt's quarter-final against holders Ivory Coast, including hearing from Ivory Coast star Amad Diallo.
And Nigeria football expert Oluwashina Okeleji drops in from Marrakech to discuss Nigeria's preparations for their quarter-final against Algeria.
Timecodes:
00:30 - Cameroon 0-2 Morocco05:21 - Algeria v Nigeria preview08:01 - Mali 0-1 Senegal12:02 - Egypt v Ivory Coast preview
John Bennett and Isaac Fanin look ahead to the opening two quarter-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations.
John is joined by Cameroon journalist Ben Collins and North African football expert Patrick Juillard to look ahead to hosts Morocco against the five-time winners Cameroon in Rabat.
While in Tangier, Isaac speaks to Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet and Senegal journalist Djim Momar ahead of the clash between the neighbouring nations.
Timecodes:
00:45 - Cameroon focus with Ben Collins03:44 - Could Cameroon's Christian Kofane be African football's next superstar?05:38 - Senegal with focus with Djim Momar07:59 - Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet interview10:53 - Morocco focus with Patrick Juillard
A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco.
After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days. Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favourites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.
The BBC’s John Bennett is joined by African football expert Maher Mezahi and the former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to look ahead to the last 16.
Delyth Lloyd is joined by Mani Djazmi, former Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker and former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong to reflect on Nigeria's dramatic 3-2 victory over Tunisia in their second Group C match in Fez.
Troost-Ekong provides insight on leading the Super Eagles to the AFCON final in 2024 and gives us the inside track on "fearless" Victor Osimhen and his role as a leader in the Nigeria dressing room after a tough upbringing in Lagos.
BBC Sport Africa's Rob Stevens also joins the pod from Tangier to reflect on Senegal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo and discuss whether either nation can challenge for the title.
Timecodes:
01:37 - Has the first week of the AFCON lived up to the expectations04:40 - Nigeria fans react to 3-2 win over Tunisia05:43 - Thoughts on Nigeria's win over Tunisia09:05 - Focus on Nigeria's attacking firepower10:59 - Victor Osimhen chat18:17 - Will Nigeria rest players against Uganda?19:14 - Tunisia favourites to join Nigeria from Group C in the last 16?20:34 - Rob Stevens joins the pod to reflect on Senegal v DR Congo22:37 - Can Senegal or DR Congo challenge for the title?25:29 - Benin claim their first AFCON win26:35 - Is this AFCON lacking the 'vibes'?32:13 - Predictions after the first week
In this episode Moroccan football journalist Amine El Amri, the BBC’s John Bennett and the former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani discuss the opening week of the tournament. Including Gab’s reaction to his teams draw against Senegal, Benin’s first ever Afcon win at the sixteenth attempt and an injury update on Morocco’s inspirational captain Achraf Hakimi, who missed their opening win against Comoros.
Lee James is joined by John Bennett, former Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana and former South Africa captain Dean Furman to reflect on Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening Group C match in Fez.
The panel also discuss whether talisman Victor Osimhen's histrionics overshadowed Nigeria's win and which of the big teams have impressed so far in the tournament.
Timecodes:
00:44 - Initial reflections on Nigeria's 2-1 win over Tanzania04:51 - Thoughts on Victor Osimhen's performance07:55 - Can Nigeria go all the way based on win over Tanzania?10:18 - Encouraging performance from Tanzania10:50 - Which big teams have impressed so far at the Afcon?13:17 - South Africa v Egypt preview
Can Morocco justify their tag as favourites on home soil? Could Mohamed Salah win an elusive title with Egypt? Can Nigeria bounce back from World Cup playoff disappointment? Could Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane be key for Algeria and Senegal? Or can Ivory Coast make it back to back titles?
Former South Africa captain Dean Furman and the former Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker joins Lee James and John Bennett to preview the tournament to answer these questions and more in our Africa Cup of Nations preview.
They discuss who could go well at the African Cup of Nations, who could cause an upset and which players could shine at the tournament.
Timecodes:
04:45 - Interview with Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat07:30 - Can Morocco win as favourites?11:00 - Interview with former Zambia forward Kalusha Bwalya15:25 - Will talk around Mohamed Salah be a distraction for Egypt?18:00 - Are South Africa good enough to win?23:00 - Interview with Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka24:45 - Does Victor Osimhen need to prove he is one of the best players in Africa?27:50 - Interview with former Tunisia captain Radhi Jaidi31:10 - Senegal focus33:30 - DR Congo focus36:00 - Algeria focus39:25 - Interview with Sudan’s Abo Eisa40:30 - Ivory Coast focus43:05 - Cameroon focus45:50 - Prediction time - players of the tournament, surprise team and winners
GROUPS
Group A - Morocco, Mali, Zambia, ComorosGroup B - Egypt, South Africa, Angola, ZimbabweGroup C - Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, TanzaniaGroup D - Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, BotswanaGroup E - Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equitorial Guinea, SudanGroup F - Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
World Football's Isaac Fanin and Mani Djazmi are joined by the former Liverpool defender Steven Caulker to discuss whether Mo Salah still has a future at Liverpool, following comments suggesting he's fallen out with manager Arne Slot and might be looking to leave Anfield.
27 years after their last World Cup, Norway’s men have finally qualified for another one.
With Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals in eight qualifying matches, and a team that ran in 37 goals during the campaign, should the rest of the world be worried?
Former Norway goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt and journalist Lars Sivertsen join Mani Djazmi to discuss the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Photo: Staale Solbakken, Head Coach of Norway, is lifted into the air by players of Norway as they celebrate victory following the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Credit: Getty Images)
The club versus country row often causes friction, but midfielder Soren Lerby once found a way to satisfy both.
He played for Denmark and Bayern Munich on the same day. In different countries.
On the afternoon of 13 November 1984 - exactly 40 years ago - Lerby lined up for his national team in Dublin for their final qualifier for the 1986 World Cup.
Bayern, meanwhile, had a last-16 German Cup match at Bochum later that evening.
Photo: Soren Lerby of Denmark in may 1986 (Credit: VI Images via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich have yet to lose this season in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. The Bavarian club did show signs of vulnerability when they drew 2-2 draw at Union Berlin, which ended their 16-game winning streak from the start of the campaign. The result meant Bayern fell one game short of matching its Bundesliga-record 10-game winning start to the league from 2015. So are they the best team in Europe?
Away from Germany, Dutch giants Ajax have sacked manager John Heitinga less than six months after he joined the club from Liverpool. Heitinga have won just five of his 11 Eredivisie matches in charge and the club have lost all four of their Champions League matches this season, including a 3-0 home defeat to Galatasaray on Wednesday. What is going wrong at Ajax.
John Bennett is joined by German football writer Constantin Eckner, Dutch football reporter Arthur Renard, the BBC's Mike McCarthy and World Football's Mani Djazmi.
(Image: Bayern Munich celebrating, Credit: Getty Images)
Mjallby, a team from a tiny fishing village, are about to become champions of Sweden for the first time.
It’s one of the biggest shocks in recent European football history, and defender Tom Pettersson has been telling World Football’s Mani Djazmi how it’s happened.
Image: Mjallby's Tom Pettersson against Djurgarden's Haris Radetinac during an Allsvenskan match between Djurgardens IF and Mjallby AIF at Tele2 Arena on May 21, 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
The President of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, tells Mani Djazmi why they have chosen a home game against Israel to donate profits from ticket sales to a charity working in Gaza.
Image: Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness looks on prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Japan and Norway at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 05, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA via Getty Images)
It’s Champions League romance as Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty face the mighty Real Madrid.
Kairat player Damir Kasabulat tells Mani Djazmi what it means just to be in the competition, the reaction when the players discovered that their first home game would be against Real Madrid, and who he might take to London when they play Arsenal.
Image: Geovany Quenda of Sporting CP with Damir Kassabulat and Luis Mata of FC Kairat Almaty in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and FC Kairat Almaty at Estadio Jose Alvalade. (Photo by David Martins/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Not many football players will be like Christian Burgess. The English defender has a first-class honours degree in history and is making history on the pitch for Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise.
He’s captaining the side as they make their Champions League debut this season and Burgess tells World Football’s Mani Djazmi about his path from university to now Champions League football.
He shares his disbelief at making his debut in Europe’s premier club competition just a month before his 34th birthday.
Burgess shares his own personal view of the situation facing refugees trying to cross the English channel. There are many other opinions and we aim to reflect them all on the BBC World Service and across the BBC.
Image: Christian Burgess of Union Saint-Gilloise celebrates after the team's victory during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between R. Union Saint-Gilloise and Liverpool FC at Stade Joseph Marien on December 14, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Every season teams across Europe compete for a place in the Uefa Champions League, but who are the clubs from Cyprus, Norway, Belgium and even a team north of the Arctic Circle making their debuts in Europe’s top-tier club competition?
Pafos FC of Cyprus, Norway's Bodo/Glimt, Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan and Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise all advanced through the qualifying rounds to make history by reaching the competition’s league phase for the first time.
Maz Farookhi is joined by football reporter George Addo to get the views from each of the four sides making their debuts.
Image: Jaja (C) of Pafos celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Play-offs Round Second Leg match between Pafos and Crvena Zvezda at Limassol Stadium on August 26, 2025 in Limassol, Cyprus. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
The Fluminense goalkeeper, Fabio, is the new holder of the world record for the number of professional appearances. His former teammate at Cruzeiro, Fabiano, tells Mani Djazmi about Fabio’s dedication and describes him as an inspiration for any player who wants to keep going for as long as possible.
We also hear from Fluminense fan Bruno Stefano who was at Fabio’s historic 1,391st appearance.
Photo: Fabio of Fluminese during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Fluminense FC and Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium on July 8, 2025 in East Rutherford, United States. (Credit: AMA/Getty Images)
The future of England and Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze has been one of the major talking points of the current transfer window.
It had been thought he would join Tottenham, with a deal agreed between the clubs until their biggest rivals in North London, Arsenal, also reached an agreement with Palace.
Eze started his youth career with Arsenal, and has been one of Palace’s key players and helped them to win the FA Cup last season.
John Bennett is joined by former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly and Crystal Palace forward Kwesi Appiah as they give their perspectives.
PHOTO CREDIT: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his sides goal which is later disallowed following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ahead of the start of the European leagues, John Bennett brings together our European football experts to preview the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1.
Joining John is World Football’s Mani Djazmi, German writer and broadcaster Constantin Eckner, Italian football expert Daniele Verri, Ernest Macia from Radio Catalunya and L’Equipe’s Loic Tanzi.
The panel discuss the big clubs and key battles in Europe as well as the teams and players to watch and also share who they think will win the Ballon d'Or.
Image: Thomas Muller of FC Bayern Munich celebrates with the Meisterschale trophy after the teams 2-0 victory in the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on May 10, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
The Marshall Islands’ claim to sporting fame, according to themselves, has been that they’re the last nation in the world to have a senior national football team.
They’ll take to the pitch for their very first 11v11 international match against US Virgin Islands at a tournament in Arkansas - where they'll also be playing against Turks and Caicos.
Head coach Lloyd Owers describes the feeling of history being made and tells World Football’s Mani Djazmi about how they’ve reached this point.
Image: The squad who will represent the Marshall Islands for the first time in an international fixture. (Credit: Marshall Islands Soccer Federation)
Are Liverpool the team to beat again? Will Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea be their closest challengers? Where will Manchester United finish? Can the three promoted clubs stay up?
World Football’s John Bennett is joined by former Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel and former Everton, Fulham, Liverpool and England striker Natasha Dowie to preview the Premier League season.
They discuss how teams are looking ahead of the season and also predict their title winners, the promoted team who is most likely to survive and their player to watch.
Image: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool, lifts the Premier League trophy, as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
In this edition of World Football we’re chatting with one of the biggest names in Egyptian football, Mido.
As a striker he spent his career with some of the biggest clubs across Europe representing the likes of Ajax, Roma, Marseille and Tottenham while also winning over 50 caps for his country.
He’s now looking to unearth the next generation of Egyptian talent to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before, and players like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush who will both play key roles for their club sides and Egypt over the coming season.
John Bennett has been speaking to Mido at The Maker Academy in Cairo.
Image: Egyptian star striker Ahmad "Mido" Hossam celebrates after scoring the first goal against Libya during the opening football match at the African Nations Cup (CAN) in Cairo 20 January 2006. (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Maz Farookhi presents reaction from Rabat as Nigeria come back from 2-0 down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
For Nigeria, it is a record extending 10th title, while Morocco have now lost the last two finals.
The Atlas Lionesses led 2-0 at the break in Rabat through Ghizlane Chebbak's fine curling effort and a scuffed shot from Sanaa Mssoudy.
But Esther Okoronkwo inspired the West Africans after the break, pulling a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minute after Nouhaila Benzina handled Folamide Ijamilusi's cross.
Okoronko burst into the Morocco box and squared for Ijamilusi to equalise in the 71st minute, then teed up substitute Jennifer Echegini to score the winner with two minutes of the game remaining.
Four time Wafcon winner Desire Oparanozie and BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens join Maz from the Olympic Stadium.
Photo: Nigeria's players celebrate with the trophy on the podium after winning the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations final football match against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 26, 2025. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Maz Farookhi is joined by the voice of African Football Mark Gleeson to preview the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Morocco.
Four-time Wafcon winner Osinachi Ohale tells Maz about how she is helping the younger members of the Nigeria squad to prepare for the big occasion.
Moroccan sports journalist Kaoutar Alaidi explains the anticipation in the country ahead of the host’s ambition to win the competition for the first time.
North African football journalist Maher Mezahi joins Maz to discuss the controversial appointment of Morocco’s head coach Jorge Vilda and how a triumph for his side in Rabat could see him leave a long legacy on football in Morocco.
Image: Morocco's players react during the penalty shootout at the end of the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final football match between Morocco and Ghana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)
Bahiya Lahmidy, the head of women’s football at ASFAR, Morocco’s most successful club, tells Maz Farookhi about the club’s rise to dominance and how she hopes a Morocco win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations could help develop football for females further in the country.
Maz is also joined by BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens on the legacy of this tournament and what needs to be done ahead as the country prepares to host a men’s and another women’s AFCON in the next 12 months.
Image: Morocco's forward #19 Sakina Ouzraoui celebrates with defender #14 Aziza Rabbah after scoring her team's equaliser during the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final football match against Ghana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid/AFP via Getty Images)
The two finalists of this year's Women’s Africa Cup of Nations are now confirmed, but it wasn’t without drama for both Morocco and Nigeria.
BBC World Football’s Maz Farookhi is in Casablanca where she saw Nigeria beat defending champions South Africa 2-1 with a dramatic stoppage time winner. Maz dissects the match with sports journalists Firdose Moonda and Onyinyechi Obaroh.
Match winner Michelle Alozie shares the emotion of scoring the goal that sent Nigeria through to the final and also hear from South Africa defender Lebohang Ramalepe.
Nigeria will face the hosts Morocco in the final and Piers Edwards reflects on their penalty shootout win in their semi-final against Ghana, with the former Nigeria goalkeeper Rachael Ayegba.
Image: Morocco's players celebrate after winning the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final football match against Ghana at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)
BBC World Football’s Maz Farookhi is joined by Ghanian sports journalist Veronica Commey to discuss the Black Queens run to the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana have reached the last four for the first time since 2016 and Commey believes their future is bright, even if the three-times runners up don’t go on to lift the trophy. She also believes they face a difficult atmosphere against hosts Morocco but is confident the players won’t suffer with stage fright.
Plus, the BBC's Celestine Karoney has been inside the Ghana camp to speak to winger, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah.
Credit: Cynthia Konlan of Ghana looks on during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Costa Rica 2022 group D match between Japan and Ghana at Alejandro Morera Soto on August 14, 2022 in Alajuela, Costa Rica. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
The dust is still settling after two more dramatic quarter-finals went the distance on Saturday, and we now know our final four at this Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. It includes two of the tournament heavyweights: Nigeria face South Africa on Tuesday. The nine-time champions sailed through their quarter final with a 5-0 win over Zambia. Meanwhile, reigning champions South Africa failed to find a goal in the 90 minutes or in extra time on Saturday against Senegal - but got over the line in the penalty shoot-out. Ghana play Morocco in Tuesday’s later kick-off. Maz Farookhi and guests look ahead to all the action, and we hear from Nigeria and Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre about the potential of a return of the grudge match-up with South Africa from three years ago.
The semi-final line up is complete for the Women's Euros 2025. Italy will face defending champions England on Tuesday in Geneva while world champions Spain will come up against the eight time winners Germany on Wednesday in Zurich. Delyth Lloyd and Sophia Hartley are joined by experts to preview both fixtures – it’s the first time Italy have reached this stage since 1997, so are they the surprise team of the tournament? We hear from England’s Beth Mead, and discuss the power of the Lionesses’ bench. And when it comes to the World Champions, Spain, have they really been challenged so far in the tournament?Plus, we discuss the penalty conundrum that has plagued the tournament – with Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger’s outstanding performance to help her side defy France, paired with Germany’s prowess from the spot, would that give the eight-time champions the edge should it come down to penalties?
Zambia take on Nigeria in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, looking to improve on their third placed finish in 2022.
Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundananji will be leading their attack, so how will Nigeria stop them? Standing in their way will be Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who’s been speaking to BBC World Football's Maz Farookhi.
Maz also speaks to Banda and is joined on the podcast by Zambian sports journalist Lydia Makina and ex Nigeria goalkeeper Rachel Ayegba to preview the stand out tie.
Credit: Zambia's forward #11 Barbra Banda celebrates scoring a goal in the women's group B football match between Australia and Zambia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Nice Stadium in Nice on July 28, 2024. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images)
World Football's Maz Farookhi previews the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals from Morocco with Nigeria journalist Biola Solace-Chukwu from Ladies March and Moroccan journalist Kaoutar Alaidi.
You’ll hear from Nigeria’s Rasheedat Ajibade about what it’s like to captain the Super Falcons players and what they have learned from the group stage as they face title rivals Zambia, plus Maz discusses the hopes of Morocco and South Africa in the tournament.
Photo: Rasheedat Ajibade #15 of Team Nigeria reacts during the Women's group C match between Nigeria and Brazil during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on July 25, 2024 in Bordeaux, France. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea are taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the first ever final of the new look, expanded FIFA Club World Cup. It’s a tournament that’s made headlines on and off the pitch since it kicked off in June. Sportsworld’s John Bennett is joined by two experts from London and Paris to look ahead to the final in New Jersey.
Nigeria are the first team through to the quarter-finals of WAFCON after defeating Botswana 1-0 at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Thursday.
World Football's Sophia Hartley, the BBC’s Ian Williams and the former Nigerian goalkeeper Rachael Ayegba reflect on the win and discuss who they could play in the last eight.
PHOTO: Oshoala of Nigeria and Fc Barcelona during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on August 7, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Sophia Hartley is joined by footballer writer Firdose Moonda and South African sport journalist Buisiswe Mokwena to discuss the start of Banyana Banyana's defence of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations title. There are questions over how the title holders will fare in the start of their campaign amidst ongoing disputes in the South African camp.
PHOTO: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: Desiree Ellis, Head Coach of South Africa, is seen prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and South Africa at Sydney Football Stadium on August 06, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign began with a convincing 3-0 victory against Tunisia. As the Super Falcons bid for a historic tenth WAFCON title, Sophia Hartley is joined by former Nigerian goalkeeper Rachel Ayegba to reflect on the opening weekend fixtures of the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations, plus you’ll hear from former Super Falcons goalkeeper Desire Oparanozie who is covering the tournament in Morocco.
PHOTO: BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi is joined by Eduardo Alvarez to look back on the Club World Cup so far - analysing the performances of Manchester City, Real Madrid, and the Brazilian clubs – and assessing just how much of a shock was provided by Al-Hilal as they beat Manchester City.
They discuss the issues the tournament has faced and also look ahead to the quarter-final ties and plot a path to glory for one of them.
PHOTO: ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JUNE 30: Ruben Neves of Al Hilal celebrates after the win at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Manchester City and Al-Hilal at Camping World Stadium on June 30, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
World Football meets identical twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard, who are both in Denmark’s squad for Euro 2025.
They tell John Bennett that going to Switzerland as a pair is special and that it’s a dream to play together, after Karen missed the 2023 World Cup through injury.
They also discuss the influence Pernille Harder has on Denmark’s squad and their hopes for the tournament.
The twins spent last season playing for Everton and discuss how they feel, following the announcement Sara is leaving the club for Real Madrid.
PHOTO: HELSINGOR, DENMARK - JUNE 21: (L-R) Sara Holmgaard and Karen Holmgaard of Denmark pose for a portrait during the official UEFA Women's EURO 2022 portrait session on June 21, 2022 in Helsingor, Denmark. (Photo by Oliver Hardt - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Sophia Hartley looks ahead to UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 and the country at the heart of Europe hosting this year’s tournament, Switzerland.
With access inside the Swiss camp and a seat at the table with UEFA Head of Women’s Football Nadine Kessler, World football explores what people can expect from the hosts, their chances in the tournament and what legacy they hope to create. You’ll also hear from Swiss Captain Lia Walti and Head Coach Pia Sundhage as well as Swiss-German football journalist Helene Altgelt.
Photo: Switzerland's forward #7 Riola Xhemaili celebrates scoring her team's first goal during an international women's friendly football match between Switzerland and Czech Republic, ahead of the Women Euro 2025 tournament, at stadium Schuetzenwiese in Winterthur, on June 26, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
The build up is well under way ahead of the 15th Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament is taking place in Morocco with 12 teams are taking part including the holders South Africa.
Delyth Lloyd is joined by World Football’s Maz Farookhi as well as the former Nigeria goalkeeper Rachael Ayegba and South African football journalist Busisiwe Mokwena as they discuss the big talking points.
You’ll also hear from Nigerian superstar Asisat Oshoala and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.
Many of the world’s biggest clubs are playing in the Club World Cup in the United States, but does the expanded, new look tournament give the African sides a chance to make an impression?
Egypt's Al Ahly, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and Tunisia's Esperance are the teams looking to outperform European superclubs and other contenders from across the globe.
Hear from former South Africa defender Mark Fish and South African football journalist Mo Allie on Sundowns chances.
Image: Photos of the second leg of the CAF Champions League semi-final between Al Ahly of Egypt and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, which ends in a 1-1 draw for Sundowns in Cairo, Egypt, on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Mohsen Nabil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ahead of the newly expanded Club World Cup, World Football’s Mani Djazmi is joined by Spanish football journalist Eduardo Alvarez to look ahead to the tournament taking place in the United States.
Thirty-two teams from around the globe will take part in the tournament across 11 cities in the US, with the final taking place on 13 July.
Plus, we also hear from striker Angus Kilkolly who plays for the tournament’s only amateurs, Auckland City.
Photo: General view of the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy in exposition at Estadio da Luz during the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy Tour on January 17, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)
With a year to go until they co-host the World Cup, the USA men's national team are on a run of 4 defeats in a row. So after his high-profile appointment in 2024, how much pressure is head coach Mauricio Pochettino under? And can USA find form before they co-host the World Cup in 2026 with Canada and Mexico.
World Football's John Bennett is joined by former MLS player and current CBS analyst Michael Lahoud, as well as US football writer Zach Lowy. Plus hear from Pochettino and the former USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann.
Photo: USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino observing his players during a Concacaf Nations League game between Canada and USMNT at SoFi Stadium at on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Credit: ISI Photos/Getty Images)
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the start of a campaign for female football fans in Iran to be allowed in to stadia to watch men’s matches.
On the 8th June 2005 Iran’s men’s team played their final World Cup qualification match against Bahrain. A group of women went to the Azadi stadium to reclaim what they had lost after the 1979 revolution, including the right to go to stadiums and watch football.
So what impact did the events of that day have on football in Iran? World Football's Mani Djazmi has been across the story.
Photo: Players of Iran celebrate after the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Group A game between Iran and Uzbekistan at Azadi Stadium on March 25, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Iran's national football team celebrated after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan. (Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Uzbekistan and Jordan have qualified for the men’s Fifa World Cup for the first time, but what’s the reaction been like and how significant is it for the two countries?
World Football’s Isaac Fanin spoke to BBC journalists Khaldoon Alshamayleh in Amman, the capital of Jordan, and Firdavs Zavkiev in the Uzbek capital Tashkent to gauge the reaction.
South Korea also secured their place at the tournament with 10 countries now confirmed for the expanded 48-team tournament in United States, Canada and Mexico.
The three hosts have qualified automatically, while Japan, New Zealand, Iran and Argentina have also confirmed their spots.
Image: Uzbekistan's players celebrate after their 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match against the United Arab Emirates ended in a draw, qualifying them for the World Cup for the first time, at Al-Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi on June 5, 2025. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images)
As well as the big name players and coaches we hear from here on World Football, we also want to hear from you, the fans. During the English Premier League season on our Sportsworld programme we've been speaking to supporters from around the world in our international fans panel to gauge what they've been making of their clubs fortunes From Germany to Ghana and Argentina to Australia, we've covered the globe. Along with World Football's own Mani Djazmi, we’ve been catching up with some of those supporters to review the season. Photo: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool lifts the trophy after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Credit: Getty Images for The Premier League)
The UEFA Champions League final may be done meaning the dust settles on the top European leagues for a while at least.
Delyth Lloyd is joined by World Football’s Mani Djazmi, German football writer Constantin Eckner and Spanish football expert Eduardo Alvarez to look back over all the big talking points from across Europe.
From Serie A through to the Bundesliga, La Liga and Ligue 1, our panel give their views on a momentous season.
Photo: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates the La Liga EA Sports 2024/2025 championship during the La Liga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Olimpic Llus Companys in Barcelona, Spain, on May 18, 2025. (Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Paris St Germain wrote their names into the Champions League history books after beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final in Munich to win the trophy for the first time.
World Football’s Delyth Lloyd is joined by Italian football journalist Daniele Verri and French broadcaster Patrick Juilliard to discuss the big talking points from the match.
It brings to an end the finale of an expanded format introduced by UEFA which has seen a mammoth 189 matches since the main group stage began back in August.
You’ll also hear from the PSG and Inter camps with their post-match thoughts.
Photo: The Champions League trophy ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at on May 28, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Credit: UEFA via Getty Images)
2025 marks 20 years since of one of the most extraordinary nights in Champion League history, as Liverpool completed the "Miracle of Istanbul”.
AC Milan had a star-studded line up and were overwhelming favourites, especially after they raced into a 3-0 lead. However, Liverpool launched an amazing second half comeback that culminated in them winning the trophy in a penalty shootout.
To mark the 20th anniversary, we take you back to that iconic night with those who were there, including penalty-saving hero, Jerzy Dudek. Plus, broadcasters and fans, each with their own unique perspective on the moments that made the match the most talked-about for years.
Photo: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lifts the European Cup after Liverpool won the European Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan on May 25, 2005 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. (Credit: Getty Images)
There's 370 matches down and just ten to go in the Premier League season
Liverpool will lift their 20th top flight title in Arne Slot's first year in charge, so as the season draws to a close Sportsworld and World Football have collaborated to hand out their own awards.
So who will former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and Washington Spirit and England international defender Esme Morgan pick as their winners of season 24-25?
Photo: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and the players celebrate winning the league after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on April 27, 2025. (Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ange Postecoglou is the first coach from outside Europe or South America to win a European trophy, but what does that achievement mean for Australian football?
Former Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich and journalist Michael Lynch tell World Football's Mani Djazmi about the significance in the context of Australian sport, and chart Postecoglou’s rise from immigrant to European winner.
Photo: Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, celebrates with the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team's victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Credit: UEFA via Getty Images)
SV Elversberg, from a small town of around 13,000 people, face Heidenheim in a promotion/relegation play-off.
If they win – and most second-tier teams don’t – they will welcome Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and the rest to their stadium with a capacity of 10,000.
The club’s Sporting Director, Nils Ole-Book, has been telling World Football's Mani Djazmi how they've gone from the fourth tier to the brink of the big time in just three years.
Photo: Cornerflag of SV Elversberg in the Ursapharm-Arena Stadium before the Second Bundesliga match between SV 07 Elversberg and SC Preußen Münster at Ursapharm-Arena on March 15, 2025 in Spiesen-Elversberg, Germany. (Credit: firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Basketball, the Cold War, and rock band The Grateful Dead collide in this incredible true story. Presented by the late NBA star Bill Walton. Episodes weekly from 19 May.
What do basketball, rock music, and tie-dye t-shirts have in common? And what about Mickey Hart, Sarunas Marciulionis, Arvydas Sabonis, and the US Dream Team? Well, they are all subject of the brand new season of Amazing Sport Stories: Bill Walton’s The Grateful Team.
It’s Moscow, 1989, and Lithuanian basketball star Sarunas Marciulionis is walking nervously through the airport. If all goes to plan, a new life awaits playing basketball for the NBA in the US. But first, he must cross the Iron Curtain. Sarunas doesn’t yet know the incredible journey he is about to go on. One which will involve political upheaval, the Olympic games, the US rock band The Grateful Dead - and, of course, tie-dye.
The late NBA star and sports commentator Bill Walton presents this extraordinary true story. Bill passed away in 2024, not long after recording the series, and his family have given permission for its release following his death.
Amazing Sport Stories brings you the greatest twists and personal journeys from sport history. Listen for inspiring tales of courage, drama, myths and legends from all over the globe. All told in mini seasons and one-off documentary episodes. #AmazingSportStories
From the third tier of German women’s football to the Frauen-Bundesliga in successive seasons, Union Berlin’s women’s team have been on a rapid rise.
They won the Bundesliga 2 title on the final day of the regular season on goal difference from Nurnberg, and next term will line up against the biggest names in German women’s football such as Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich.
World Football’s Delyth Lloyd has been speaking to Union Berlin forward Dina Orshmann about how it feels for the club to be in the top flight for the first time.
PHOTO CREDIT: Dina Orshmann playing for Union Berlin (Credit: Union Berlin)
From having no footballs to winning the league in a year, World Football's Mani Djazmi's been following the extraordinary rise of Auckland FC.
Football Director Terry McFlynn describes how they found the players and the fans, and defender Tommy Smith explains how the players started a dressing room culture from scratch, once they had been assembled.
But how much is Auckland’s success down to having a billionaire owner, Bill Foley, and being part of his Black Knight multi-club group, that’s headed by Bournemouth?
Photo: Auckland FC celebrate with the Premier's Plate following the round 28 A-League Men match between Auckland FC and Perth Glory at Go Media Stadium, on April 27, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)
In this episode of World Football we discuss one of the biggest matches in the global calendar, El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
With both sides vying for the La Liga title, Barcelona ran out 4-3 winners in a game where a Kylian Mbappe hat trick for Real Madrid wasn't enough for Carlo Ancelotti's side to close the gap at the top.
Barcelona are now seven points clear with nine to play for and another title looks to be in their grasp in Hansi Flick's first season in charge.
World Football's Delyth Lloyd has been discussing the game with George Addo and Spanish football journalist Eduardo Alvarez.
Photo Credit: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid passes the ball under pressure from Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
London City Lionesses’ owner Michele Kang says she wants to show women’s football teams are a good investment even without an affiliation to a men’s team.
The Lionesses will be the first team to compete in the WSL in England without a link to a men’s football team, but Kang told the BBC she doesn’t see this as a disadvantage.
Kang also owns Washington Spirit in the United States and eight-time Women's Champions League winners Olympique Lyonnais who are playing in the new look playoffs this weekend to decide the title winners in France.
Find out what’s next for her French team Lyon this weekend and hear a rare interview with Michele Kang who’s been speaking to World Football’s Jo Currie:
Photo - Michele Kang, Owner of London City Lionesses, celebrates with the Barclays Women's Championship trophy after London City Lionesses win the Barclays Women's Championship and subsequently gain promotion to the Barclays Women's Super League after the Barclays Women's Championship match between Birmingham City and London City Lionesses at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on May 04, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Credit: FA via Getty Images)
It was the game that no-one wanted to end...
For the second time in six days Inter Milan and Barcelona served up a European classic as the champions of Italy won 4-3 on the night - 7-6 on aggregate - to reach the Champions League final.
It was the joint highest-scoring Champions League semi-final ever, with the 13 goals equalling the 2018 semi-final when Liverpool also defeated Roma 7-6 on aggregate.
Italian football expert Mina Rzouki and Ernest Macia from Radio Catalunya joined World Football’s Ade Adedoynin to reflect on one of the all-time great European football ties.
Photo: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Barcelona at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Credit: Getty Images)
There’s been a rise in global attention towards football in Saudi Arabia with high-profile players moving to teams in the country, but are Saudi Arabia clubs now starting to dominate in Asia?
Three of the four AFC Champions League semi-finalists are from Saudi Arabia with former Premier League players Roberto Firmino and Ivan Toney scoring to help Al-Ahli reach the final over Saudi Pro League rivals Al-Hilal.
World Football’s Nick Hatton speaks to Asian football journalist Michael Church about how Saudi Arabian clubs are dominating Asia’s premier club competition.
Image: Ivan Toney of Al-Ahli Saudi celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Galeno during the AFC Champions League Elite Semi Final between Al Hilal and Al Ahli at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on April 29, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Liverpool equalled Manchester United's record of 20 top-flight titles with their 2024/25 Premier League win, but it wasn’t just the team making history.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk became the first Dutch manager and captain to win the Premier League title, so how has their influence helped Liverpool to glory – especially in Slot’s first season in England?
World Football’s Sarah Mulkerrins is joined by football reporter George Addo as they get the views of former Liverpool and Netherlands players Bolo Zenden and Sander Westerveld.
Image: Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk captain of Liverpool celebrating after being named Champions of the Premier League at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
After a season which promised so much but has delivered so little, how can Atletico Madrid make the next step in La Liga and bridge the gap to Real Madrid and Barcelona?
Diego Simeone’s side made some big signings in the European summer, but they’ve fallen short in all major competitions.
World Football’s John Bennett gets the views of Atletico Madrid podcasters Chami and Eduardo, and Spanish football expert Alvaro Romeo.
Image: Diego Simeone in action during the LaLiga match between Atletico Madrid and Valladolid at Cívitas Metropolitano on April 14, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Credit: Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
With uncertainty around Marcus Rashford’s future, where will the Manchester United forward be playing next season?
Will he leave his boyhood club? Could he stay at Aston Villa beyond his loan spell? Or could a move abroad be on the cards?
BBC's chief football news reporter Simon Stone joins World Football’s Maz Farookhi to discuss what Rashford’s next move could be.
Image: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Aston Villa FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Villa Park on April 15, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Credit: Danehouse/Getty Images)
Leeds United and Burnley have both secured their return to the Premier League, so how did they do it and do they have what it takes to stay in the Premier League?
For Burnley it is an immediate bounce back after they were relegated last season, while Leeds took two years to secure their return.
Dan Jewell, who covers Burnley for the BBC, joins World Football’s Nick Hatton to discuss the two side’s promotions and they also hear the views of former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford and former Burnley defender Michael Duff.
Image: The players of Burnley celebrate with champagne following the team's victory and subsequent promotion to the Premier League in the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Sheffield United FC at Turf Moor on April 21, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
In this episode, we take a look at two African players making a huge impact in the Premier League for Brentford.
Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa from DR Congo are the top two goalscorers for Brentford during their time in the Premier League with 40 and 42 goals respectively.
They both added to their tally in the 4-2 win against Brighton, making it the seventh time this season they've scored in the same game, closing in on the record of 10.
John Bennett has been speaking to World Football's George Addo and the former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani about Wissa and Mbuemo’s partnership.
Photo: Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford celebrates with teammate Yoane Wissa after scoring his team's third goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Ipswich Town FC at Gtech Community Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
In this episode of World Football, we bring together two sports not usually associated with each other – football and snooker.
That’s because four-time world snooker champion Mark Selby’s career has been strongly linked to his hometown football club Leicester City.
He became world champion for the second time on the night of Leicester’s iconic Premier League title win in 2016
As he prepares to try to add another world title to his collection at the World Championship in Sheffield, England he’s been telling John Bennett about his footballing passion.
Photo: Mark Selby with a Leicester City football club flag after lifting the trophy after beating Ding Junhui to win the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre on May 02, 2016 in Sheffield, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
The last time five-time winners Barcelona won the men’s Champions League was 2015, but, after a 10-year wait, is the 2024-25 season their best chance to be crowned kings of Europe again?
Ernest Macia from Radio Catalunya joins World Football’s Mike Williams and George Addo to assess where Barcelona are now, if they have what it takes to win the Champions League this season and the influence of their manager Hansi Flick.
Image: Raphinha of FC Barcelona (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez and Jules Kounde during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 09, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Family members and former team-mates including his son Tyrese Campbell, Wayne Rooney and Andy Cole open up about the life and death of ex-Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell.
Darren Fletcher narrates the story of Campbell's life, loss and legacy, told by those who knew him best.
(Images via Getty Images and the Campbell family)
It's set to be a huge week in European club football with the second legs of the Champions League quarter-finals taking place as the road to Munich in May takes shape.
While Barcelona have a commanding 4-0 advantage in their tie against Borussia Dortmund, their big Spanish rivals Real Madrid go into the second leg at home to Arsenal 3-0 down, with the holders facing a huge battle to remain in the competition.
They also trail Barcelona in the La Liga title race, only increasing the pressure on legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian is one of the most decorated coaches in European football, and no one has won more Champions League titles as a manager, including in 2024 with Madrid.
Spanish football journalist Juan Castro has been telling World Football’s Delyth Lloyd about the scrutiny Ancelotti is under.
Photo: Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Arsenal Stadium on April 08, 2025 in London, England. (Credit: Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester United head into a season defining game against Lyon with a number of question marks, including who will start in goal.
The Europa League quarter-final tie is evenly poised at 2-2 with United needing to progress in order to keep alive their chances of a trophy and European football next season following an underwhelming campaign.
All eyes will be on who manager Ruben Amorim opts to start in goal at Old Trafford with regular first choice keeper Andre Onana omitted from the squad for Sunday's 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.
The Cameroon international has made a number of high profile errors this season, including in the first leg against Lyon in France.
Turkey’s Altay Bayindir was brought in to make his first league start since joining United in September 2023, and has mainly been back up to Onana during his time at the club.
Former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong has been giving his view on the situation to World Football’s Delyth Lloyd and George Addo.
Photo: A dejected Andre Onana of Manchester Utd after the 2-0 loss during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Manchester United FC at Molineux on December 26, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Credit: CameraSport via Getty Images
Former Ukranian international Yevgeny Levchenko has been auctioning off a number of shirts he's collected throughout his career to aid the ongoing war relief funds in the country.
Featuring names like Wayne Rooney, Arjen Robben, Erling Haaland, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Ramos, the auction saw global football fans rally around Levchenko's cause, raising over US$30,000 (£23,000) in the process.
World Football's Mani Djazmi explains more.
Photo: A selection of shirts previously owned by former Ukranian international Yevgeny Levchenko which were auctioned off to raise money. (Credit: Match Worn Shirt)
Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year contract with Liverpool.
His previous deal was scheduled to run out in the summer and there had been doubts he would stay with the Reds following comments from the 32-year-old during the season as well as speculation linking him with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The man known as' the Egyptian King' will now remain in the North West of England until 2027 and have the chance to add to his 243 goals and 109 assists for Liverpool in 394 appearances.
So how has the news gone down across the football world? Arabic football expert Mohamed Qoutb and football reporter, John Bennett, tell us how the news has been receive in Salah's native Egypt.
Plus, what's the view of former players & managers? Former Glasgow Rangers and Nottingham Forest boss, Mark Warburton, and former DR Congo captain and Match of the Day Africa: Top 10 host Gabriel Zakuani give us the lowdown.
Photo - Mohamed Salah of Liverpool signs a new contract extension at Anfield on April 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Credit: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Olympique Lyonnais has won 6 of the last 9 Champions League titles and for years dominated women’s football in Europe. Only Barcelona have recently been able to compete.
Lyon's success is the vision of club president Jean-Michel Aulas who wanted to create an iconic team, with the best players, but in the case of Aulas he also promised to ensure both male and female players were treated equally. This included the first mixed football training academy.
In Olympique Lyonnais: The Champions League trailblazers we find out the story of how the French club raised the standard of women’s football, going behind the scenes with striker and Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, Chelsea and England defender Lucy Bronze and France and Lyon captain Wendie Renard who have all witnessed huge success and then change with Europe’s elite catching up.
Now South Korean born businesswoman Michele Kang has taken over the the French giants, with big ambitions for the club.
Photo: Players of Olympique Lyonnais celebrate after winning during the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais at Juventus Stadium on May 21, 2022 in Turin, Italy. (Credit: Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
Chelsea and Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson had a difficult start to life in English football but he's performing well this season and after an injury lay-off he's recently been described in the UK media as "indispensable" to Enzo Maresca's team.
So as he returns to full fitness just in time for Chelsea's crucial end of season run-in, World Football's John Bennett, football journalist Rahman Osman and BBC Sport's senior football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella discuss his journey from the Gambia to the Premier League and whether he is now - along with Cole Palmer - the most crucial player in the Chelsea side?
Plus, will be he be first choice next season or will Chelsea bring in a new number 9 to replace him?
Photo: Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring a goal with Enzo Fernandez during the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Chelsea FC at The King Power Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Leicester, England. (Credit: Getty Images)
Players will be punished if they stand on the ball during football matches in Brazil, but what led to this controversial law change?
The decision by the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) came after Corinthians forward Memphis Depay performed the move in a game against Palmeiras which sparked a mass brawl between both teams.
The CBF has announced that players should be shown a yellow card if they stand on the ball with both feet and the opposing team awarded an indirect free-kick.
South American football expert Tim Vickery and BBC football reporter John Bennett joins World Football’s Ed Harry to discuss the law change and the reaction in Brazil.
Image: Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City standing on a ball prior tothe UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City and F.C. Copenhagen at Etihad Stadium on March 6, 2024 in Manchester, England.(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele has long had a big reputation, but is he now living up to his potential and could that lead to him winning football’s star prize?
The France international was once the second-most expensive player in history when he signed for Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 in a deal worth £135.5m, before joining Paris St-Germain in 2023 for just £43.5m.
After scoring 40 goals in 185 games for Barcelona, Dembele has gone onto become one of Europe’s most in-form forwards, scoring over 30 goals in all competitions in the 2024/25 season, including 21 goals in 26 league games to help PSG lift the Ligue 1 title.
So, what changed and could Dembele be rewarded with the Ballon d'Or? European football experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balagué and former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong join World Football’s John Bennett to discuss.
Image: Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #10 Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, on March 16, 2025. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton set the unwanted record of being the earliest team to be relegated in Premier League history after their relegation was confirmed in April 2025.
So, what’s it like as a player to be relegated and is the gulf getting bigger between England’s top-flight and the second-tier?
Former Premier League defender and current Sierra Leona captain Steven Caulker joins World Football’s Delyth Lloyd and George Addo to discuss.
Image: Dejection for Southampton players at the final whistle after relegation was confirmed during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 6, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport/CameraSport via Getty Images)
What do Australia, the US state of Wyoming and the German city of Bielefeld all have in common?
They're all locations subject to satirical conspiracy theories that claim they don't exist.
The 'Bielefeld conspiracy' remains one of the most popular Internet jokes originating in Germany, but their third-tier football team are well and truly putting them back on the map.
Arminia Bielefeld have become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season on their way to a surprise appearance in the German Cup final.
World Football's Delyth Lloyd is joined by football reporter Mani Djazmi, who's been finding out more.
Photo: Supporters of Bielefeld cheer their team during the 3. Liga match between Arminia Bielefeld and Erzgebirge Aue at Schueco Arena in Bielefeld, Germany. (Credit: Getty Images for DFB)
As Thomas Muller and Kevin De Bruyne get ready to leave their clubs at the end of the season, how will they be remembered? Thomas Muller has played the most games in the history of Bayern Munich with 743, while he is third on their all-time scorer's list with 247 goals and has won two Champions Leagues and 12 Bundesliga titles among 33 trophies in total with the German giants. German football expert Constantin Eckner joins World Football's Lee James to look back at Muller's legacy.
It's also the end of an era for Kevin De Bruyne, who announced that he'll be departing when Manchester City's season concluded.
The 33 year old has won 16 trophies since joining City from Wolfsburg in 2015, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023 - scoring 106 goals in 413 appearances in all competitions for City.
So how will he be remembered? The former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel and former Tottenham and Ireland defender Stephen Kelly shared their thoughts.
Photo: Thomas Mueller of Bayern Muenchen is injured during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Eintracht Frankfurt at Allianz Arena on February 23, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Credit: Sampics/Getty Images)
World Football’s Isaac Fanin finds out more about how "travel measures" introduced by US President Donald Trump led to Zambia's women's team withdrawing four United States-based players from their squad for a tournament in China.
The Football Association of Zambia announced captain and BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Prisca Chilufya and Grace Chanda would miss the Yongchuan International Tournament.
This comes after President Trump signed an executive order to draft a list of countries that will mean a partial or full suspension on visitors from some nations.
It is unclear if China is on the proposed list, but non-American residents have experienced increased difficulty in re-entering the country in recent months.
Sydney Mungala, communications manager at the Football Association of Zambia, tells World Football about the impact on the team’s preparations and the players and how it should be treated as a “wake up call” to other nations about the changes in the US.
Image: Gianni Infantino, president of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA), right, and US President Donald Trump, centre, during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Photographer: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Imagine having to wait 50 years for your work to be officially recognised.
That’s what happened to the women of St George Women's Soccer team, who represented Australia in the 1975 Asian Ladies Football Confederation tournament held in Hong Kong.
For years, their efforts were overlooked by the football authorities in Australia.
Now, Football Australia will recognise those players as the "First Matildas" by awarding them cap numbers ahead of Australia's game against South Korea.World Football’s Mani Djazmi tells John Bennet the inside story.
Photo: The St George Women's Soccer team, now known as ‘the first Matildas’ at Sydney Airport on August 21, 1975. (Credit: Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
Arminia Bielefeld captain Mael Corboz speaks to World Football’s Mike Williams after the German third-tier side stunned defending champions Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the German Cup.
Bielefeld won 2-1 to become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season.
The club had already beaten Union Berlin, Freiburg and Werder Bremen before their victory over the reigning Bundesliga champions.
Image: Joel Grodowski and teammates of Arminia Bielefeld celebrate victory after the DFB Cup Semi Final between DSC Arminia Bielefeld and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Schueco Arena on April 01, 2025 in Bielefeld, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
It’s the battle of the best in the Copa Libertadores – as teams from across South America compete in their version of the Champions League.
The past six editions have all been won by Brazilian clubs – and four of those finals have been all Brazilian affairs.
So, can anyone stop Brazil’s domination? World Football’s John Bennett is joined by BBC football reporter George Addo and Brazilian football journalist Renata Mendonca to discuss.
Image: Players of Botafogo celebrate with the trophy after winning the tournament following the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2024 Final between Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on November 30, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Marta is a Brazilian phenomenon. A six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, record goal scorer who’s even the hero of her opponents, but where did her love of football begin and what challenges has she faced in her incredible 20 year career? This is the story of Brazil’s global icon. Amongst others, you’ll hear from her former Brazil coach Pia Sundhage, Uefa’s head of women’s football Nadine Kessler, Marta’s Brazil teammate Cristiane and Marta’s first coach in Rio, Helena Pacheco. Marta burst on to the global stage as a 17-year-old at the 2003 World Cup and secured a breakthrough move to Sweden soon after, landing in snow at the airport. It was a world away from her home in Brazil. Yet in the five years in Sweden, Marta would arrive as a young talent and leave as the biggest global star the game has ever seen lighting up the 2007 World Cup; bamboozling the USA defence with her dribbling, speed and flair and one of the best goals on the grandest stage. Now with a cabinet full of medals and trophies, she topped her final appearance in a competitive match for Brazil by winning silver at the Paris Olympics. A fitting finale for Marta - who transformed the women’s game.
Image: Marta of Brazil celebrates a penalty during the Women's Football Semi Final between Brazil and Sweden on Day 11 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium on August 16, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
This is the story of the day when the USA women’s national team, dubbed the 99ers, became instant stars and how one photograph of match winner Brandi Chastain went on to inspire a nation.
2015 World Cup winner Heather O’Reilly takes you back to the start of the decade to uncover the challenges the women’s game faced during the 1990s with journalist and long-time sport reporter Kelly Whiteside all the way to 10 July 1999 - the day the 99ers won the World Cup 5-4 on penalties against China on home soil in front of record breaking crowds.
25 years on from this historic moment, hear from 99ers Joy Fawcett, Mia Hamm, Carla Overbeck, USA goalkeeper Briana Scurry and Brandi Chastain, plus hear from Robert Beck, the Sport Illustrated photographer who captured the most iconic photo in women’s football.
Produced by Sophia Hartley for the BBC World Service
Image: Captain Carla Overbeck #4 of the US Women's Soccer Team raises the World Cup Trophy, as the team celebrates their victory over Team China in the Championship match of the FIFA Women's World Cup at the Rose Bowl on July 10, 1999 in Pasadena, California. Team USA defeated Team China 5-4 in sudden death after two overtimes. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Hear the untold story of how a science teacher from Oslo made a speech that would change the future of women’s football.
In 1986, Ellen Wille became the first female to speak at a FIFA Congress and in a room full of men demanded women should have a FIFA World Cup and play football at the Olympics. Then FIFA President Joao Havelange and Vice President Sepp Blatter accepted the challenge, although it did take some time.
Within two years FIFA staged a Women’s Invitational Event, and still not ready to call it a FIFA World Cup in 1991, the Women’s FIFA World Championship for Women’s Football for the M&M’s Cup took place. That’s not easy to say!
Finally – although it took nine years – in 1995 Sweden hosted the first FIFA Women’s World Cup and, significantly for Ellen, it was her home nation Norway who lifted the trophy.
Caroline Barker went to Oslo to track down Ellen Wille. She speaks to former president of the Football Association of Norway, Per Ravn Omdal; current President Lise Klaveness; and Norway’s 1995 World Cup winners Hege Riise and Linda Meladen.
Presented by Caroline Barker
Produced by Sophia Hartley for the BBC World Service
Photo: Ellen Wille speaking to the BBC World Service (Credit: BBC)
John Bennett presents reaction from outside the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan after a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations final between hosts Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
John gets perspective from both nations as he’s joined by Ivorian football journalist Salia Dramé and Nigerian broadcaster Fisayo Dairo.
Friend of the pod George Addo also drops by to give his view on the tournament.
John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon and Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong to look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria in Abidjan.
We hear from former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou on his mentoring relationship with one of the Ivorian stars of the tournament, Brighton winger Simon Adingra.
We also go behind the scenes in the Nigeria camp with their ex media officer Oluwatoyin Ibitoye who is now following the team as a broadcaster.
In a bonus episode, John Bennett is joined by a legend of Ivory Coast football and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winner Kolo Toure.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender shares his Afcon memories, including lifting the trophy in 2015.
He also assesses the current squad, and looks ahead to the final against Nigeria.
John Bennett is joined by a host of guests to react to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in Ivory Coast. Ivorian football journalist Salia Dramé and Afcon broadcaster Patrick Juillard join John to assess the hosts' 1-0 win over DR Congo which sees them through to the final. We are also joined by former South African captain Dean Furman and Nigerian writer Fisayo Dairo after the Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana on penalties.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani as they look ahead to the semi-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
We hear how Gaby rates the chances of his nation against the hosts Ivory Coast, while the guys assess how Nigeria may manage without star striker Victor Osimhen should he not be fit to face South Africa.
We also catch up with pod regular Sebastien Bassong and get his views on the final four, plus we hear from legendary Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph Antoine-Bell, who gives us his assessment of South Africa’s Ronwen Williams following his standout performance in the quarter-finals, saving four penalties against Cape Verde.
Host nation Ivory Coast produced another amazing escape act as Oumar Diakite's 122nd-minute winner sent the 10-man Elephants into the semi-finals at heartbroken Mali's expense. They’ll face DR Congo in the last four. South Africa will take on Nigeria after their penalty shoot-out win against Cape Verde. We hear from the South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams who saved four penalties.
Get in touch with your views on the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and send us a WhatsApp voice note. Tell us your name and where you are from to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former South Africa captain Dean Furman to assess their 2-1 win on penalties over Cape Verde which saw goalkeeper Ronwen Williams save four spot kicks to see them through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
We also discuss a dramatic last gasp victory for hosts Ivory Coast who beat Mali 2-1 thanks to a goal in added time at the end of extra time with Patrick Juillard and George Addo.
And we look ahead to the semi finals which take place on Wednesday.
Get in touch with your views on the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and send us a WhatsApp voice note. Tell us your name and where you are from to +44 800 032 0470.
Join John Bennett in Abidjan as Nigeria and DR Congo reach the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria beat Angola 1-0, while DR Congo won 3-1 against Guinea.
John is joined by African football expert Maher Mezahi to assess whether Nigeria have enough to go on and win it, while former DR Congo captain and friend of the pod Gabriel Zakuani drops by to celebrate his nations victory.
We also hear from one of Ivory Coast’s golden generation, the former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue as he looks ahead to their semi versus Mali, while ex South Africa women’s captain Amanda Dlamini gives us the inside track on Bafana Bafana as they prepare to face Cape Verde.
Send us your WhatsApp voice notes throughout the tournament on +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by Ghanaian broadcaster George Addo after arriving in Abidjan to preview the quarter-final matches at the Africa Cup of Nations in a bonus edition.
In an unpredictable tournament, John and George do the unthinkable, and try and predict which way the matches will go.
We hear who will progress between Nigeria and Angola and who between Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea will reach the last four. Both games take place on Friday 2 February.
Will hosts Ivory Coast be celebrating a final spot or will they be knocked out by Mali? That game is played on Saturday 3 February as well as the match between Cape Verde and South Africa.
We want to hear from you, send us your WhatsApp voice notes to +44 0800 032 0870. Tell us your name, where you are from, your question, and we will use a selection during the show.
Mike McCarthy is joined by former South Africa captain Dean Furman and former Cameroon defender Sebastian Bassong to reflect on another big Afcon shock as South Africa eliminate World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in a 2-0 win.
Meanwhile Mali see off Burkina Faso 2-1 as the quarter-final line-up is completed. We look ahead to the last eight and ask, who are the favourites now?
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani as they react to a huge match in the last-16 at the Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Ivory Coast beat holders Senegal 5-4 on penalties after the game had finished 1-1 after extra-time.
John and Gaby also discuss Cape Verde’s 1-0 win over Mauritania which sees them progress to a quarter-final match against Guinea.
We also hear from former South Africa captain Dean Furman ahead of their game against Morocco on Tuesday.
Get in touch with your WhatsApp voice notes on +44 800 032 0470. Tell us your name and where you are from and we will use a selection in the show.
Nishat Ladha is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani on a famous night for the nation in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
DR Congo beat Egypt 8-7 on penalties after their last-16 match finished 1-1 after extra time. It means Mo Salah’s hopes of returning from injury and playing a part for Egypt later in the tournament have ended after an epic set of penalties, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scoring the winning penalty.
We also discuss Guinea’s dramatic last gasp 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.
And we look ahead to Monday’s matches as the hosts Ivory Coast prepare to face holders Senegal, while two of the surprise packages of the tournament, Cape Verde and Mauritania, face each other for a place in the quarter-finals.
Keep sending us your voice notes by WhatsApp to be included in the show. Tell us your name, where you are from and your Afcon question to +44 800 032 0470.
Nishat Ladha is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to reflect on the opening matches of the knock-out stages as Nigeria beat Cameroon 2-nil with two goals from Ademola Lookman while Angola were 3-nil winners against Namibia. Plus a look ahead to Sunday’s matches in the last sixteen as Equatorial Guinea face Guinea and the seven-time champions Egypt play DR Congo.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
In a special episode of World Football at Afcon, John Bennett is joined by former Nigeria defender Efe Ambrose who shares his memories of the Super Eagles 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory in South Africa.
Ambrose describes the build up to the tournament and takes us inside the dressing room following their memorable quarter-final win over a much fancied Ivory Coast side, including an inspirational message from Didier Drogba.
We also hear about the togetherness of the squad which saw them beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
John and a variety of guests are with you every match day throughout the tournament to bring you all of the drama and excitement from Ivory Coast.
You can get involved too, send us your Afcon questions via WhatsApp voice note to +44 800 032 0470. Tell us your name and where you’re contacting us from and we’ll use a selection of your views in the show.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and former South Africa captain Dean Furman.
They discuss Morocco's victory over Zambia, which booked them top spot in Group F, a result that sealed hosts Ivory Coast a place in the last 16 despite sacking manager Jean-Louis Gasset earlier in the day. They also analyse the elimination of 2004 champions Tunisia from the tournament after a 0-0 draw against South Africa and talk about Namibia making it to the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Plus, now we know the full line-up, there's a look-ahead to the last 16.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani to analyse Algeria's shock 1-0 defeat to Mauritania, who had never won a game at Afcon before.
It means that the 2019 champions Algeria are out and Mauritania go through.
They are joined by former Cameroon Afcon winner Patrick Suffo to discuss his nation's dramatic and late 3-2 win over The Gambia which took them into the last 16.
Meanwhile they look ahead to the final group games on Wednesday involving the likes of Morocco, Tunisia, DR Congo and South Africa.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani, plus ex-Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba and 2015 Afcon finalist with Ghana Kwesi Appiah. They discuss Ivory Coast's 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea, which means their hopes of going through to the last 16 are hanging by a thread. They also analyse Ghana's 2-2 draw with Mozambique which means they're all but out of the tournament. Meanwhile there's reaction to Egypt squeezing through after a 2-2 draw with Cape Verde and Nigeria booking a last 16 place with a win over Guinea- Bissau. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
Maz Farookhi is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to assess their 1-1 draw against Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Maz and Gaby discuss Zambia’s point against Tanzania, earned through a late Patson Daka header, and assess South Africa’s big win over Namibia.
There’s also a lookahead to the big games on Monday in Group A and Group B, with qualification spots up for grabs for the likes of hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana.
Plus reaction to Egypt’s key man Mo Salah returning to club side Liverpool for treatment on the injury which is expected to rule him out until the semi-finals.
Get involved throughout the tournament - Send us your questions with a WhatsApp voice note. Tell us your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong. They discuss Algeria's 2-2 draw with Burkina Faso, where a Baghdad Bounedjah's 95th-minute equaliser salvaged a second point for the North African side who haven't won an AFCON match since winning the tournament in 2019.
They also analyse a 5-goal thriller between Angola and Mauritania, which Angola won to close in on the last 16 and a 1-1 draw between Tunisia and Mali. Plus they look ahead to Sunday's games. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to assess holders Senegal after their 3-1 victory over Cameroon. Ismaila Sarr scored the first for Senegal and set up the second, with Sadio Mane adding the third goal.
Senegal top the group while Cameroon have work to do in order to qualify for the knockout stages.
We discuss Cape Verde’s qualification for the last 16 following their 3-0 win over Mozambique, and analyse Guinea’s 1-0 win over Gambia.
Plus, following the update on Mo Salah’s fitness, John and Gabriel look at how the Liverpool forward's injury may impact on Egypt’s chances in Ivory Coast.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo Captain Gabriel Zakuani and 2015 Afcon finalist with Ghana, Kwesi Appiah. They discuss Ghana's 2-2 draw with Egypt, which saw Mohammed Kudus score twice but Mohamed Salah forced off with an injury.
They also analyse Nigeria's impressive 1-0 win over the hosts Nigeria and talk about the first Afcon hat-trick since 2008. Plus, there's a preview of Senegal against Cameroon.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett and former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani discuss one of the Afcon favourites Morocco, who started their campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over 10-man Tanzania.
Gabriel also gives his views on his team's Afcon opener against Zambia which ended 1-1 despite DR Congo dominating. Plus, we preview some great games on day six of the tournament with the help of Nigeria's Alex Iwobi.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani to react to an historic win for Namibia over Tunisia.
It's Namibia's first ever win at an Africa Cup of Nations - but can Tunisia bounce back from the shock defeat? Plus, we hear what they made of the wins for Burkina Faso and Mali on day four of the tournament. And they look ahead to day five when DR Congo and Morocco start their campaigns. Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong and former South Africa captain Dean Furman as they review the action on day three of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
We get their views on a stunning performance by 20-year-old Lamine Camara in Senegal's 3-0 victory over The Gambia. He scored twice, including one of the early favourites for goal of the season.
Plus, we hear what they made of a frustrating 1-1 draw for Cameroon against ten-man Guinea, and Algeria's 1-1 draw against underdogs Angola.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong and Ghana international Kwesi Appiah as they review the action on day two of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
We get Kwesi’s view on Ghana’s performance in their 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde and react to Mo Salah’s last-gasp penalty equaliser for Egypt which denied Mozambique a first ever win at the tournament.
Plus we hear from Nigeria’s Afcon winner Efe Ambrose as the Super Eagles play out a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by former DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani and ex South Africa captain Dean Furman as they react to hosts Ivory Coast 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The team discuss the performance from the hosts and how they could do in the rest of the tournament, as well as looking forward to match day two, which sees nations including Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana begin their campaigns.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voic enote with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
John Bennett is joined by Ghanaian football journalist George Addo, former Cameroon international Sebastien Bassong and former DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani to look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.
The team run through who they think will win, who could be the surprise package and what to expect from African football’s biggest event.
Throughout the tournament we want to hear from you. You can send us your voice notes via WhatsApp and we will play a selection of them on the show. Send a voice note with your name, where you’re from & your comment to +44 800 032 0470.
The drama, the excitement and the big talking points – every match day. Star guests join the BBC’s John Bennett and George Addo for reaction and analysis.
We’ll take you from the group stage all the way to the final, with everything you need to know from one of the biggest tournaments in the global game. Episodes released from 10th January.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has made an impressive start since joining the London club in the summer, bringing optimism back to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with his style of play and a spell at the top of the Premier League table.
The former Celtic manager has been successful elsewhere in the football world, particularly in his native Australia and Japan. How did these experiences influence Postecoglou and what legacy has he had on the countries where he’s coached before?
Sportsworld’s Delyth Lloyd is joined by Mani Djazmi as they hear from Postecoglou’s former assistant Peter Cklamovski, who is now the head coach at FC Tokyo, and former Australia captain Mark Milligan, who played under Postecoglou for Australia and Melbourne Victory.
Photo: Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on December 3, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Credit: Offside via Getty Images)
Spain beat England 1-0 to win their first FIFA World Cup. Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith are joined by former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley to discuss the final and Spain manager Jorge Vilda’s role and future.
Image: Ivana Andres of Spain lifts the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy following victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Katie Smith, Mani Djazmi and Maz Farookhi take a ferry trip down the Parramatta River from Sydney's Circular Quay to the Olympic Park, where tomorrow either Spain or England will be crowned world champions for the very first time at Stadium Australia.
We hear from Women's Champions League-winning coach Lluis Cortes, Women's European Championship winner Jill Scott, Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes and two-time Women’s World Cup-winning manager Jill Ellis, as well as England captain Millie Bright and Spanish football journalist Sara Gutierrez, as we build up to Sunday's tournament finale.
Image: The World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park on July 20, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
In 2021, Afghanistan's women's national players fled Kabul to Australia, following the return to power of the Taliban. No women's team representing Afghanistan has kicked a ball in international football since.
We catch up with goalkeeper Fati, who's now living and studying in Melbourne, to find out what life's like in Australia, what she wants from FIFA, and how the Women's World Cup has impacted her.
Image: Footballer Fatima Yousufi speaks during the Angel City Equity Summit at Sydney Opera House on August 04, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)
Join Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith at Stadium Australia in Sydney as they reflect on England reaching the Women's World Cup final for the very first time after beating the co-hosts 3-1.
We hear from England's match-winner Lauren Hemp, and BBC Sport's Emma Sanders drops by to discuss how Sarina Wiegman has taken the European champions to the brink of becoming World champions.
Meanwhile, it's the end of the road for the Matildas. Former Australia international Elissia Carnavas joins us to reflect on their run to the semi-finals and discuss the legacy this tournament could have for the development of women's football in Australia.
Image: Players of England celebrate following victory during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Maz Farookhi is in Auckland as Spain reach their first final in only their third World Cup finals appearance thanks to second half strikes from teenage sensation Salma Paralluelo and captain Olga Carmona.
Joining Maz is Spanish radio reporter Sara Gutierrez and Swedish journalist Amanda Zaza to chat about the pulsating semi-final. We also hear from New Zealand Herald’s Michael Burgess about what the tournament has done to football in New Zealand and how the last five weeks will be remembered.
As it’s the final match in New Zealand, we’ll also be hearing about the significance of the Maori performing art; Poi and why it’s been an ever present at grounds across New Zealand during the competition.
Finally, Katie Smith is in Sydney ahead of the second semi-final between co-hosts Australia and the European Champions England.
Photo: Jennifer Hermoso of Spain celebrates with her teammates after winning Sweden during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park on August 15, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith are in Sydney and Maz Farookhi is in Auckland for the final week of the Women’s World Cup. Ahead of the first semi-final between Spain v Sweden, former Spain captain Verónica Boquete chats to Maz about what makes this Spanish team special despite the players complex relationship with head coach Jorge Vilda.
We also hear from Sweden and Everton defender Nathalie Bjorn on the excitement back home and learning from their past tournament failures and Australia midfielder Tameka Yallop says their peaking at the right time as the Matilda’s face England in the second semi-final.
Photo: Spain forward Salma Paralluelo celebrates scoring her team's second goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup quarter-final football match between Spain and the Netherlands at Wellington Stadium. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Join Maz Farookhi as she travels to Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand’s only professional football club to see the impact of the Women’s World Cup.
The club was founded in 2007 but the women’s team was only formed two years ago.
Maz chats with Phoenix head coach Paul Temple and Katie Barrott, female development lead at the club about what it’s like running the only professional women’s team in the country and how the World Cup will change New Zealand’s relationship with football.
Photo: Maz Farookhi with Paul Temple and Katie Barrott (Copyright: BBC Sport)
Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane, as co-hosts Australia reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the very first time after beating France 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout after it finished goalless after 120 minutes.
Mani speaks to ecstatic Australia fans outside the Brisbane Stadium, as Matildas mania sweeps across the country. We hear from a passionate Australia manager Tony Gustavsson after leading his history-making team into the last four, while France manager Herve Renard reflects on his side's dramatic exit from the tournament. An emotional Samantha Lewis from ABC News stops by to try and sum up what this achievement means for Australian women's football.
Elsewhere, Katie Smith is in Sydney speaking to more delirious Aussie fans following their historic win. Australia will face England in the semi-finals at Stadium Australia on Wednesday after coming from a goal down to beat Colombia. Katie reflects on a good night's work for Sarina Wiegman's side with former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.
Image: (L-R) Mary Fowler, Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley of Australia celebrate the team’s victory through the penalty shootout following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Australia and France at Brisbane Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Join Maz Farookhi in Wellington as Spain reach their first ever World Cup semi-final following a 2-1 victory over 2019 runners up Netherlands. A goal from Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo in the 111th minute was enough for Jorge Vilda’s side to progress to the last four.
Maz spoke to Laia Cervello from The Athletic about the achievement and what it means for women’s football in the country. We'll also hear from Dutch journalist Jeroen van Barneveld about what went wrong for the Netherlands. Spain will meet Sweden for a place in the final after they beat Japan 2-1 in Auckland.
Meanwhile, Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane ahead of co-hosts Australia's quarter-final against France. Mani speaks to France manager Herve Renard about the challenge of facing a partisan Aussie crowd, while Australia manager Tony Gustavsson and defender Ellie Carpenter give us some insight into their preparations ahead of such a big game.
Katie Smith is in Sydney as European Champions England get ready to face Colombia.
Image: Salma Paralluelo of Spain celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between Spain and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith are back together to preview the four quarter-finals.
Maz joins from Wellington to tell us about a quite extraordinary Netherlands press conference involving manager Andries Jonker and forward Lineth Beerensteyn ahead of their game against Spain. Beerensteyn doesn't hold back in her criticism of the USA.
Katie is in Sydney to talk about her chat with England midfielder Lucy Staniforth, and Mani speaks to the woman who is credited with coming up with the Matildas' name for the Australia women's football team. She tells us the tale, which involved a mechanical kangaroo and a famous Royal.
Image: Hayley Raso (L) and Emily Van Egmond of Australia (R) celebrates with her teammates after winning Denmark during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Australia and Runner Up Group D at Stadium Australia. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Katie Smith is in Melbourne where Colombia have made history, booking their spot in the last eight for the first time beating Jamaica 1-0. Katie catches up with Colombian journalist Valentina Pena to talk about the battle of the underdogs - how does the team's mentality change when they are not the lower ranked side trying to defy expectation? Plus, she gets immersed in the Colombian after party as thousands of fans celebrate outside the stadium.
And after touching down in Brisbane, Mani Djazmi is joined by French football journalist Lisa Leroux and Moroccan football journalist Amine El Amri to reflect on France's 4-0 thrashing of Morocco in Adelaide, as the French set up a mouth-watering quarter final clash with co-hosts Australia on Saturday.
Photo: Catalina Usme of Colombia celebrates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Colombia and Jamaica. (Credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
There’s huge celebrations in Sydney where Australia comfortably made it through to the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Denmark.
Mani Djazmi spoke to jubilant Matildas fans and the ABC’s Samantha Lewis to discuss the goals, increased expectations and the return of captain Sam Kerr for her first appearance since injury at her home World Cup.
Plus, England survived a scare to beat Nigeria on penalties after it finished goalless remarkably after 90 minutes. Who will they face in the quarterfinals?
In Melbourne, Katie Smith has been to the Jamaica camp to speak to manager Lorne Donaldson and player Deneisha Blackwood ahead of their last 16 tie against Colombia.
Photo: Hayley Raso and Emily Van Egmond of Australia celebrate with team-mates after beating Denmark during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Australia and Runner Up Group D at Stadium Australia on August 7, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Katie Smith is in Melbourne, where Sweden have knocked out the back-to-back defending world champions USA in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Katie speaks to jubilant Sweden fans and dejected USA supporters. A relieved Björn Nordling from SVT reflects on Sweden's victory and looks ahead to their quarter final against Japan, while Emily Olsen, soccer editor for The Athletic, stops by to discuss where it all went wrong from the USA.
Elsewhere in Sydney, Mani Djazmi spoke to both managers after the Netherlands’ 2-0 win over South Africa in their last 16 encounter.
Image: Sweden's forward Lina Hurtig and teammates celebrate their win during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup round of 16 football match between Sweden and USA at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne on August 6, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)
2011 winners Japan beat Norway 3-1 to make it through to the quarter finals of the World Cup. Japanese sports writer Masujima Midori joins Maz Farookhi to discuss the teams performance.
The Athletic's Laia Cervelló Herrero also stops by to chat all things Jorge Vilda as Spain thrash Switzerland 5-1 to become the first team in the last eight.
Katie Smith is in Melbourne speaking to United States captain Alex Morgan as the World Champions arrive in Australia for their knockout match against Sweden.
Photo: Risa Shimizu of Japan and West Ham United celebrates after scoring her sides first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between Japan and Norway at Wellington Regional Stadium on August 5, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In today's episode, Mani Djazmi, Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith reflect on Morocco's miraculous progression to the last 16 at the Women’s World Cup.
Mani chats to two-time World Cup-winner with Germany, Nadine Angerer, about the country’s shock elimination, while the team preview all eight round of 16 matches.
Former Switzerland international Tatjana Haenni drops by to talk about Switzerland's chances, while Mani speaks at length to the Netherlands manager Andries Jonker about the influence of Louis van Gaal and his side's epic travels across the Tasman.
Photo: Morocco players celebrate advancing to the knock out stage after the 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)
Katie Smith and Mani Djazmi are in Melbourne as Jamaica make history by becoming the first men's or women's Caribbean team to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup.
Jamaican journalist Wayde Brown from Irie FM joins us at the Rectangular Stadium to discuss the scale of the Reggae Girlz' achievement and how it will be received back home. Brazilian journalist Ricardo Setyon also stops by to discuss Brazil's shock elimination and whether this is the end for Brazilian superstar Marta.
There was more history making across the Tasman in New Zealand, where Maz Farookhi has been in wintery Wellington as the African Champions South Africa have reached the last 16 for the first time after beating Italy 3-2. We hear from Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellies about their historic achievement.
Image: Deneisha Blackwood and Vyan Sampson of Jamaica celebrate advancing to the knockout stage after the scoreless draw in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Maz Farookhi is in Auckland as the four-time winners of the World Cup, the United States are into the knockout stages of the World Cup following a 0-0 draw with Portugal.
Maz speaks to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jonathan Tannenwald, New York Times World Editor Andrew Das and Tatjana Haenni, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chief Sporting Director, about why the USA have found this tournament so difficult and what areas they need to improve going forward.
Image: Alex Morgan of USA and San Diego Wave during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between Portugal and USA at Eden Park on August 1, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Katie Smith and Mani Djazmi are joined by not one, not two, but three former Australian internationals in the shape of Mark Schwarzer, Amy Chapman and Alicia Ferguson to reflect on the Matildas’ 4-0 thrashing of Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne to progress to the last 16 as group winners. We also hear from former Colombia international Vanessa Cordoba following Colombia’s shock 2-1 win over two-time world champions Germany in Sydney on Sunday.
Photo:Steph Catley of Australia (C) celebrates her goal with her teammates during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Canada and Australia at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on July 31, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Credit: Richard Callis/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
New Zealand become the first ever hosts of the Women’s World Cup to exit at the group stage, after their 0-0 draw with Switzerland. Maz Farookhi speaks to former Football Fern Bex Sowden about New Zealand’s elimination from the tournament and what this means for the football in the country.
Former winners Norway are the second team to make it through following their 6-0 thrashing of Philippines. Norwegian journalist Caroline Simonsen explains why the national team blow so hot and cold.
Mani Djazmi is in Brisbane as star Australia forward Sam Kerr says she’ll definitely be playing in their crunch match against Olympic champions Canada on Monday. Former Australia international Amy Chapman chats to Mani about the significances of this news. Mani is joined by Maz Farookhi and Katie Smith to discuss Kerr and the increase of injuries at this World Cup as England’s Keira Walsh becomes the latest player to pick up a knock at this tournament.
Mani Djazmi reflects on Nigeria's shock 3-2 victory over hosts Australia, while Maz Farookhi is in Wellington with reaction to an entertaining 1-1 draw between the USA and the Netherlands, in a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final.
After Nigeria’s win against Australia, a side 30 places above them in the rankings, Mani hears from their jubilant fans on the streets of Brisbane accompanied by the soundtrack of celebratory drums.
The Guardian’s Jeff Kassouf and Dutch journalist Jeroen van Barneveld join Maz in New Zealand to bring you the perspective from the two 2019 World Cup finalists after their group stage meeting. Also hear from the supporters of both nations.
Image: Osinachi Ohale and Onome Ebi of Nigeria celebrate the team's 3-1 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group B match between Australia and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)
It’s a tale of two cities on the latest World Football. Maz Farookhi is in Wellington and Katie Smith is in Auckland as the Philippines score their first ever World Cup goal and get their first ever World Cup win against co- hosts New Zealand.
We hear from former Football Fern Maia Jackman about what went wrong for New Zealand and Radyo Pilipinas’ Aaron Bayato on the historic win.
Katie has also been to Spain’s training base ahead of their next match where she caught up with journalist Laia Cervello.
Photo: Olivia McDaniel (C) and Philippines players celebrate the team's 1-0 victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Philippines at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi is in Melbourne as two-time world champions Germany hit debutants Morocco for six in their tournament opener.
Argentina's wait for a first World Cup win goes on as they are beaten by Italy. Katie Smith is joined by Argentinian commentator Andres Cantor who went viral on social media eight months ago when he got to call the moment that Lionel Messi guided the men's side to World Cup glory. He discusses whether Argentina's women can galvanize similar support in the country.
Maz Farookhi has moved onto Wellington ahead of New Zealand’s second match of the tournament against the Philippines on Wednesday. Football fever has definitely hit New Zealand with the squad dominating the media landscape - they’ve even knocked the All Blacks off the top of the sport bulletins. Maz is joined by Kiwi journalist Philip Rollo to preview the match.
And Mani catches up with the South Korea manager Colin Bell to discuss their tournament opener against Colombia and his love of singing!
Mani Djazmi and Maz Farookhi reflect on holders USA's opening game win over Vietnam in Auckland, including hearing from Meg Linehan, senior writer for The Athletic.
And we speak to FIFA assistant referee Heba Saadiyeh, who is the first Palestinian to participate in either a men's or women's FIFA World Cup.
Photo: Lindsey Horan (L) of USA celebrates with teammate Megan Rapinoe (R) after scoring her team's third goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group E match between USA and Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22, 2023 in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand. (Credit: FIFA via Getty Images)
The Philippines become the second country to make their World Cup debut and Maz speaks to journalist Ryan Fenix about what it was like to be in the stadium to watch his country.
Katie Smith is in Melbourne as Nigeria’s goalkeeper saves them from defeat and we’ll hear from USA defender Naomi Girma as she prepares to burst onto the scene.
Photo: Philippines players applaud fans after the team's 0-2 defeat in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between Philippines and Switzerland at Dunedin Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Dunedin / Ōtepoti, New Zealand. (Credit: Getty Images)
World Football's Maz Farookhi is in Auckland to discuss New Zealand's first ever win at a Women's World Cup as Hannah Wilkinson’s goal stunned Norway. There was a minute’s silence before kick-off for the victims of a deadly shooting in Auckland on Thursday morning which overshadowed the opening game.
Elsewhere there’s relief for co-hosts Australia - Mani Djazmi sees the co-hosts get off the mark with a win against the Republic of Ireland, without their talismanic striker Sam Kerr who’s been ruled out of the first two games with injury.
(Image: Hannah Wilkinson of New Zealand celebrates the team’s first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 Group A match between New Zealand and Norway at Eden Park. Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
As the Australian Matildas get ready to kick off their home World Cup campaign, Katie Smith goes back to a time when life was very different for the women representing the national side when they weren’t full time professionals selling out stadiums, when money was tight and publicity almost non-existent.
Let’s go back to 1999 - a year out from the Sydney Olympics, when Australian sports teams were desperate to get media coverage and capitalise on a game changing event for the nation. That’s where the Matildas’ nude calendar idea came from - pose naked, gain attention, challenge gender stereotypes, raise funds - but it didn’t end up being that simple.
Katie met up with former Matilda Tracie McGovern, who featured in that now infamous calendar, to take a trip back in time.
With just two days to go until the world’s biggest ever women’s sports event kicks off in New Zealand and Australia, World Football’s Mani Djazmi and Katie Smith are in Sydney, with Maz Farookhi in Auckland to preview the start of the tournament.
They discuss the hosts, the favourites and the debutants, including in-depth interviews with the two-time World Cup winner with the USA, Carli Lloyd; Australia goalkeeper Lydia Williams, one of only two players of aboriginal descent in the Matildas squad; and Panama midfielder Riley Tanner discusses the nation’s World Cup debut.
Photo: The FIFA Women's World Cup trophy is seen during its unveiling event on April 14, 2023. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
Sam Kerr is at the pinnacle of her career. She’s won her fourth Women’s Super League title with Chelsea, another FA Cup and is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football, winning multiple Golden Boot awards across the globe.
And now the Australian record goal scorer and captain, who was inspired by Cathy Freeman’s gold medal winning race at the Sydney Olympics, is the face of the 2023 World Cup – looking for her team’s own iconic moment -where a nation stops to watch.
So where did it all begin for Sam Kerr? Maz Farookhi and Jenny Wallace find out. 1993 was the year Australia’s most famous sporting icon Shane Warne bowled the Ball of the Century, but it’s also the year the future Matildas captain was born in Perth and in to a family passionate about Aussie rules football.
You’ll meet the Kerr camp: the coaches, players and family that have played their part in her rise to the top including back to back World Cup winner, USA’s Carli Lloyd, Australia teammates Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, plus her parents Roger and Roxanne.
(Producer: Joanne Smith)
(Image: An image of Australia's Sam Kerr is projected onto the Sydney Opera House on September 05, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Credit: Getty Images)
Delyth Lloyd and Mani Djazmi profile the players who could make their breakthrough on the global stage at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Journalist Jen O’Neill joins the team to discuss the players to look out for, and the big names who will miss the tournament including England captain Leah Williamson.
We’ll also hear from Sophia Smith after her call up to the USA squad.
Photo: A general view of the OCEAUNZ footballs, the official match ball of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, before a behind closed doors training match between Republic of Ireland and Germany at Marbella Football Centre in Marbella, Spain. (Credit: Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi and Sarah Mulkerrins profile the eight teams set to make their Women’s World Cup debuts at the upcoming tournament in Australia and New Zealand. They’re joined by journalist Jen O’Neill as the team go around the globe hearing from some of the players who will be representing their nation on the biggest stage.Louise Quinn of Ireland describes how excitement is building in the squad, while there are also interviews with Reina Bonta of the Phillipines, Panama’s Riley Tanner and Morocco and Tottenham forward Rosella Ayane.(Image: The World Cup trophy is displayed at an official Maori welcome. Photo by William West / AFP via Getty Images)
In the last weekly edition of the programme, presenter Mani Djazmi, Heather O'Reilly and Pat Nevin reflect on 22 years of World Football.
Former World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly and former professional player Pat Nevin join Mani Djazmi to discuss FIFA - football's world governing body decision to have a 48 team men's World Cup which will have 104 matches and spread across six weeks. Guinea is a country that has never qualified for the World Cup and Mani speaks to their goalkeeper Aly Keita who is in favour of expanding the competition. The team also discuss the ongoing disagreement between United States coach Greg Berhalter and former teammate Claudio Reyna. Berhalter was cleared by an legal investigation into an incident of domestic violence 30 years ago. The incident from 1992 was brought to light by former USA players Claudio and Danielle Reyna who are parents of one of the USA's current players, Geo. They've been friends with the Berhalters for decades but were unhappy about the lack of playing time. The report also revealed new facts about Claudio Reyna whom, it says, was uncooperative and a pushy parent.Plus have a panel accidentally started a riot? That's after a title-deciding match between Al-Ahed and Al-Ansar couldn't finish after a goal scored in injury-time by Ahed's Scottish striker Lee Erwin sparked a riot by Ansar fans who set seats on fire and threw them onto the pitch forcing the refereeing officials to run for cover.We'll also hear a special guest!
Mani Djazmi is joined by Pat Nevin and Heather O’Reilly for the latest episode of World Football. We speak to President of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, about her ambitions to join UEFA and the importance of having female leaders in football.And new Major League Soccer club St Louis City have started with two wins from two in the Western Conference - their sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel tells us how excited the city of St Louis is about their journey.Photo: Norway Football Federation president Lise Klaveness talks during the 72nd FIFA Congress on March 31, 2022 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in Doha, Qatar. (Credit: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Turkish football writer Bora Isyar tells us about the resumption of the Turkish Süper Lig and the reaction of Besiktas fans, who threw toys onto the pitch in protest against the government’s handling of the earthquakes’ aftermath. After the racist abuse of David Alaba for not voting for Karim Benzema in FIFA’s awards, and Pepe’s refusal to vote for Lionel Messi, we ask if players should have a say in awards. And we discuss the return to football of Jurgen Klinsmann.Photo: Teddy bears and toys thrown on the field to be sent to the earthquake zone of the Vodafone Park Stadium prior to the Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Besiktas and Fraport TAV Antalyaspor, in Istanbul, Turkiye on February 26, 2023. (Credit: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Haiti's Chelsea Supris celebrates reaching the World Cup for the very first time in the country's history. And as football resumes in Turkey following the devastating earthquakes, the Gambian international Lamin Jallow finds himself searching for a new club after his team withdrew from the league.Picture on website: Haiti's Roselord Borgella celebrates during their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Playoff game against Chile. (Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Papua New Guinea captain Rayleen Bauelua looks ahead to the World Cup qualification play-offs.Picture on website: Papua New Guinea women's soccer team line up before a friendly game against the Philippines. (Photo by Luis Veniegra/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Hatayspor defender Kamil Çörekçi provides an eyewitness account of the earthquake which has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria. He tells us how he and his family survived and how he is still haunted by the traumatic experience, unable to sleep. He says he’s feeling lucky, but also guilty to have survived.Picture on website: An aerial view shows destroyed buildings after a deadly earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria. (Photo by OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images)
AC Monza captain Matteo Pessina reflects on a successful week, beating Juventus and passing an economics exam. And we speak to Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris as they prepare to become the first MLS team to play in the FIFA Club World Cup.Picture on website: AC Monza's Matteo Pessina celebrates after beating Juventus. (Claudio Benedetto/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Pays de Cassel player Ayrance Leganase looks back on his team's 7-nil loss to PSG in the Coupe de France. Having once been told he might need to have his left foot amputated, he got to share the pitch with Neymar and Mbappe. We also hear from Darvel's hero Jordan Kirkpatrick following their shock win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup.Picture on website: Neymar Jr has a laugh with opponent Nicolas Bruneel during the round of 16 French Cup match between Pays de Cassel and Paris Saint-Germain. (Glenn Gervot/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Former Cameroon player Patrick Suffo and agent Paulo Teixeira discuss the issue of age fraud in football. Plus, Pat Nevin gives his views on the latest decisions made by football's law makers IFAB. Presented by Mani Djazmi.Picture on website: A supporter of Cameroon holds the national flag. (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)
We pay tribute to the former Italy, Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea player Gianluca Vialli who sadly died last week. Plus, we meet Palestinian refugee Heba Saadia who's been selected as one of the Assistant Referees at this year's Women's World Cup. She grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus but since the Syrian civil war started, has moved around the world with her family. No Palestinian has ever reached this level in football before.Picture on website: Gianluca Vialli greets supporters after Italy won Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium. (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
In the second part of our interview with Roy Hodgson, he reflects on troubled times at Liverpool and England. He also talks about retirement, the role of luck in football. and the joy of ending his career by going full circle and returning to Crystal Palace.This has been re-uploaded after the original programme was replaced by a tribute to Pele.
Brazilian journalist Ricardo Setyon reflects on Pele's funeral. The former USA international Heather O'Reilly gives her view on a shocking story involving the coach of the USA men's team. And we speak to the former Kenyan international Martin Imbalambala who went blind overnight.Picture on website: Pelé jerseys on display at Vila Belmiro Stadium. (Leandro Bernardes/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Friends and former team-mates pay their respects to Pele. The former Brazil and Santos player Rildo tells us how Pele halted the Nigerian civil war, and the former New York Cosmos defender Werner Roth shares a story involving Pele, a baby shark and a bathtub. We also hear from Brazilian journalist Ricardo Setyon.Picture on website: Pele in action during World Cup 1970 in a game against Czechoslovakia. (Photo by Monte Fresco/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
In the second part of our interview with Roy Hodgson, he reflects on troubled times at Liverpool and England. He also talks about the retirement, the role of luck in football, and the joy of his ending his career by going full circle and returning to Crystal Palace.Picture on website: Roy Hodgson at Goodison Park (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The former Inter Milan, Liverpool and England coach Roy Hodgson remembers his early career.In the first of two special programmes he recalls playing in South Africa during the apartheid era, revolutionising the game in Sweden, finding success with the Swiss national team, and getting a dream move to Italy's Serie A.Picture on website: Roy Hodgson applakuds the fans after a match between Crystal Palace and Watford. (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Argentine journalist Francisco Canepa, and delirious Argentina fans, reflect on an incredible World Cup final.We also hear from Ambet Yuson, General-Secretary of Building and Woodworkers International, who since 2016 has been working with FIFA and the Supreme Committee. He makes a heartfelt plea to football fans and players not to forget the migrant workers.Plus, fans from various countries reflect on their experiences in Qatar.
Will Lionel Messi finally lift the World Cup trophy? We look ahead to France v Argentina and hear from Messi's former team-mate Pablo Zabaleta. Mani Djazmi and Pat Nevin are joined by L'Equipe journalist Loïc Tanzi and Argentinean broadcaster Francisco Cánepa ahead of the final. And, as a bonus for podcast listeners, World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas explains what it was like to get his hands on the most famous trophy in football.Picture on website: Pyrotechnics explode around a giant FIFA World Cup trophy prior to the semi final match between France and Morocco. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi is joined by Argentine journalist Marcela Mora y Araujo and Moroccan Amine El Amri to preview the World Cup semi-finals: Argentina v Croatia and Morocco v France.We hear from Moroccan fans in Doha after they knocked out Portugal and discuss whether the post-colonial relationship will give the players extra incentive against the French.We head inside the Croatia camp to get the lowdown on the brilliant midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.And we hear from former Croatia player and coach Igor Stimac, who says Croatia’s spirit and character was forged during the Balkan wars of the 1990s.
We look ahead to the quarter finals of Qatar 2022 focusing on Argentina and Morocco. We also go behind the scenes at the Netherlands training camp and get an insight into Dutch winger Cody Gakpo from his former coach Luc Nilis.(Picture on website: Morocco supporters celebrate in the streets in Doha. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)
Morocco fans celebrate after their team made history by beating Spain. And we visit a specially created fan fest for migrant workers in a cricket ground on the edge of Doha.
We hear from Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima and former Swiss player Johan Djourou, plus some happy French fans after their team booked a place in the quarter-finals.
Ghana fans find comfort in defeat as Uruguay, and their arch-nemesis Luis Suarez, also go home. Meanwhile Australian fans look ahead to the Argentina match, and we hear from former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire who was in the Australia team that reached the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup.
Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta reflects on his team's performances so far and looks ahead to their round of 16 match against Australia. We also explore the troubles between Serbia and Switzerland ahead of their crucial group match.Picture on website: Argentina fans react during the FIFA World Cup match against Poland (David Ramos - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Iranian fans and USA journalist Sam Stejskal look ahead to the crucial and politically charged group match between their teams. And we hear from the delighted fans of Ghana and Brazil following victories on Monday.
Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba tells us his blueprint for African football. We head to the Ghana team hotel to hear from technical advisor Chris Hughton. Morocco and Costa Rica fans party in Doha, while Germany live to fight another day. And meet the Argentina fans who cycled from Cape Town to Doha in the hope of seeing Lionel Messi lift the World Cup.
Jurgen Klinsmann talks to Mani Djazmi ahead of Germany's must-win World Cup game against Spain.
The former striker and World Cup winner says a second successive group stage exit would be a "disaster" and "almost unforgivable".
We hear from Iranian fans as they beat Wales to keep their hopes of World Cup progress alive. Ahmed Hashim, editor of Qatar Football Live, reflects on the host nation’s early exit from the World Cup. Find out why Qatar has become a second home to thousands of Tunisians, plus an interview with former Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Mani Djazmi and Pat Nevin are joined by former Cameroon international Sébastien Bassong. There are reflections on Japan's shock win over Germany. And ahead of their match against England, we hear from USA midfielder Yunus Musah.
(Picture on website: Supporters of Cameroon during their World Cup match against Switzerland (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Saudi Arabia fans dance in Doha after beating Argentina, and Cesc Fabregas discusses Spain’s chances. We also hear from Ghana's Tariq Lamptey, and former Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe tells us more about Canada's coach John Herdman.
John Bennett goes behind the scenes of the World Cup, as Qatar 2022 kicks off. We hear from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly, USA midfielder Kellyn Acosta and lots of very happy Ecuadorian fans. We also speak to Iran football supporters in Qatar about the anti-government protests back home.
Presenter Mani Djazmi is in Qatar as the build-up to the World Cup intensifies. He's joined by World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly, former Scotland player Pat Nevin and Qatar based journalist Ahmed Hashmi. We also hear from Ecuador winger Jeremy Sarmiento who'll be hoping to feature in the tournament's opening game. And USA international Tim Weah tells us what playing in the World Cup means for him and his family, including his famous father...George Weah.
Picture on website: People gather at the Corniche Waterfront Promenade in Doha, Qatar, to take photographs ahead of the FIFA World Cup (Credit: Martin Divíšek/EFA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Australia's Joel King relives the moment he found out he'd been picked for the World Cup. And we hear from James Chamanga, the 42 year old striker from Zambia who's still banging in the goals.
Picture on website: Joel King of the Socceroos in action against Japan. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Cesc Fàbregas joins us from Como to discuss the joy of playing in Italy's Serie B. He reflects on last season at Monaco, which he describes as the worst year of his life, and explains the project at Como 1907 having also become a part-owner of the club.
Picture on website: Cesc Fabregas of Como holds his head in his hands during the Serie B match against Brescia. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Brighton's Deniz Undav talks about his challenging journey to the English Premier League. And Glasgow City's CEO Laura Montgomery discusses the changes in women's football in Scotland.
Picture on website: Deniz Undav of Brighton & Hove Albion reacts to the referee during a match against Forest Green Rovers (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Montréal and Canada midfielder Samuel Piette discusses how he's having fun for club and country this year. And we reflect on changing times at River Plate as legendary coach Marcelo Gallardo says goodbye.
Picture on website: CF Montréal midfielder Samuel Piette celebrates a goal against Toronto FC (David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The German Bundesliga's top scorer Niclas Füllkrug talks about the possibility of being selected for Qatar 2022. Plus, we hear about the Turkish Amputee football team, after they won the Amputee World Cup.
Picture on website: Niclas Fullkrug of Werder Bremen celebrates after scoring against Hoffenheim (Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images).
Former Indonesia international Raphael Maitimo and eye witness Aditya Wahyu Pratama reflect on the stadium disaster in Malang which killed over 125 people. And we hear from Algerian international Adlene Guedioura about the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup.
Picture of website: Football supporters hold a candlelight vigil for victims of a stampede at Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang (Photo by JUNI KRISWANTO/AFP via Getty Images).
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz looks ahead to the World Cup and discusses his return to the Iranian national team.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz looks ahead to the World Cup and we hear from Union Berlin goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow.
Picture on website: Carlos Queiroz the head coach of Iran during the match between Iran and Uruguay in Austria. (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Monza striker Christian Gytkjaer relives his match winning goal against Juventus. We also hear from the San Diego Wave coach Casey Stoney following a record breaking match against Angel City.
Picture on website: Christian Gytkjaer of AC Monza celebrates with team mate Matteo Pessina after scoring against Juventus (Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images).
Mani Djzami is joined by former World Cup winner Heather O’Reilly and former South Africa captain Dean Furman on the latest edition. Dean talks about his playing career and his current club: Warrington Rylands 1906, who are in the Northern Premier League, the 7th level of English football. The club have had an interesting week as the whole of the backroom staff resigned. Plus, we’ll hear from Philippe Senderos, the current sporting director of Swiss side on Servette on their impressive start to the season and when he met the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
(Credit: Getty Images, Picture: Philippe Senderos)
Brazilian football journalist Ricardo Setyon joins us to reflect on the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, which saw wins for Athletico Paranaense and Flamengo set up an all-Brazilian final for the third year in a row. And we hear from Reading striker Natasha Dowie ahead of the new Women’s Super League season.
Flamengo's Brazilian forward Pedro celebrates after scoring against Velez Sarsfield during the Copa Libertadores second leg semifinal football match between Flamengo and Velez Sarsfield, at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 7, 2022. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP) (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP via Getty Images)
Former São Paulo executive director Alexandre Passaro discusses Manchester United's new signing Antony and gives an insight into the Brazilian winger's character. And history has been made in Iran because for the first time in 41 years, women were allowed into a stadium to watch a league match. We hear from one of those female Esteghlal fans, Maryam.
Picture of website:
Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin discusses the return of the Ukrainian Premier League. And the former USA international Heather O'Reilly reflects on her UEFA Champions League adventure with Shelbourne.
Picture on website: Heather O'Reilly of Shelbourne gets ready for a match in Sligo. (Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Shakhtar Donetsk's Director of Football, Darijo Srna, discusses the return of the Ukrainian Premier League, with matches to be played in Ukraine. And we're joined by the former Afghanistan women's coach, and current head of performance at Lewes FC, Kelly Lindsey.
Picture on website: The players of the Shakhtar Donetsk lined up during the Ukrainian national anthem ahead of a friendly match against AS Roma (Photo by Fabrizio Corradetti/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ahead of the new Spanish football season we hear from RCD Mallorca President Andy Kohlberg and Celta de Vigo's Luca de la Torre. Plus, Spanish broadcaster Alvaro Romeo assesses the current financial situation at Barcelona and the club's short term approach.
Picture on website: Abdon Prats of RCD Mallorca celebrates following a match against Osasuna. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
FC Köln's Kristian Pedersen looks ahead to the new season. After just missing out on promotion with Union Berlin, and an unsuccessful trial with Borussia Monchengladbach, he is finally fulfilling a long-held ambition to play in the Bundesliga. And the former Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé talks about the comedown following major tournaments. She suffered from panic attacks and anxiety after winning bronze at the Olympics.
Picture of website: FC Köln players look on, during a match against SSV Jahn Regensburg. (Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
World Cup winner, three-time Olympic gold medallist and World Football co-host Heather O’Reilly tells us how she’s coming out of retirement in order to play in the UEFA Women's Champions League for the Irish side, Shelbourne.
With Germany facing England in the final of Euro 2022 at Wembley, Line Roddik Hansen tells us what it is like to play against the host nation in the final of a major tournament. She was part of the Denmark squad, who were beaten 4-2 in the final of Euro 2017 by the Netherlands.
And – former Sweden goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson, who is now a board member at the global players' union FIFPRO, tells us about the legacy that could follow from Euro 2022.
Heather O'Reilly #17 of the North Carolina Courage celebrates winning the NWSL Shield during a game between Sky Blue FC and North Carolina Courage at WakeMed Soccer Park on October 12, 2019 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
Dutch defender Dominique Janssen looks ahead to her Euro 2022 quarter-final and reflects on the tournament. We also hear from South Africa's Thalea Smidt ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Picture on website: Fans of Iceland during the Group D UEFA Women's EURO 2022 match against France (Photo by Joris Verwijst/Orange Pictures/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
The former Norway international Solveig Gulbrandsen reflects on an 8-nil loss for her country. Finland midfielder Emma Koivisto shares her experiences of Euro 2022. And the D.C. United captain Steven Birnbaum reacts to the return of his good friend, Wayne Rooney, as coach.
Picture on website: Beth Mead of England celebrates scoring against Austria during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 (Photo by Thor Wegner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Hear the full interview with Ghana coach Otto Addo as he looks ahead to the World Cup. He’s actually a man with two jobs, because he’s also the Talent Development Trainer at Borussia Dortmund. Addo discusses Ghana’s strategy of persuading European born players to switch nationalities. He also talks about his relationship with Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham at Dortmund.
Belgium midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet looks ahead to their opening match against at Euro 2022 against Iceland. Plus, we speak to a man with two jobs, the the Ghana national team coach and Borussia Dortmund Talent Development Trainer Otto Addo.
Picture on website: Otto Addo of Borussia Dortmund gestures during a Bundesliga match against Union Berlin. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Norway's Amalie Eikeland looks ahead to Euro 2022. Also on the programme, Hong Kong international Matt Orr talks about qualifying for the Asian Cup for the first time since 1968.
Picture on website: Norway players celebrate a goal during a friendly against England in 2019. (Trond Tandberg/Getty Images)
Igor Stimac discusses the challenges of coaching the India national team, and the former USA international Marcelo Balbao takes a closer look at a new broadcasting deal for Major League Soccer.
Picture on website: Igor Stimac, head coach of India, gives instruction to his team during the international friendly match between Curacao and India (Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images)
Australia's Aziz Behich reflects on a famous night for the Socceroos as they secured World Cup qualification with a win over Peru. The former South African international Matthew Booth discusses youth development problems in the country. Plus, Heather O'Reilly returns after playing a UNICEF charity match with some of the biggest names in football.
Picture on website: Australia players celebrate their sides victory after a penalty shoot out following the 2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff match between Australia and Peru (Mohamed Farag/Getty Images).
The recently retired Real Madrid and Germany defender Babett Peter looks back on her career. The former Socceroo John Aloisi discusses Australia's World Cup qualification campaign. And were the Canadian players right to go on strike? We ask former Canadian player Carlo Corazzin.
Picture on website :Australia's Ajdin Hrustic celebrates after scoring against UAE in their FIFA World Cup 2022 play-off qualifier (KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
We reflect on Ukraine's win over Scotland and look ahead to their World Cup play-off against Wales. Monza striker Christian Gytkjaer discusses his team's promotion to Serie A and the role of owner Silvio Berlusconi in the club's fortunes. Plus, the former Wales international Cliff Jones remembers the 1958 World Cup, the only time his country has ever played in the World Cup.
Picture on website: Ukraine fans celebrate after their sides victory against Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Manuel Pellegrini looks ahead to the UEFA Champions League final and Ukraine's Oleksandr Zinchenko discusses the emotions of representing his country and reflects on Manchester City's dramatic title victory.
Picture on website: A view of the Real Madrid dressing room with the Champions League trophy displayed ahead of the UEFA Champions League final (Alexander Hassenstein - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The former Former AC Milan, Aston Villa and Denmark defender Martin Laursen looks ahead to the finale of the Serie A season and shares memories of his time playing in Italy. And we look ahead to the final of the women's Champions League final between Barcelona and Lyon with the former Barcelona coach Lluis Cortes.
Picture on website: Martin Laursen returns to Villa Park for a match between Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers (Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini talks about their cup success this season and gives his opinion on Manchester City's signing of Erling Haaland. Also on the programme, Cremonese defender Caleb Okoli reflects on their promotion to Serie A, and we find out why Scottish club Cowdenbeath are called the Blue Brazil.
Picture on website: Manuel Pellegrini on the side lines for a match between Real Betis and Barcelona (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Portugal captain Dolores Silva discusses her country's backdoor qualification for Euro 2022. Plus, why has boom turned to bust for Chinese football?
Picture on website: Melissa Gomes of Portugal in action against Bulgaria (Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Former Seattle Sounder Steve Zakuani reflects on the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final. And Toulouse's Australian international Denis Genreau discusses his team's promotion.
Picture on website: Cristian Roldan of the Seattle Sounders lies on the pitch after their CONCACAF Champions League final match against Pumas (ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP)
Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin discusses the challenges faced by the club and the country. Plus we hear from Bulgarian internationals, and twins, Andrea and Petko Hristov.
Picture on website: Shakhtar Donetsk prepare to face Olympiacos FC in an international friendly match, with the proceeds going to raise money for Ukrainian refugees (Milos Bicanski/Getty Images).
The former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder Santi Cazorla looks back on his career. Plus, we hear from a NAC Breda fan angry at a potential takeover of the Dutch club.
Picture on website: Santi Cazorla is thrown in the air by celebrating teammates while playing for Villarreal (Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images).
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez, Iran's Dragan Skočić and USA's Greg Berhalter look ahead to the world Cup. Plus, we remember the clash between the USA and Iran in 1998, a match that has been described as the "most politically charged game in World Cup history".
Picture on website: Vahid Amiri, Dragan Skočić, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Hossein Kanaanizadegan of Iran Celebrate match between Iran v Iraq (Meghdad Madadi ATPImages/Getty Images)
Qatar coach Félix Sánchez sits down with Mani Djazmi to look ahead to the World Cup. You can hear the full interview in this bonus podcast.
In the week of the World Cup draw, Mani Djazmi travels to the tournament's host country Qatar where he speaks to Croatia international Lovro Majer, Supreme Committee CEO Nasser Al Khater, migrant workers and fans.
Picture on website: Preparations are made ahead of the FIFA World Cup draw in Doha, Qatar. (Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Footballer-turned-human rights activist Craig Foster discusses Australia's national team and Qatar 2022. We also hear from Vanuatu player Jared Clark after a Covid outbreak ended their World Cup qualification campaign.
Picture on website: Fans cheer during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 AFC Asian Qualifying match between the Australia and Japan (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images).
Canadian international Jonathan Osorio discusses their push to qualify for Qatar 2022. We also find out more about Ecuador's World Cup hopefuls, and hear from Portugal's Andre Silva.
Picture on website: The Canadian national football team lines up for the national anthem before a game against El Salvador (Alex Pena/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Pat Nevin discusses Chelsea's uncertain future and we hear from Ukraine international Nicole Kozlova about the emotional stress of war. We also find out more about the brutal violence which broke out at a Mexican league match between the defending champions Atlas and Queretaro.
Picture on website: Chelsea's Stamford Bridge (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
The coach of Ukraine's women's team, Lluis Cortes, talks about his dramatic journey out of Ukraine following the Russian invasion. We also discuss the future of Chelsea after owner Roman Abramovich confirmed that he will sell the club.
(Photo: Lluis Cortes on the touchline during a Uefa Champions League match between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Credit: Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Former Ukraine international footballer Evgeniy Levchenko talks about his pain and shock after Russia's invasion. We also hear from the assistant coach and goalkeeper of Saudi Arabia's women's national team after they played, and won, their first ever match.
Picture on website: Players of Ukraine pose for a team photograph prior to a match against England (Alessandro Garafallo/Getty Images)
Hear the full interview with the Bengaluru and India captain Sunil Chhetri, widely regarded as the greatest Indian football player of all time. He looks back at some of the highlights of his career, talks about his love for animals, and competing with Lionel Messi for international scoring records.
India's record goal scorer Sunil Chhetri talks about Lionel Messi, North Korean adventures and his love of tigers. We are also joined by the former goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel who is now building a new MLS team in St Louis.
Picture on website: Sunil Chhetri comes close to scoring in a match between India and the United Arab Emirates (Yifan Ding/Getty Images).
In this bonus podcast, you can listen to the full interview with Afghan footballer Fati. She describes her terrifying escape from the Taliban and relocation to Australia, where Fati and her team mates have reunited and are hoping to re-establish the Afghanistan women's national team.
Afghan footballer Fati talks about her escape from the Taliban and her return to football. Exiled Afghanistan players have reunited in Australia and are back training together for the first time since the Taliban took control of the country last year.
Picture on website: Afganistan Flag beside the soccer balls laid out on a football pitch ( Maryam Majd ATPImages/Getty Images).
Mani Djazmi is joined by former Scotland international Pat Nevin and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Cameroon Patrick Suffo to discuss the week's biggest football stories.
Former Senegal striker Mamadou Diallo joins us to assess The Lions of Teranga's chances in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final and we reflect on the impact of South Africa's 1996 AFCON win with the team's captain Neil Tovey.
Photo: Fans during Senegal's 3-1 semi final win against Burkina Faso at the Africa Cup of Nations. Credit: Haykel Hmima/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Cameroon football journalist Giovanni Wanneh reflects on what he saw as he was caught up in some of the crush ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations match between hosts Cameroon and Comoros.
We also look ahead to the quarter-finals of the competition with the Gambia captain Pa Modou Jagne And the Tunisia defender Mohamed Drager.
Photo: The entrance of Olembe stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon. (Credit: AFP via Getty Images)
The Comoros captain Najim Abdou reflects on an historic moment for the country. Burkina Faso midfielder Adama Guira looks ahead to the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations. The former Ghana international Laryea Kingston discussed his country's shock exit. And we say goodbye to the defending champions Algeria.
Picture on website: Comoros' players celebrate after scoring against Ghana (DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images).
The former Uganda and Sierra Leone coach Johnny McKinstry discusses a slow start to the Africa Cup of Nations. We also hear from the former Cameroon coach Claude Le Roy.
Picture on website: Ivory Coast's Max Gradel celebrates after scoring a goal against Equatorial Guinea (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Nigeria's Efe Ambrose and Cameroon's Patrick Suffo look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations. We also hear from the Gambia captain Pa Modou Jagne as he prepares for his country's first ever AFCON.
Picture on website: Cameroonian football jerseys hang along a wall at the central market in Yaounde (Daniel Beloumou Olomo / AFP)
Bojan Krkić discusses the new generation of young players at his old club Barcelona. Finland's leading goal scorer Linda Sällström looks ahead to the European Championship. And Pat Nevin looks back at the year in football.
Picture on website: Bojan Krkic celebrates a goal for Catalonia during a friendly against Venezuela (Quality Sport Images/Getty Images).
Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward and the former Portsmouth player Linvoy Primus discuss their Christian faith. We also hear from former USA international Jaelene Daniels, whose religious beliefs led her to turn down the chance to continue playing for her country.
Picture on website: Joel Ward of Crystal Palace prays on pitch before a match between against Burnley (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
We hear from fans of Atlas after their team won the Liga MX title for the first time since 1951. And we pay tribute to Argentina's Sergio Aguero following his retirement.
Picture on website: Aldo Rocha of Atlas holds the trophy and celebrates with teammates after winning the Liga MX title (Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images)
Ahead of the MLS Cup final we hear from Portland Timbers defender Larrys Mabiala as his team prepare to take on New York City FC. We also hear from Oliver Kass Kawo, a 20-year-old Swedish-Syrian player who realised his dream of playing for Syria this month. Not only that, he scored for them in the FIFA Arab Cup.
Picture on website: A break in play during the MLS Cup Eastern Conference Final match between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC (Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)
The former Manchester United striker Louis Saha remembers playing for Sir Alex Ferguson. We hear from the new coach of Fort William, a club in the Scottish Highlands once described as the worst team in Britain. And the former Australia international Alicia Ferguson discusses some one-sided results in the latest round of women's World Cup qualifiers.
Picture on website: Louis Saha and Sir Alex Ferguson share a joke during training ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Lille (Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
World Cup winner Gilberto Silva looks ahead to the Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and Palmeiras. Also on the programme, the former Australia international Alicia Ferguson reacts to the latest abuse allegations in women's football.
Picture on website: A Palmeiras fan holding the team's flag after beating Santos. (NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
Reflections on a dramatic week of World Cup qualifiers with Serbia and Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenković and Ghana's Andy Yiadom. We also hear from Marseille's young American winger Konrad de la Fuente. He tells us about his journey from Miami to the south of France via Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.
Picture on website: Dusan Vlahovic and Nikola Milenković of Serbia celebrate after beating Portugal. (Zed Jameson/MB Media/Getty Images)
World Cup winner Gilberto Silva explains how his tough upbringing shaped him as a footballer. And Thailand's new coach Mano Pölking looks ahead to the Suzuki Cup and explains the cultural differences he's faced coaching in South East Asia.
Picture on website: Gilberto Silva of Brazil celebrates winning the World Cup (photo by Mark Leech/ Getty Images)
The Denmark international Martin Braithwaite talks about a tumultuous time for Barcelona following the exits of Lionel Messi and Ronald Koeman. And Braithwaite also describes how his positive mindset has benefitted his career and helped him top become the best possible version of himself.
Picture on website: Martin Braithwaite walks out onto the pitch for a match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
New Zealand's Niko Kirwan talks about his sporting family and first international goal. Plus, is Xavi the right coach for Barcelona following the departure of Ronald Koeman? And we hear from FIFA's head of women's football Sarai Bareman.
Picture on website: Ronald Koeman on the touchlines during a match between Cadiz and Barcelona (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet gives an insight into the recent biennial World Cup discussions. We also hear from history graduate turned defender Chris Burgess who currently plays for Belgium's Union Saint-Gilloise.
Watford defender William Troost-Ekong discusses Claudio Ranieri's Premier League return. We also hear from the Sierra Leone national team coach John Keister as the country looks ahead to competing in its first Africa Cup of Nations since 1996.
Picture on website: William Troost-Ekong of Watford celebrates following a match against Millwall (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images).
Heather O'Reilly reacts to the abuse allegations which have rocked women's football. Heather O'Reilly played under coach Paul Riley at the North Carolina Courage. He faces allegations of sexual harassment and emotional abuse, allegations which he denies.
(Photo: Signage supporting NWSL players on display during a game between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles FC. Credit: Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
FC Sheriff's Sébastien Thill talks about his winning goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, which created one of the biggest upsets in the competition's history. And Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken remembers an emotional night, as the club bid farewell to their iconic stadium in the Black Forest.
Picture: The players of FC Sheriff Tiraspol in a group huddle during their UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid. (David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images).
South African midfielder Thalea Smidt tells us about her excitement ahead of playing for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the inaugural African Women’s Champions League and how she feels the new tournament represents a great opportunity to improve the game on the continent.
We also reflect on the career of Jimmy Greaves after the former England, Chelsea, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur forward died at the age of 81.
(Credit: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies)
Chievo Verona legend Sergio Pellissier tells us about the formation of a new phoenix club, after the original club went out of business in August. Plus Hugo Alvarado explains how his eye for talent has taken him from being a frustrated fan to becoming the first ever full time scout for El Salvador’s national teams.
Photo: Sergio Pellisier of AC Chievo competes for the ball with Nenad Tomovic of ACF Fiorentina during a Serie A match between the sides. (Credit: Getty Images)
Nigeria's Sunday Oliseh discusses the proposal to have a biennial World Cup. South Africa's new national team coach, Hugo Broos, reflects on the recent World Cup qualifiers. We also hear the tragic story of the former French international Jean-Pierre Adams who died this week after 39 years in a coma.
Picture on website: The FIFA World Cup Trophy in the rain after the 2018 final between France and Croatia (Denis Tyrin\TASS via Getty Images)
Peru's assistant coach Nolberto Solano assesses the latest club v country row. And we hear from the Spanish coach of Urawa Reds, Ricardo Rodriguez, about life in the J-League.
Picture on website: Brazil and Paraguay get ready for their South American qualifier (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images)
Malmö coach Jon Dahl Tomasson discusses his club's qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage. And we speak to the former Afghanistan women's captain Shamila Kohestani about the crisis in her home country.
Picture: Jon Dahl Tomasson, head coach of Malmö, looks on prior to a UEFA Europa League match against Wolfsburg (Peter Niedung/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Real Sociedad goalkeeper Maty Ryan looks back on the last 10 months of his career and tells us why he suddenly fell out of favour at Brighton. We also hear from blind footballer Gael Riviere ahead of the Paralympics in Tokyo.
Picture: Mathew Ryan of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Premier League match between Aston Villa (Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Greuther Fürth captain Branimir Hrgota looks ahead to the new season, following their promotion to the Bundesliga. Plus, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly discuss Lionel Messi's move to Paris Saint Germain.
Picture: Players of Greuther Fürth celebrate their promotion to the Bundesliga after being Fortuna Duesseldorf (Thomas Langer/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Australian international Jackson Irvine talks about his move to Hamburg's FC St Pauli. Also on the programme, South Africa's Ode Fulutudilu discusses her tough journey to professional football.
Picture: FC St. Pauli fans at the Millerntor Stadium for a match against Holstein Kiel (Photo by Cathrin Mueller/Getty Images).
South Africa's Janine van Wyk discusses the future opportunities for Zambia's Barbra Banda following some impressive performances at the Tokyo Olympics. China's under-16 coach Chan Yuen Ting reflects on why the country isn't producing more talented players. And Pat Nevin looks ahead to the start of the new season in Scotland.
Picture: Zambia's Barbra Banda celebrates a goal against China at the Tokyo Olympics. (Photo by KOHEI CHIBAHARA/AFP via Getty Images)
We hear from Pitso Mosimane, the South African coach who keeps on adding trophies to his collection. His most recent one was the African Champions League which he won with Egypt's Al-Ahly last weekend. He reveals the secret of his success.
We also hear from Salvadoran striker Joaquin Rivas. El Salvador are hoping to make history at the Concacaf Gold Cup.
Picture: Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane on the side lines during a match against Bayern Munich at the FIFA Club World Cup (Photo by Mohamed Farag/FIFA via Getty Images)
USA striker Lynn Williams joins us from Japan as she prepares for the Tokyo Olympics. The USA women's team is hoping to become the first to win back-to-back World Cup and Olympic titles.
Picture: Lynn Williams celebrates after scoring for the USA against Nigeria (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Claudio Ranieri looks ahead to the final of Euro 2020 between Italy and England. We're also joined by former England international Tony Dorigo. Plus, can Lionel Messi win his first major international title when Argentina take on Brazil in the final of the Copa America?
Picture: Jorginho celebrates after scoring the winning penalty for Italy in the Euro 2020 semi-final shoot out against Spain (Claudio Villa/Getty Images).
Hungary coach Marco Rossi tells us why selfishness and a lack of unity cost France, Portugal and Germany their places at Euro 2020. Former Czech Republic captain Václav Němeček looks ahead to the quarter-finals. And the former coach of Denmark Åge Hareide explains why the Danish players have such strong bonds.
Picture: France's forward Kylian Mbappe reacts after a missed chance against Switzerland (MARKO DJURICA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
As the knockout stage of Euro 2020 gets underway, the former Denmark international and European Championship winner John Sivebek discusses the emotions of Danish fans after the collapse of Christian Eriksen in the opening game and their hard-fought qualification to the round of 16. We also hear from the former Austria captain Christian Fuchs as his team prepare for a difficult match against the in-form Italians....and the former Juventus player Sebastien Giovinco gives us the Italian perspective.
(Photo: Italian fans react as they watch the Wales match on giant screens at a fan zone in Rome. Credit: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)
We hear from the Finland captain Tim Sparv, who was on the pitch when Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest. Portugal's Jose Fonte pays tribute to his record-breaking team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. And Sweden coach Janne Andersson explains why he is not a fan of the format for Euro 2020.
Picture: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates victory over Hungary at Euro 2020 (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Hungary midfielder Adam Nagy, Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and Denmark's Christian Eriksen look ahead to Euro 2020.
(Photo: Teemu Pukki scores against Liechtenstein in Helsinki. Credit: Antti Yrjonen/NurPhoto/Getty Images)
In this bonus podcast, World Football's Mani Djazmi speaks to the Finnish international Lukáš Hrádeck. The Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper talks about his love for alcohol and saunas, as he prepares for the delayed kick-off of Euro 2020.
Venezia FC's Harvey St Clair discusses the unique nature of football in Venice, following the club's promotion to Serie A. Also on the programme, Peru's assistant coach Nolberto Solano talks about the last minute decision to move the Copa America to Brazil.
Picture: Venezia FC goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa celebrates being promoted to Serie A (Nicolo Zangirolami/Getty Images)
Former Chelsea player Salomon Kalou looks ahead to this year's Champions League final. He also reflects on the finals he played in against Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
Picture: Salomon Kalou training with Hertha BSC in 2019 (Jan-Philipp Burmann/City-Press via Getty Images).
Jose Fonte looks ahead to the final game of the French season, with Lille on the verge of surprisingly winning the title. And Barcelona's Ana-Maria Crnogorčević looks back on her team's Champions League victory. Heather O'Reilly and Pat Nevin also discuss whether fear is the best motivation for a footballer. Presented by Mani Djazmi.
(Picture: Jose Fonte of Lille OSC in action against Nice. Photo by Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)
A look ahead to the women's Champions League final between Chelsea and Barcelona. The former Barcelona director Maria Teixidor gives an insight into the rapid rise of the club's women's team. Plus, Columbus Crew fans explain why they're so upset about their club's controversial rebrand.
(Photo: Barcelona's Lieke Martens celebrates scoring during the Uefa Women's Champions League Semi Final match against PSG.. Credit: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Leicester City's in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho reflects on a great season, in which he's become one of the Premier League's leading goal scorers. We discuss the UEFA Champions League and Jose Mourinho's return to Italy. Plus, we mark the 50th anniversary of the first ever women's FA Cup final.
Picture: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates after scoring against Southampton (Shaun Botterill - The FA via Getty Images)
FC Goa's Brandon Fernandes discusses his team's run in the Asian Champions League and the surge of Covid cases in India. Plus, Dynamo Kyiv's 75 year old coach Mircea Lucescu talks about winning the title. We're also joined by AC Milan player Verónica Boquete.
Picture: Mircea Lucescu head coach of Dynamo Kyiv gives instructions during a UEFA Europa League match against Villarreal and Dynamo Kyiv (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Reflections on the rapid rise and fall of the proposed European Super League. Plus, Sweden coach Janne Andersson talks about the return of Zlatan Ibrahimović to the national team.
Picture: Tottenham Hotspur fans protest against the European Super League (Clive Rose/Getty Images).
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken discusses his team's recent protest against human rights abuses. And we hear from the Brazilian social media celebrity who has signed a professional contract with Rio de Janiero club Resende.
Picture: Norway's players pose with t-shirts reading "Human rights, on and off the pitch" in support of migrant workers building World Cup venues in Qatar for the 2022 finals (JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images)
D.C. United coach Hernán Losada discusses the influx of young talent from South America into Major League Soccer. And the former Puerto Rico goalkeeper Anita Rabell tells us how she overcame a culture of machismo to establish women's football on the island.
Picture: Hernán Losada coaches Beerchot in a Belgian Pro League match (Photo by KRISTOF VAN ACCOM/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Bayer Leverkusen's director of football Simon Rolfes explains the decision to sack their coach and their plans for the future. Gambia's Assan Ceesay reflects on the historic goal which earned his country a place at the Africa Cup of Nations for the very first time.
Picture: Nadiem Amiri of Bayer Leverkusen looks dejected after losing the Bundesliga match against Hertha BSC (Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
Metaloglobus București player Ovidiu Herea joins us to discuss an incredible end to the Romanian Liga II season. And the CEO of Belgian's Pro league Pierre Francois talks about the possibility of a joint Dutch/Belgian league.
(Photo: Ovidiu Herea challenges Edin Dzeko during a UEFA Cup match in 2008. Credit: Stuart Franklin/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Cuban footballer Jorge Corrales discusses an historic moment for the national team, for the first time foreign-based footballers can now play for Cuba. And the Wolfsburg defender Kevin Mbabu talks about their impressive season so far.
Picture: Jorge Corrales of Cuba leaps over two Mexican players during a match in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images).
Former Confederation of African Football executive committee member, Musa Bility, gives us his take on Patrice Motsepe's unopposed election as Caf President after the South African's three rivals for the job withdrew from the race.
Former Germany, Chelsea and Leicester defender Robert Huth joins us to react to the news that international football's longest serving manager, Joachim Löw, will step down from his role with Die Mannschaft after this summer's European Championships.
Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly discuss the findings of a BBC Sport investigation that revealed football still has one of the biggest prize money gender pay gaps.
And we hear about the superstition of 'Kirkicocho' that backfired on Sevilla goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, in the Champions League this week.
Photo: Patrice Motsepe speaks onstage during Global Citizen Presents Global Goal Live event in New York. Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen
With the Chinese Super League champions, Jiangsu FC, ceasing operations just 108 days after winning the title we look at whether more clubs could follow before the 2021 season starts in April. Ghana International and Tianjin Tigers captain Frank Acheampong tells us he doesn't know yet whether the club will continue without their backers Teda, who have reportedly withdrawn their funding because of the Chinese football association’s new policy that removes mention of companies from club names.
Mani Djazmi, Heather O'Reilly and Pat Nevin discuss whether the packed fixture schedule is catching up with players in the Premier League and what impact that might have on the Uefa European Championships in the summer.
Fifa Council candidate Laura McAllister tells us why she wants to be one of world football's decision makers, and shares her thoughts on the joint bid from the UK and Republic of Ireland to host the 2030 World Cup.
And we reflect on the life of former Liverpool and Scotland winger Ian St John, who died this week at the age of 82.
Photo: Jiangsu Suning players and staff members celebrating after their team defeated Guangzhou Evergrande to win the Chinese Super League in November 2020. Credit: STR/AFP via Getty Images.
Former France international Yohan Cabaye discusses his decision to retire from football. Players' agent Mino Raiola talks about his motivation. And we find out what's gone wrong for the Turkish champions İstanbul Başakşehir.
Picture: Yohan Cabaye with his hands on hips during a Premier League match between Burnley and Crystal Palace (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images).
Ibrahim Ba looks ahead to the Milan derby. Plus, Brondy's Theresa Eslund discusses her career and looks ahead to facing Lyon in the UEFA Champions League.
Picture: The mural of Romelo Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan outside the Giuseppe Meazza stadium (Claudio Villa/Getty Images).
Myanmar goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Htet tells us about his decision to protest following the military coup. Norway's Tom Henning Øvrebø tells us why death threats are an occupational hazard for referees. And we hear from an imposter, who tried to fool some of the world's biggest clubs.
Picture: A player with the Myanmar Football Federation poses with an image of a red ribbon and makes the three finger salute at a protest against the military coup in Naypyidaw on February 7, 2021. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona's Presidential candidate Joan Laporta talks about the future of Lionel Messi, and how he intends to deal with a debt of nearly $1.5bn. And we'll also be joined by the coach of the USA's women's team Vlatko Andonovski.
Picture: USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski on the touchline during a game against Spain in March 2020 (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper Hendrik Bonmann talks about his former coach Thomas Tuchel. Plus, Brazil's Gláuber Berti looks ahead to the final of the Copa Libertadores and remembers his cameo appearance for Manchester City. And we find out why Chile's biggest club, Colo Colo, is is danger of relegation.
Picture: Julian Weigl and Henrik Bonmann celebrate during a parade following Borussia Dortmund's DFB Cup win in 2017 (Christof Koepsel/Bongarts/Getty Images).
Namibia's Pat-Nevin Uanivi joins us from the African Nations Championship in Cameroon. And Sturm Graz player Jon Gorenc-Stankovic tells us the secret of a good defence.
Picture: The captains of Cameroon and Zimbabwe line up ahead of the opening match of the African Nations Championships (AFP via Getty Images)
With Santos reaching the Copa Libertadores final, we speak to the former Santos captain Rildo Menezes. And we find out more about the game's all time leading goal scorer Josef Bican.
Picture: Yeferson Soteldo of Santos celebrates after scoring against Boca Juniors (Andre Penner – Pool/Getty Images)
Anguilla national team coach Stern John talks about his new job and his hunt for new players. Wales international Helen Ward tells us why she briefly considered quitting the game. And Pat Nevin meets Pat-Nevin, as we introduce our regular presenter to the Namibian international Pat-Nevin Uanivi!
Picture: Anguilla's football players pose for pictures aha of a CONCACAF Nations League match in 2019. (JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
On the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox stadium disaster, Roddy Forsyth, Pat Nevin and survivor John Hodgson join Mani Djazmi to remember the tragedy which killed 66 people and injured many more at the end of the 1971 New Year match between Rangers and Celtic. This programme contains graphic eyewitness accounts.
Picture: Rangers and Celtic fans observe a one minutes silence to mark 40th anniversary of the Ibrox disaster (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images).
Thomas Rongen shares some fascinating stories and memories, from the glory days of the North American Soccer League in the early 1980s, to leading American Samoa to it's first ever international victory.
Picture: Thomas Rongen appeals to the fourth official during a match between the Carolina RailHawks and the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 2015 (Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
We look at the historic co-ownership of Beitar Jerusalem by an Arab and a Jew. Beitar have never had an Arab player but now they have an Arabic co-owner. Moshe Hogeg, who signed a partnership with Sheikh Hamad of Abu Dhabi, tells us that he had to consult the most important religious and political figures in Israel first.
Picture: Fans of Israeli Beitar Jerusalem football club show their support during the team's training in Jerusalem (EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
Başakşehir's Nacer Chadli discusses the decision to abandon a Champions League match after an alleged racist incident. And we pay tribute to Italy's 1982 World Cup hero Paolo Rossi.
Picture: The score board and empty grandstand after the game was suspended in the first half as the players walked off amid allegations of racism by one of the match officials during the UEFA Champions League group H football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir FK at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
We reflect on differing fortunes for Norway's Bodo/Glimt and Peru's Alianza Lima. Plus, Icelandic goalkeeper Guðbjörg Gunnarsdóttir talks about the challenge of balancing motherhood with football.
Picture: A fan of Alianza Lima lights a flare during a match against Estudiantes de Mérida (Raul Sifuentes/Getty Images)
We pay tribute to Diego Armando Maradona. We hear from Claudio Marangoni, who played against him in his early years in the Argentinean league. He describes Maradona as being like a hurricane. Antonio Nunez, who signed him as the unlikely coach of a Mexican second division team remembers how playful Maradona was. And we also recall Maradona's demons and his shock expulsion from the 1994 World Cup for doping.
Picture: Diego Maradona of Napoli celebrates during a Serie A match between Napoli and Fiorentina (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images).
The DR Congo and Everton winger Yannick Bolasie talks about the frustration at not getting game time with his club, and the joy of being back playing for his country. Plus, the Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet discusses the chaos that came before their match against Gabon, as unhappy Gabonese players slept on an airport floor the night before the game.
Picture: Yannick Bolasie playing for Sporting CP against Vitria SC in 2019 (Paulo Nascimento / DPI / NurPhoto via Getty Images).
South African FA supremo Danny Jordaan discusses the race to become the President of the Confederation of African Football. And Sassuolo's Pedro Obiang discusses his team's impressive start to the season and the attributes of his coach Roberto de Zerbi.
Picture on website: Pedro Obiang of Sassuolo celebrates during a Coppa Italia match against Spezia (Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images).
Former IFK Göteborg player Pontus Kåmark discusses the club's surprise relegation fight. Ghana's Asamoah Gyan explains his reasons for returning home to continue his career. And the former USA international Danielle Egan talks about her talented son, Borussia Dortmund's Giovanni Reyna.
PICTURE: Fans of IFK Göteborg light up pyrotechnics during a match against Östersunds (David Lidstrom/Getty Images)
Alanyaspor's Steven Caulker talks about life in Turkey and tells us how he's rebuilding his career after overcoming addiction problems. And Julio Arca wishes Diego Maradona a happy 60th birthday.
Picture: Steven Caulker of Alanyaspor during a Turkish Cup match against Kasimpasa (ANP Sport via Getty Images).
Nigerian international John Ogu calls for players to boycott matches following the protests and violence in Nigeria. And the former New York Cosmos captain Werner Roth wishes his old team mate, Pelé, a happy birthday.
Arsene Wenger discusses his love affair with Arsenal FC. And we report from the international friendly between Ghana and Qatar, hearing from Andre Ayew and Hassan Al-Haydos.
Picture: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger walks across the pitch ahead of the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal in 2018 (Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images).
Peru's Nolberto Solano talks about the fun and violence of South American World Cup qualifiers. And lawyer Mr Leven Siano tells us about his dreams for Brazil's Vasco da Gama as he attempts to become the club's new President.
Picture: Nolberto Solano prepares to take a corner kick while playing for Universitadio de Deportes Marco del Rio/LatinContent via Getty Images)
We hear the unbridled excitement of forward Tokmac Nguen about the prospect of making his debut in the UEFA Champions League. He plays for Hungary's Ferencváros who have qualified for the group stage for the first time in 25 years. We also meet the first man from the Faroe Islands to play in Germany's top division, and pay tribute to German female referee Bibiana Steinhaus who retired this week.
Picture: Tokmac Nguen of Ferencváros celebrates with teammates after scoring against Celtic (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Al Hilal coach Răzvan Lucescu expresses his anger following his team's expulsion from the AFC Champions League. Al Hilal were unable to field a team after Covid-19 swept through the squad.
Picture: Al Hilal's players are pictured ahead of the AFC Champions League match against UAE's Shabab Al-Ahli. The match was called off after the Saudi team failed to field the minimum required 13 players. (KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
The former AC Milan and Chelsea player Andriy Shevchenko looks back on his career. And Dynamo Dresden's Chris Löwe joins us after his team's match against Hamburg made headlines around the world, when Hamburg's Toni Leistner confronted a fan.
Picture: Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan in action during a UEFA Cup match betweenMilan and FC Zurich in 2008. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
41 year old Cádiz captain and goalkeeper, Alberto Cifuentes, looks ahead to the new La Liga season. We look back at a chaotic few days for the Czech national team. And Mexico's Pavel Pardo tells us how coach Marcelo Bielsa treats his players like machines.
Photo on website: Cadiz CF supporters celebrate (Javier Montano/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The former Leicester and Sunderland winger Matt Piper opens up about how his life spiralled out of control after injuries forced him to retire at just 24.
Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O’Reilly discuss the big-name signings that have joined the Women's Super League in England this season.
And we speak to San Marino midfielder, Alessandro Golinucci, as the team continue to search for the country‘s first competitive win.
Photo: Millwall's Tim Cahill fights for the ball with Sunderland's Matt Piper during their FA Cup semi-final at Old Trafford in 2004. Credit: Paul Barker/AFP via Getty Images.
Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly reflect on Lionel Messi's decision to leave Barcelona with Gaston Recondo, who was one of the journalists to break the news in Argentina.
With Major League Soccer joining Basketball and Tennis in calling off matches in solidarity with anti-racism protests in the USA, we hear from Colorado Rapids forward Kei Kamara and discuss the social consciousness in American sports.
And we'll hear why Curacao's footballers are dreaming of reaching the World Cup with former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Netherlands manager Guus Hiddink at the helm, from possibly the country's most-capped player, Gevaro Nepomuceno.
Photo: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks dejected after Barcelona's 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. Credit: Manu Fernandez/Pool/Getty Images
Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly preview the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich. We also hear from the former Stuttgart and RB Leipzig coach Alex Zorniger who discusses the unstoppable rise of German coaches.
Picture: Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring his team's third goal against Olympique Lyonnais (Franck Fife/Pool via Getty Images)
Lille owner Gerard Lopez gives an insight into the challenges of running a football club and outlines his vision for how to compete with Europe's biggest teams. We also hear from a history-making African coach, as he prepares his team for the European Champions League. Presented by John Bennett, Pat Nevin and Alicia Ferguson.
Picture: The owner of Lille Gerard Lopez during a team presentation prior to a pre-season friendly in France (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Lebanon international Edmond Chehade tells us how he was caught in the blast that rocked Beirut. We also hear from his team-mate Omar Buigel. Also on the show, Tony Dorigo recalls stories from his Torino days.
Picture: The Lebanese flag sits on the rubble in Beirut, in the aftermath of a massive explosion in the city. (PATRICK BAZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel discusses his return to football after brain surgery. And the former France and Real Madrid player Nicolas Anelka looks back on his career.
Picture: Ricky van Wolfswinkel of FC Basel celebrates victory against Vitesse Arnhem (Laurens Lindhout/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Swiss midfielder Gökhan İnler talks about winning the Turkish title with Başakşehir. And the Gambia captain, Pa Modou Jagne, pays tribute to his country’s greatest ever player, Biri Biri.
Picture: Players celebrate as Basaksehir clinch their first ever Turkish Super Lig title (Onur Coban/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images).
Footballer Jay Bothroyd tells stories from his time in Italy and Japan. Coach Carrie Taylor tells us why she quit San Diego Loyal after just two games. And Chris Hughton pays tribute to his former manager Jack Charlton.
Picture: Jay Bothroyd of Consadole Sapporo paying against Kawasaki Frontale (Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
D.C. United coach Ben Olsen talks about the return of soccer in the USA. Melbourne City's French midfielder Florin Berenguer discusses his club's efforts to get out of Melbourne before shutdown. And we hear from a 61 year old footballer from the Faroe Islands.
Goalkeeper Vanessa Cordoba discusses the frustrations of being a female footballer in Colombia. We're in Brazil to find out more about the controversial decision to resume football. And we pay tribute to the only Iraqi to score at a World Cup, Ahmed Radhi.
(Picture: Colombian players watch the penalty shoot-out against Argentina during the 2019 Pan-American Games by CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Sparta Prague's Costa Nhamoinesu describes the racist incidents in Czech football in reaction to the Black Lives Matters movement. The former Australia international Alicia Ferguson reacts to the announcement that Australia and New Zealand will host the 2023 women's World Cup. And the owner of Mexican club Santos Laguna, Alejandro Irarragorri, tells us how Covid-19 has affected his club and his country.
(Picture: Paul Pogba of Manchester United takes a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Sunday will be the 50th anniversary of the World Cup final of 1970 when Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in Mexico City's Azteca stadium to win their third World Cup in 12 years. But this wasn't any old World Cup-winning team. It's a team that's become encircled by an almost mystical aura, and carries the seemingly eternal tag of the greatest team in the history of football. We'll hear memories from Pele and the late Carlos Alberto, and find out how that team influenced a man who, many years later, would coach a Brazil team to another World title. To discuss why Brazil 1970 is so revered, Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Alicia Ferguson are joined by two experts - Ricardo Setyon, who’s been to nine World Cups, often working with the Brazil teams; and Andrew Downie, who’s a veteran foreign correspondent including nearly 30 years in Latin America, much of them in Brazil, and is the author of a soon-to-be-published book about the 1970 World Cup called ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’. Pat also goes behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium to tell us what it’s really like to commentate on a Premier League game behind closed doors during the coronavirus pandemic.
Picture: Pele celebrates Brazil's victory in the 1970 World Cup final. (Getty Images)
French World Cup winner and vocal anti-racism campaigner Christian Karembeu discusses the continuing fallout from the killing of George Floyd in the United States and how football should tackle racism moving forward. Valencia midfielder Francis Coquelin tells us about life in lockdown ahead of the return of La Liga. And Parma defender Matteo Darmian gives us the inside track on his former Manchester United bosses Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Picture: Christian Karembeu talks during Day 2 of Soccerex Europe Convention (Getty Images)
USA internationals Jess McDonald and Bill Hamid discuss what it means to be African-American, as protests sweep across the world following the death of George Floyd. Plus, the Ferencvaros player, Tokmac Nguen, tells us why he decided to show his solidarity after scoring a goal in the Hungarian league.
(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
The owner of Brescia, Massimo Cellino, joins us to discuss plans to restart the season. He also gives his views on the future of the club's mercurial striker Mario Balotelli.
(Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Wolfsburg's Swiss international, Kevin Mbabu, talks about the return of the German Bundesliga. And we also hear from the former Celtic and Nigeria player Efe Ambrose.
(Photo by TOBIAS HASE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Mark Clattenburg discusses the implications of Covid-19 for referees and looks back on his career highlights. Australian international Adam Taggart talks about the return of football in South Korea. And Dynamo Dresden's Alexander Jeremejeff tells us about his club's set back, after two team mates tested positive for the Coronavirus.
(Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
In this bonus podcast, the FC Midtjylland and Finland midfielder Tim Sparv discusses life in lockdown, qualifying for Euro 2020, his love of books, climate change, Qatar's human rights and playing with Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale.
(Photo by MARKKU ULANDER/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)
Union Berlin's Neven Subotić discusses the imminent return of football in Germany. The Finland captain Tim Sparv talks about his frustration over the delay to Euro 2020. And 50 years on, we remember Feyenoord's 1970 European Cup triumph.
(Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
USA international Carli Lloyd reflects on her career and talks about the impact of Covid-19. Australia's Adam Taggart discusses the return of football in South Korea. We also hear form Arsenal's Dutch striker Vivanne Miedema.
(Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Brescia's Simon Skrabb talks about life in lock-down and the possibility of Serie A football returning. And the former Liverpool and Fenerbahçe Sporting Director, Damien Comolli, unpicks some of the problems facing clubs due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
(Photo by Anders Ylander/Ombrello via Getty Images)
Spanish footballer Toni Dovale talks about his work as a pharmacist during the Covid-19 crisis. And Paderborn captain Christian Strohdiek discusses the prospect of football returning in Germany.
Picture: Thai football league's Navy FC player Toni Dovale poses with a ball outside his family's pharmacy (Credit: MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Torino's Ola Aina talks about life in lockdown and Red Bull Salzburg's American coach Jesse Marsch discusses his career and philosophy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
In this bonus podcast, hear the full interview with Red Bull Salzburg's American coach Jesse Marsch. Mani Djazmi spent an hour talking to him, about his career, his principles, and coaching the phenomenon of the season, striker Erling Haaland.
Watford and Belgium defender Christian Kabasele talks about life in lock down. Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly discuss whether top earning footballers should take pay cuts. And journalist Camilo Velasquez sheds a light on football in Nicaragua, where games are still continuing despite the corona virus outbreak.
(Picture: Christian Kabasele of Belgium in action during the international friendly match against Japan. Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Christian Karembeu pays tribute to Real Madrid's former President, Lorenzo Sanz who died after contracting the coronavirus. Paul Canoville remembers the racism he suffered playing for Chelsea in the 1980s. And Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly choose the footballers who shaped their lives.
(Picture: Paul Canoville knocks the ball into an empty net to score for Chelsea. Credit: Mark Leech/Getty Images)
Cameroon's Gaëtan Bong talks about isolation, learning to cook and keeping fit during the coronavirus pandemic. And in search of football, we travel to Zanzibar for a Premier League match.
(Photo: Gaetan Bong deep in thought during a Brighton v Crystal Palace match. Credit: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
FC Saarbrücken goalkeeper Daniel Batz talks about his German Cup heroics. And Odion Ighalo talks about his dream move to the club he supported as a young boy.
(Photo: Daniel Batz of FC Saarbruecken celebrates after his sides victory following a penalty shootout in the DFB Cup (By Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Rafael Benítez tells us how the Coronavirus has left his team, Dalian Professional FC, stranded in Spain. And coach Josh Shepherd talks about his adventures in Bhutan.
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Liverpool's Sadio Mané discusses an amazing season so far. And the former Australia international Alicia Ferguson looks back on her career.
(Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina recalls the moment he collapsed on the pitch with concussion. LAFC's Mohamed El-Monir describes his journey from war-torn Libya to California. And the former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer tells us how he's helping to raise funds after the Australian bushfires.
(Picture: David Ospina of Colombia saves a penalty from Jordan Henderson of England in the penalty shoot out during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
The coach of Norway, Lars Lagerbäck, talks about the talents of Erling Håland, Iceland's remarkable Euro 2016 run and his dreams of retirement. And Stein Erik Hegerberg, the father of Ada and Andrine, tells us how 'tough love' helped his daughters to grow into top footballers. Presenter Mani Djazmi is also joined by Heather O'Reilly and Pat Nevin.
Picture: Lars Lagerback on the touchline, prior to the International Friendly match between Denmark and Iceland in Herning (Credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images).
In this bonus podcast you can hear the full interview as Mani Djazmi meets the Norway coach Lars Lagerbäck.
AC Milan goalkeeper Asmir Begovic looks ahead to the Derby della Madonnina. And we hear from San Diego Loyal coach Carrie Taylor about the launch of Landon Donovan's new team.
Photo: Inter Milan football fans during a Serie A match against A.C. Milan at the San Siro Stadium in Milan (Credit: by David Cannon/Getty Images).
Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly discuss the week's biggest stories including Canada's Christine Sinclair becoming international football's record goalscorer.
As FIFPro launch their Global Player's Council, Chelsea and England's Anita Asante talks about the challenges they want to tackle in women's football, while Anderlecht and Belgium's Vincent Kompany says 'something has to give' to ease the congested fixture calendar in the men's game and insists the make-up of boardrooms must change if football is to address its' racism problem.
Plus after the death of Rob Rensenbrink, his former Netherlands and Anderlecht teammate Arie Haan joins us to remember the two-time World Cup Finalist.
(Photo: Anita Asante and Vincent Kompany talking with other players and the media at the launch of FIFPro's Global Players Council. Credit: FIFPro/Twitter)
We hear from Australia striker Sam Kerr as she starts her quest for trophies in the Women's Super League with Chelsea, Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly discuss whether you can be the world's best player without winning silverware.
Burundi captain Saido Berahino opens up about 'never getting over' his move to Tottenham falling through and rebuilding his career in Belgium with Zulte Waregem.
Manchester United midfielder Jackie Groenen joins us to look ahead to their FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Manchester City and to talk about the explosion of passion for women's football in her native Netherlands.
And we discuss the potential legal action against Fifa by some of the world's top football agent in response to the world governing bodies' plans to limit the commission agents can receive from transfers.
Photo: Sam Kerr celebrates scoring for Australia at the 2019 World Cup. Credit: Naomi Baker - FIFA via Getty Images
The new Ecuador manager Jordi Cruyff joins Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly to discuss the challenge that he faces in trying to qualify the country for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Barcelona's decision to replace Ernesto Valverde with Quique Setien.
Former Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie takes a break from the golf course to talk about the Africa Cup of Nations reverting back to January for next year's competition in Cameroon.
And the team discuss the news that the Scottish FA are set to ban children under 12 from heading the ball in training, due to fears over the links between football and dementia.
Image: Jordi Cruyff speaks during his presentation at the headquarters of the Ecuadorean Football Federation in Quito. Credit: Getty Images.
Olivier Dacourt pays tribute to his former AS Roma team mate, Daniele De Rossi, who has announced his retirement. We hear from one of the players of Saint-Pierrois, the team from Réunion who caused shock in the Coupe de France. And the former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams looks back on his career.
(Picture: Olivier Dacourt, Mark Viduka and Rio Ferdinand celebrate after a goal for Leeds United against Real Madrid.Credit: Alex Livesey/ALLSPORT)
In this bonus podcast, the former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams looks back on his career.
In the second of two special programmes, Mani Djazmi looks back on more of his favourite interviews from the last ten years, as we compile a World Football ‘team of the decade’. We hear again from Megan Rapinoe, Pep Guardiola and the ‘Pele of Peru’, Teofilo Cubillas.
In the first of two special programmes Mani Djazmi looks back on some of his favourite interviews of the last ten years, as we compile a World Football ‘Team of the Decade’. In part one, we hear again from Mexico’s flamboyant goalkeeper Jorge Campos, Brazil’s 1970 World Cup winning captain Carlos Alberto and Johan Cruyff.
Atalanta's Hans Hateboer talks about their unlikely Champions League adventure. The Esperance midfielder Kwame Bonsu reflects on the Fifa Club World Cup. And Heather O'Reilly, Pat Nevin and Mani Djazmi discuss the latest controversy involving Arsenal's Mesut Özil.
(Photo: Atalanta players line up at the start of the Uefa Champions League game against FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Credit: Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy/Ukrinform/Barcroft Media/Getty Images)
Suriname national coach and former Ajax player, Dean Gorré, joins Mani Djazmi and Pat Nevin. We'll ask why Suriname, with a population of half a million people, has produced so many talented footballers over the years. Plus, Dean Gorré shares his memories of Johan Cruyff. Also on the programme, we find out about how Real Betis are trying to save the planet.
(Photo: Coach Dean Gorré entering the field during a Suriname training session at the Essed Stadium in Paramaribo. Credit: VI Images/Getty Images)
Former Rangers and Scotland coach Alex McLeish looks back on his career. And we find out more about Zamalek's controversial President, Mortada Mansour, who has sacked 25 coaches in 5 years since taking over the Cairo club.
Picture: Egypt's Zamalek players celebrate after they won the CAF Confederation Cup final against Morocco's RSB Berkane (Photo by Islam Safwat/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
Flamengo legend Dejan Petković discusses a crazy 24 hours for his former club. And the Brazilian football journalist Ricardo Setyon also joins Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly to give his view, after Flamengo win both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league title.
Picture: Brazil's Flamengo fans surround the bus carrying the Flamengo football team during the celebration parade after their Copa Libertadores victory against Argentina's River Plate. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)
Gus Poyet discusses Jose Mourinho's appointment as coach of Tottenham Hotspur. And Mani Djazmi reports from Helsinki as Finland's national team qualifies for Euro 2020.
(Photo: New Tottenham Hotspur coach Jose Mourinho, during a training session at Tottenham's Training Centre. Credit: Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi travels to Helsinki as Finland attempt to qualify for Euro 2020. We hear from the former international Hannu Tihinen and current players, Leo and Sauli Väisänen. Also on the show, Pat Nevin talks to Chile-based footballer Richard Barroilhet about the political protests and violence which have resulted in the cancellation of matches.
(Photo: Teemu Pukki of Finland celebrates after scoring in the Uefa Euro 2020 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina - Credit: TF-Images/Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi and former Scotland and Chelsea winger Pat Nevin discuss this week's biggest football stories.
Clare Walsh, Football Federation Australia's head of game development, talks about the countries' new pay deal that will see players of the women's national team get the same salary as their male counterparts.
We mark the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by remembering an extraordinary bet between an East German player and a West German cabinet minister.
Following Andre Gomes' horrific injury David Busst, who was forced to retire after his double broken leg, joins us to talk about how to deal with the aftermath.
And podcast listeners can hear from Granada's Nigeria striker, Ramon Azeez, who says he wants their opponents to fear the club that are just two points behind the leaders in their first season back in the top division.
(Photo: Sam Kerr celebrates scoring for Australia. Credit: Getty Images)
World Cup winner Mia Hamm joins the team to pay tribute to Heather O'Reilly, who has finished her playing career by winning the NWSL title. And Peter Odemwingie and Pat Nevin discuss the problem of feuding team mates.
(Photo: Mia Hamm of Team USA is embraced by teammates as they celebrate victory over China in the Final match of the Fifa Women's World Cup at the Rose Bowl in 1999, Credit:Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Heather O'Reilly looks ahead to the NWSL final, Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez talks about life at Wolves, and former referee Abraham Klein remembers the 1970 World Cup.
Image: Raúl Jiménez celebrates scoring for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Southampton at Molineux (Credit: Carl Recine/Reuters)
Former India coach Stephen Constantine tells more stories from his globetrotting career. Watford coach Quique Sanchez Flores talks the challenge of restoring confidence at the club. And the former Tottenham striker Clive Allen looks back on his career.
Photo: In this picture provided by Korea Football Association, Hwang Hee-chan of South Korea competes for the ball with Kim Chol-Bom of North Korea during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Pyongyang. (Credit: Korea Football Association via Getty Images)
Afghanistan coach Anoush Dastgir talks about the challenges he faces. And the former Chelsea and Norway striker Tore Andre Flo looks back on his career and also tells us about the role he's had developing the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham.
Picture: Afghan goalkeeper Ovays Azizi with Qatari fans in the background in the World Cup Qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar. (Simon Holmes/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Former Swiss international Ramon Vega reflects on Tottenham's humiliating 7-2 loss to Bayern Munich. He also remembers the racism in Italian football during the 1990s. Also on the show, the Schalke defender Benjamin Stambouli talks about his club's promising start to the season. Presenter Mani Djazmi is joined by Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly.
Photo: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham holds his hands over his mouth during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Muenchen (Credit: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Fiorentina's Kevin-Prince Boateng talks about his globe trotting career and tells us why Gennaro Gattuso threatened to kill him. The Colombian footballer Sebastián Velásquez talks about the knife throwing fans of Medellin. And the former Canada international Karina LeBlanc reflects on Megan Rapinoe's call for footballers to use their platform for good.
(Photo: Fiorentina's Kevin-Prince Boateng applauding their fans. Credit: Fiorentina club)
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen talks about his tough journey from the slums of Lagos to Lille. We pay tribute to the globetrotting coach Rudi Gutendorf. who has died at the age of 93. Plus, in the second part of our interview with World Cup winner Per Mertesacker, he talks about his new job at the Arsenal academy.
(Photo: Victor Osimhen of Lille celebrates his goal during a French League 1 match. Credit: Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
World Cup winner Per Mertesacker talks about his struggle with pre-match anxiety and sings his favourite Bob Marley song. And the Hong Kong international Jack Sealy talks about playing in the Chinese Super League, his travels in North Korea and the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Presented by Mani Djazmi and Pat Nevin.
(Photo: Arsenal fans, all wearing Per Mertesacker shirts, are seen walking towards the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley. Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Former Manchester City player Jeff Whitley looks back on his career and his battle with addiction. And Cameroon international Gaetan Bong discusses the problem of racism in football.
(Photo: Manchester City's Jeff Whitley celebrates with his team mates. Credit: Alex Livesey/ALLSPORT)
Parma's Marco Ferrari, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly discuss the business of football. Espérance player, Junior Lokosa, looks back at this year's farcical African Champions League final. And Peter Odemwingie remembers his time playing for FC Lokomotiv Maoscow.
(Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
The coach of Brighton, Graham Potter, tells us about his leadership style and how he's used the writings of the Dalai Lama to help motivate his overthinking players. Plus, Heather O'Reilly, Peter Odemwingie and Pat Nevin will be sharing stories about the coaches who inspired them.
(Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Getty Images)
USA international Jessica McDonald on winning the World Cup. Kasper Schmeichel remembers the good old days of playing street football as a kid. And following Alejandro Bedoya's recent comments about gun violence, should more footballers use their platform to make a political stand?
(Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
US Women's Head Coach Jill Ellis will leave her role at the end of October, after winning back to back World Cups. Host Mani Djazmi, former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin and World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly talk about her legacy. The English Football Association has introduced a 10 minute temporary dismissal for dissent, so the team discuss whether this would work in the professional game. Heather talks about the legacy of the US Women's coach Jill Ellis who will leave her role in October. The team discuss Liverpool men's and women's joint pre-season tour. We'll hear from Zimbabwe defender Alec Mudimu. The defender plays football in the Welsh Premier League for Cefn Druids but his main career is a youth worker in Manchester. Alec talks about how he helps young adults in the local area and his favourite moments from playing in this summer's African Cup of Nations. He even came back with Mo Salah's shirt after playing against Egypt in the opening match.
Steve Crossman is joined by World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly and former Nigeria international Peter Odemwingie to discuss the week's big stories.
Peter defends Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny's refusal to travel on the club's preseason tour after the Gunners rejected the 33-year-old's transfer request and reveals Akon's Lonely was the soundtrack to his failed transfer to QPR.
Heather reflects on the US women's national team lifting back to back world titles. Former Manchester United captain and England midfielder Paul Ince opens up about feeling isolated by the language barrier during his early days at Inter Milan.
And Daniel Rossbach from the Und Niemals Vergessen podcast explains why Union Berlin may have the only fans who can claim they bleed for their club as they prepare for the club prepares for its' first season in the Bundesliga.
(Photo: Laurent Koscielny during a training session. Credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC/Getty Images)
Kalusha Bwalya and Joseph Antoine Bell look back at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Plus, we meet super fan Alvin Zhakata who travelled from Cape Town to Cairo overland.
Presented by Mani Djazmi in Cairo. Photo: Algeria supporters cheer ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Tanzania and Algeria (Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi returns to Cairo for AFCON 2019 and speaks to Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong and Madagascar’s Anicet Andrianantenaina. We also reflect on what wrong for the hosts Egypt, with former goalkeeper Nader el-Sayed.
Heather O'Reilly and Spain's Verónica Boquete look ahead to the women's World Cup final. We also hear from the former French international Melissa Plaza about the challenges still facing the women's game. Plus, Peter Odemwingie gives his views on the Africa Cup of Nations and we look ahead to the final of the Copa America. Presented by Mani Djazmi.
(Photo: US women's team walking onto the pitch: Credit: Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Former USA midfielder Heather O'Reilly is at the World Cup in France. From the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Nigerian captain Mikel Jon Obi looks back on his career. And, we also drop in on the Copa America in Brazil.
Presenter Mani Djazmi is joined by Pat Nevin and former Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie.
(Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
Kenya’s Victor Wanyama, Guinea’s Aly Keita and the former Egypt goalkeeper Nader el-Sayed look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Presenter Mani Djazmi is joined in Cairo by Egyptian journalist Inas Mazhar and former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani.
Mani Djazmi travels to the tropical island of Guam for the World Cup qualifier against Bhutan.
(Picture: Courtesy of the Bhutan Football Federation)
Mani Djazmi, World Cup winner Heather O’Reilly, Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie are in Paris for the start of the women’s World Cup. We hear from the former Canada goalkeeper and FIFA World Cup ambassador Karina LeBlanc and Brazil defender Kathellen Sousa talks emotionally about the challenges she’s faced as a female footballer in her home country. (Photo: Getty Images)
An exclusive interview with the new Inter Milan coach, Antonio Conte. We also hear from the President of Inter, Steven Zhang. Also on the show, Liverpool's Sadio Mané looks ahead to the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Presenter by Mani Djazmi is joined by Heather O'Reilly, Peter Odemwingie and Pascal Chimbonda.
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
USA international Jessica McDonald looks ahead to the World Cup. And refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi talks about his time in jail. Presenter Mani Djazmi is also joined by Heather O'Reilly and Pat Nevin.
(Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Greek Cup final hero Chuba Akompa talks about winning the double with PAOK. Italian defender Elena Linari explains why qualifying for the World Cup was an act of revenge against the sexists. And the coach of the Solomon Islands, Wim Rijsbergen, remembers his run-in with the Corsican mafia. Presented by Mani Djazmi, Heather O'Reilly, Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie.
(Picture: NurPhoto via Getty)
Iranian-American coach Katayoun Khosrowyar talks to Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reilly about the week's big football stories and the challenges of coaching Iran's under age women's sides.
Jordi Delgado joins us to examine Barcelona's Champions league semi-final defeat to Liverpool.
And Dutch defender Emma Coolen discusses her bid to find a new club through social media, after having to leave KSK Heist in the Belgian top flight, because she could not afford the costs of playing for the club.
(Photo: Iranian American Katayoun Khosrowyar exercises at the garden of her parents' house in Tehran. Credit: Behrouz Mehri/AFP/Getty Images)
Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen joins Mani Djazmi, Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie to share some of his memorable football stories. From his old team-mate and friend Johan Cruyff, to coaching American Samoa and jamming with the Rolling Stones.
(Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
We report from the Casablanca derby and hear from the coach of Raja, Patrice Carteron. India's goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan talks about her career and hopes for the future. Plus, the OGC Nice President Gauthier Ganaye discusses the challenges of competing with Paris St Germain.
Presented by Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie.
We're in Istanbul for a weekend of derbies, as Basaksehir go in search of their first ever trophy. And the former Hamilton Academical striker Richard Offiong talks about his globetrotting career, which took him to South Korea, Sweden, Belgium, Malaysia and Australia.
(Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet discusses the title race. Östersunds midfielder Charlie Colkett talks about his journey from the Chelsea academy, via the Netherlands. And World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly discusses the latest career move of her old adversary Inka Grings, who is now in charge of a German men's team.
(Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Getty Images)
Pat Nevin and Mani Djazmi are joined by the former Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda to talk about his old club's new stadium and racism in the game. The former Brazil goalkeeper Júlio César looks back at the highlights of his career. And, Racing Club director Barbara Blanco discusses her team's title victory in Argentina.
(Photo: ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP/Getty Images)
Swedish goalkeeper Magnus Hedman talks about his battles with depression and drug addiction. He also recalls the moment he almost committed suicide. Also on the show, the Kilmarnock coach Steve Clarke discusses the problems facing Scottish football. Presented by Pat Nevin, Peter Odemwingie and World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly.
(Photo by Tim de Waele/Corbis via Getty Images)
Former Croatia and Arsenal forward Eduardo da Silva looks back on his career. And we're joined by the former India coach Stephen Constantine. Plus, Auckland City player Dylan Manickum pays tribute to his friend and former team mate, Atta Elayyan, who was killed in the Christchurch mosque attack.
(Picture credit: Jan Kruger - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Two-time world champion Kristine Lilly talks about the US Women’s National Team's decision to file a lawsuit over a dispute for equal pay. The panel debate player safety, after several incidents of fan trouble in British football. Mani Djazmi travels to Sweden to talk to Östersund’s Aly Keita about fan violence, and there will also be an exclusive interview with Ajax’s Daley Blind.
Amandine Henry tells us why France's women can win the World Cup, while Mathieu Flamini explains why he wants Champions League football for Getafe and a better world for everyone
Photo: Amandine Henry playing for France (Credit: Getty Images)
She's the best player in the world, the winner of the Ballon d'Or and she has won the Champions League three times.
But Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg won't be playing at this year's World Cup in France, apparently in protest at what she describes as a lack of respect for female players in Norway.
We discuss why Hegerberg has made this decision and we hear from former Colombia midfielder Melissa Ortiz, who also quit her national team - citing inferior treatment of women's football by the Colombian Football Federation. Melissa reveals how the players' daily allowance was taken away by the federation and that players like her who lived in the United States had to pay for their own travel.
What's better than El Clasico? Two El Clasicos, of course! After Barcelona beat Real Madrid to reach the Copa del Rey Final on Wednesday, the two teams meet again in La Liga on Saturday. But has El Clasico lost some of its magic? We'll discuss whether this match is still as exciting without the thrilling battles between Ronaldo and Messi - plus the recent comments by Madrid's Marcelo that teammate Gareth Bale hasn't learned any Spanish since moving to the capital.
And is the Roman Empire falling? Roman Abramovich's empire that is...
Chelsea ended a terrible February with victory over Tottenham in the Premier League, but what now for the Chelsea manager and Kepa? The goalkeeper was dropped after refusing to be substituted in their League Cup Final defeat at Wembley - behaviour that seemed to seriously undermine Sarri's authority. We'll also discuss whether Abramovich has fallen out of love with the club.
Photo: Ada Hegerberg (Getty Images)
Gus Poyet talks about the lack of respect in the modern game. Pat Nevin discusses the problem of sectarianism in Scottish Football. And World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly remembers her meeting with the Dalai Lama.
(Photo: Gus Poyet. Credit: Mehdi Fedouach/AFP/Getty Images)
PSG striker Timothy Weah talks about the lessons learned from Mbappe, Neymar and his father, George Weah. We're also joined by the former Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Mani Djazmi is joined by the former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin, Heather O’Reilly the American three-time Olympic Gold medalist and World Cup winner, and the former Nigeria forward Peter Odemwingie.
Former Real Madrid and Malaga defender Fernando Sanz, who's now La Liga's director for the Middle East, tells us that the league's dream of playing games overseas must come true, after the failed attempt to stage Girona against Barcelona in Miami.
We'll reflect on Qatar's surprise win at the Asian Cup with Brighton Coach Paul Nevin, who spent 5 years working at the Aspire Academy that helped lay the ground work for the country's success.
Madagascar Striker William Gros joins us after he progressed to the quarter finals of the French Cup with his fourth tier side AS Vitré.
And Peter has a big announcement for the group.
(Photo: Qatar players lift the AFC Asian Cup trophy following their victory over Japan. Credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Former Ajax, Barcelona and Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, who is now the assistant coach of the Cameroon national team, shares his thoughts on the upcoming men's Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Cameroon was recently stripped of the right to host this year’s tournament as a result of delays and concerns about the potential of violence. The competition will now go ahead in Egypt - and Kluivert believes that will actually benefit the Cameroon team.
Ahead of the Asian Cup Final between Qatar and Japan, we hear more about the local fans throwing shoes at the Qatar players during their semi-final victory over the UAE and what the atmosphere was really like inside the stadium. Plus, we'll hear the thoughts of Qatar coach Felix Sanchez on an appeal from the UAE to the Asian Football Confederation, over the eligibility of two players from Qatar.
And Ole Gunnar Solksjaer is still unbeaten since taking over as Manchester United coach. Another former United player to return to the club is Giuseppe Rossi. He was invited to train with the squad, as he looks to get back to match fitness after a string of horrible injuries. And he tells World Football he's surprised at the way his former team-mate, Solksjaer, has turned things around at United.
Photo: Patrick Kluivert (Getty Images)
It is crunch time at Asian football's biggest tournament as we enter the knock-out stages.
As the transfer window begins to close we find out what its really like when your hopes of a dream move become a nightmare.
And we hear about former British footballer, John Wilkinson, who started his journey with Exeter City but found the love of his life and an international career in Singapore.
(Female Iran fans support team at Asian Cup match against China. Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images)
Sven Goran Eriksson talks about his addiction to football. The former Wolves and Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme talks about his retirement from the game due to cancer. And we're also joined by the former New Zealand captain Rebecca Smith and the man who coached the Matabeleland.
(Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
The Juventus and Italy captain, Giorgio Chiellini, talks about his career and tells us how the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo has changed the dressing room. Plus, we hear from Kyrgyzstan's Daniel Tagoe, an African Prince playing in the 2019 Asian Cup. (Photo by Daniele Badolato via Getty Images)
Bernd Stange has one goal above all others when he leads Syria into the finals ; to put a smile back on the faces of the country's war-ravaged people. The veteran German manager was lured out of retirement this year to take charge of the Syrians as they seek to build on their remarkable run to the verge of qualifying for their first World Cup finals last year.
Awer Mabil's journey from life as a refugee in a hut built out of mud to scoring on his international debut is the stuff dreams are made of. The 23-year-old grew up in a refugee camp in Kenya, where hunger and cramped conditions were everyday problems for his family. After moving to Australia as part of a humanitarian programme, he was subjected to racism as he tried to make it as a footballer. But he has come through it all to represent the defending champions at the finals in the UAE.
Plus the India coach Stephen Constantine and goal-keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
(Picture: Syrian team before their World Cup qualifier against Australia. Credit: Getty Images)
The former Liverpool, Roma and Norway footballer John Arne Riise looks back on his career and remembers the many highlights, such as the 'Miracle in Istanbul'. Yet despite his achievements, Riise had to overcome bullying, insecurity and loneliness to get to the top. And his career was nearly put in jeopardy when a team mate attacked him with a golf club.
(Photo: VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)
Former South Africa international Shaun Bartlett talks about his meetings with Nelson Mandela. Plus, Heather O'Reilly Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie discuss Jose Mourinho's sacking and the relevance of the FIFA Club World Cup.
(Photo: ANNA ZIEMINSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
Former Tottenham and Cameroon player Sébastien Bassong talks about the racism he has suffered. Mani Djazmi reports from the postponed Copa Libertadores final in Madrid. Plus, the Belgian defender Thomas Foket tells us how a routine medical led to an unpleasant surprise.
Mani Djazmi hosts the show from Madrid where River Plate and Boca Juniors are set to play the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final Sunday.
The match was postponed twice after River fans attacked the Boca team bus and has now been moved more than 6000 miles from Buenos Aries.
Mani will be joined by Heather O’Reilly, Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie to discuss the Ballon d'Or, Cameroon losing the right to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, this weekend's MLS Cup final and the rest of this week's top global football stories. Plus we'll hear from the former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise and the Sevilla defender and Denmark international Simon Kjaer.
Photo: General view the Monumental Stadium when the second leg of the final of the Copa Libertadores was due to take place in November 2018. Credit: Jam Media/Getty Images
The story of the Copa Libertadores final between River Plate and Boca Juniors, which was controversially postponed following an attack on the Boca team bus. We also hear from the Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez, who reflects on his career highlights.
(Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
World Football comes from Buenos Aires, ahead of the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final between fierce rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate on Saturday. This is South America’s Champions League and, with the match currently tied at 2-2 on aggregate, it’s hard to over-hype what a contest this will be!
Mani Djazmi is joined by former Scotland winger Pat Nevin and ex-Nigeria international Peter Odemwingie - and World Cup winner with the USA, Heather O’Reilly, makes a brief appearance whilst she celebrates Thanksgiving in America. BBC Mundo correspondent Daniel Pardo tells us why the rivalry between Boca and River is about more than just football and we’ll hear from the Argentine brothers who will put family ties aside on Saturday as they cheer for different teams.
And the former AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf tells Mani about being in charge of the men’s African champions, Cameroon, and why it's important to leave a legacy behind in football.
Photo: A supporter shows off his ticket for the Copa Libertadores final (Getty Images)
Heather O'Reilly, Peter Odemwingie and Pat Nevin discuss the big football stories. Should TV cameras be allowed in the dressing room? The education of playing abroad and why you're never to old for a kick-about.
Heather O'Reilly, Pat Nevin and Peter Odemwingie join Mani Djazmi to discuss the week's biggest stories. We also hear from controversial French referee Tony Chapron and the players of Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.
World Cup winner Heather O'Reilly, former Premier League striker Peter Odemwingie and Pat Nevin once of Chelsea, Everton and Scotland swap stories about football's biggest rivalries. And presenter Mani Djazmi takes a trip to the Soweto Derby, where he meets the South African George Best.
South Africa’s Lucas Radebe speaks about his life journey. From being shot on the streets of Soweto, to becoming a Premier League player, the captain of his country and the ‘hero’ of Nelson Mandela!
We also speak to Socceroo Awer Mabil. Born into a family of South Sudanese refugees, he tells us about his goalscoring debut for the Australian national team.
Photo: Lucas Radebe (Getty Images)
Carlos Queiroz on the challenges of coaching Iran. The former German international Simon Rolfes dissects his country's latest defeats. We also speak to the coach of Kuwait and hear about life as a female football agent.
(Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
The former Manchester United striker Louis Saha tells us why big egos are disrupting the club. We discuss the plans to develop football in the Caribbean and speak to two St Kitts and Nevis internationals. Plus, Benin's Aaron Ibilola talks about life in Brazil's second division.
(Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Burnley striker Chris Wood remembers the bullying he faced for wanting to play football as a youngster in New Zealand. We find out why the Italian club Virtus Entella don't have a league to play in. The Kosovo forward Atdhe Nuhiu tells us what it means to be playing international football. And we're joined by psychologist Damian Hughes, who gives us a lesson in how to get a winning mentality - the Barcelona way.
(Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Germany coach Joachim Löw reflects on his team's disappointment at Russia 2018. The Belgium national team coach Roberto Martinez and France's N'Golo Kanté also look back on the highs-and-lows of the World Cup..
We are also in Valencia to meet the club's Singaporean President, Anil Murthy.
(Photo by Michael Regan - Fifa/Getty Images)
Life stories from the former Liverpool and Zimbabwe goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar.
(Photo by David Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images)
Dynamo Moscow's Konstantin Rausch discusses Russia's new found confidence following the World Cup. We travel to Luxembourg for the start of a journey which the locals hope will take them to Euro 2020. And the Montserrat coach and players talk about the Caribbean island's return to international football after three years without a game.
(Photo by Dennis Grombkowski/Bongarts/Getty Images)
A proud Peter Schmeichel talks about the career of his son Kasper. The former Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu discusses the lack of African superstars. Plus, Clarence Seedorf on coaching the Cameroon national team.
(Photo by Ian Gavan for FIFA via Getty Images)
In 2015, the two-time UEFA Cup winners Parma were declared bankrupt and demoted to the amateur leagues. The famous club effectively ceased to exist. Rebuilt and reborn as Parma Calcio 1913, the team won three back-to-back promotions and is back in Serie A. We hear from Parma's former captain and hero, Alessandro Lucarelli, who stuck with the club through the bad times. And the Parma director Pietro Pizzarotti, who helped rebuild the club from scratch in 2015. Presenter Mani Djazmi travels to Italy to tell the incredible story of the fall-and-rise of Parma Calcio 1913.
(Photo by Roberto Serra/Getty Images)
Real Betis goalkeeper Joel Robles discusses the possibility of La Liga footballers going on strike because of a row over playing league matches in North America. The former Jamaica and Yeovil Town player Nathan Smith tells us how meditation has made him a better person. And Coritiba FC's Vitor Carvalho tells us why so many Brazilian footballers dream of playing in Europe.
(Picture: Barcelona's Luiz Suarez courtesy of Getty images)
From growing up on a trailer park to playing in the World Cup final, the former Ajax and Real Madrid player Rafael van der Vaart looks back on his career and life. Also on the show, the flamboyant Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos.
(Picture: Rafael van der Vaart courtesy of Getty images)
The former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennent talks his wild lifestyle and difficult upbringing. We find out why the World Cup feel-good factor is fading fast in Croatia. And, we speak to one of South America's greatest players...Peru's Teofilo Cubillas.
(Picture: Peru footballer Teofilo Cubillas courtesy of Getty images)
Valencia's new signing Daniel Wass looks ahead to the new season. Frank de Boer talks about the struggles of Dutch football. And we visit the hometown of Manchester United's Serbian international Nemanja Mati to find out how his Premier League wages have been used to re-build a football stadium and a church. (Picture: Valencia's Daniel Wass by Getty images)
We're with 18 time Italian champions Inter Milan as they prepare for a return to the Champions League. John Bennett speaks to Ghana International Kwadwo Asamoah who joined from Serie A champions Juventus and Dutch former Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij as the club plays English second-tier side Sheffield United.
Across Yorkshire former Argentina and Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa is preparing for his first season with three time champions of England, Leeds United. Authors Thomas Goubain and Jed Davies outline what we can expect from "El Loco" at Elland Road.
And we catch up with footballing globetrotter Tom Saintfiet as he takes over as coach of Gambia, his tenth national team in ten years.
(Photo: Inter Milan's Kwadwo Asamoah controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Credit: Claudio Villa - Inter via Getty Images)
Minnesota United forward Collin Martin opens up to Mani Djazmi about coming out and becoming the only openly gay man in America's five major sports leagues.
Following the end of Russia 2018, we shift our attention to the next World Cup with Hassan Abdullah Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Qatar 2022 organising committee.
In the week that Juventus signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid in a deal worth more than 130 million dollars, we examine the fate of Serie B club F.C. Bari. They were forced to fold this week after 110 years of existence because they lacked the 8 million dollars needed to meet the registrations requirements for next season.
And we hear the story of Carlos “Kaiser”, the Brazilian who managed to trick footballers, managers and clubs into signing him as a professional footballer for 26 years. He was known as a “farce footballer” using injuries and other means to avoid actually playing.
(Image: Minnesota United's Captain wears a rainbow armband for their MLS pride night. Credit: Minnesota United FC)
Join us this week on the World Football show as Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić and former Croatian international Dario Simic look ahead to the World Cup final. We are also joined by a number of star-studded guests such as French World Cup winner Christian Karembeu, former German striker Kevin Keranyi and Russia’s Alexey Smertin.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
World Football comes from Nizhny Novgorod as we look ahead to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Within the show the former Russia international Andrei Kanchelskis criticises his country’s negative tactics, we ask if the president of the Spanish Football Federation faces some difficult questions after his team’s exit and finally Pontus Kamark remembers Sweden’s third place finish at the 1994 World Cup.
(Photo: Uruguay fans. Credit: Getty Images)
Oliver Bierhoff and Mats Hummels reflect on Germany’s exit from the World Cup, Maya Yoshida and Keisuke Honda talk about Japan’s Samurai Spirit and Pablo Zabaleta discusses Argentina’s poor performances.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
This week’s World Football comes from St Petersburg, and join us as we hear from the Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, Peru’s very own Nolberto Solano and the former French international Bixente Lizarazu.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Finally it is here, Russia 2018. So join us as this week's episode comes from the heart of the tournament, where we speak not only to Australian goalkeeper Maty Ryan and the former Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie, but from the fans who want their country to go all the way.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Croatia's Davor Suker and Belgium's Kevin de Bruyne look ahead to Russia 2018. We speak to the former South Africa international Matthew Booth about his time playing in the Russian Premier League. And we meet the teams and players unrecognised by FIFA, as they compete in the CONIFA World Football Cup.
Photo: Davor Suker at the 1998 World Cup (Getty Images)
Iraq international Brwa Nouri talks about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio looks ahead to Russia 2018. We speak to the captain of Tibet's national football team, Karma Tsewang. Plus, we assess the joint-bid from the USA, Canada and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup.
Former Australia coach Ange Postecoglou explains why he turned his back on the World Cup. Clarence Seedorf looks ahead to the Uefa Champions League final. We meet the generous Nigerian forward Alhaji Gero who plays for Östersunds FK in Sweden and sends most of his money back home. Plus, the vice-chairman of Parma Calcio 1913 talks about the club's promotion to Serie A.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The coach of Syria, Bernd Stange, talks about the challenges he faces and remembers his previous job in charge of the Iraqi national team. Spain's David Villa gives us his World Cup memories. Plus, the former West Ham and Charlton Athletic player Kevin George talks about mental health issues in the game.
(Picture: SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
An exclusive interview with the disgraced former President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter. What's his life been like since his spectacular fall from grace? And did he really not know anything about the rampant corruption that was taking place on his watch? We'll also be looking ahead to the World Cup with Denmark's Nikolai Jorgensen.
(Picture: MICHAEL BUHOLZER/AFP/Getty Images)
Abraham Mebratu tells us what it's like to coach war-torn Yemen. Bangkok United's Mika Chunuonsee talks about the growth of the game in Thailand. And we look ahead to the World Cup with Morocco's Karim El-Ahmadi and Belgium's Christian Benteke.
(Photo: YASSER AL-ZAYYAT/AFP/Getty Images)
Peru and Feyenoord midfielder Renato Tapia tells Mani Djazmi about his World Cup expectations and managing the National team Whatsapp group.
Australia's Trent Sainsbury shares his experiences of playing at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia and his reservations about VAR. The Jiangsu Suning F.C. defender, who's currently on loan with Swiss side Grasshoppers, reflects on his footballing education at Inter Milan and why he chose to play in China.
We're with James Montague in Athens as AEK are crowned champions of the Greek Super League for the first time in 24 years.
And we hear from one of Africa's top referees, Bakary Gassama, who says Video assistant referees will be introduced in time for next year's Africa cup of nations, and that he and other World Cup Referees will make VAR a success at the World Cup.
(Photo: Renato Tapia celebrates after scoring for Peru. Credit: Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Mexican striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez looks ahead to the World Cup. Australia's Sam Kerr remembers her reluctant switch from AFL to soccer. We find out about the demise of the Corsican club SC Bastia. Plus, we speak to the first Englishman to play professional football in Brazil.
(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AS Roma President James Pallotta reflects on his team's astonishing win against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. We also hear from the former Liverpool and Valencia coach Pako Ayestaran. Plus, will theCopa America Femenina 2018 in Chile help give a much needed boost to women'a football in South America?
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Former Vitesse Arnhem and FC Twente goalkeeper Wouter Dronkers talks about his interest in medicine, astrophysics and aliens. We also hear from the Benin international Steve Mounie about the pressures of being in a Premier League relegation fight. And the Philippines national team captain Phil Younghusband relives the moment he made history.
(Photo courtesy of Vitesse Arnhem)
We’re on the road for the latest round of international friendlies. Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, Poland's Lukasz Fabianski and Tunisia’s Yohan Benalouane discuss their World Cup preparations. Plus, we hear from 1998 World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu. He reflects on Paul Pogba’s worrying form and tells us how Jose Mourinho’s ‘tough love’ is causing serious problems for the French national team. He also tells us why it was more fun to be a footballer in the 1990s than now.
(Picture: Tunisian supporters light flares after their team won 1-0 at the end of the international friendly football match between Tunisia and Costa Rica at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice (VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images).
Was the Malta team that lost 12-1 to Spain in 1983 the victim of a doping scandal? Malta's Carmel Busuttil dismisses claims that they were drugged by contaminated lemons. Nigeria's Femi Opabunmi tells us how his career was cut short after losing the sight in one eye. Canada's international goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe discusses her decision to play for a men's team. And we travel to Minsk to find out if BATE Borisov's domination is damaging for football in Belarus.
(Picture: Spain's 1983 international team pose for cameras ahead of their European championship against Malta - Getty)
What can be done to fix Greek football? With the league suspended after the PAOK president Ivan Savvidis invaded the pitch to protest against a late goal being disallowed for his side, we speak to Herbert Hübel, the man leading the Fifa monitoring committee that oversees football in Greece.
Freddie Kanoute, the former West Ham and Tottenham striker calls for football in his native Mali to be "reshaped" in a bid to rejuvenate the sport in the country.
Former Scottish Professional footballer David Weatherston tells Mani Djazmi how anxiety stopped him fulfilling his potential and ended his career.
75-year-old England international John Shannon Jnr and his most committed supporter, 101-year-old John Senior, explain why veteran football is flourishing.
Photo: PAOK president Ivan Savvidis takes to the pitch carrying a handgun in his waistband after the referee ruled out a last minute goal for his side against AEK Athens. Credit: STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images)
With less than 100 days to go to the World Cup Russia’s anti-racism inspector, Alexey Smertin, says that black and gay fans shouldn’t fear going to the tournament but Aleksandr Agapov, President of Russia’s LGBT sports federation, doubts that there will be a legacy after the tournament.
We hear how Jean Ssinende, arguably Uganda’s biggest football star, had to iron clothes for money as a 12-year-old to pay for her first boots, and why she flew to England by herself to start a new life as a 17-year-old.
Chan Yuenting, the only female coach to win a men's league tells us how she first got into football.
And we pay tribute to the life of Davide Astori, the Fiorentina captain and Italy defender who died at the age of just 31.
Photo: A fan-zone screen displays a rainbow flag at the UEFA European Championships in 2016. Credit: Getty Images.
The Borussia Dortmund Chief Executive Hans-Joachim Watzke explains why German fans are staying home and being counted in protest over Monday games in the Bundesliga.
The world's most expensive defender Virgil van Dijk tells us how he's had to "step up" his game to settle in at Liverpool after his transfer from Southampton.
We hear from the woman behind the Open Stadiums twitter account, a movement of Iranian Women seeking to end discrimination & let women attend stadiums.
Rishi Sehgal, the Interim Commissioner of the North American Soccer League, explains why they've had to cancel their 2018 season after a court upheld a decision by the US soccer federation to deny the NASL a second tier status.
And we pay tribute to the former Spain and Barcelona striker Quini, who died this week at the age of 68.
Photo: Dortmund's "yellow wall" populated by small pockets of fans on monday evening prior to the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Augsburg. Credit: Getty Images.
Former Premier League footballer Kieron Dyer talks about the sexual abuse he suffered as a child and explains how that affected his football career. The coach of the Afghanistan women's team discusses the challenges she faces. Switzerland international Gelson Fernandes looks back on his time at Manchester City. And we remember the life and times of the record-breaking goalkeeper who was known as Crazy Sword...Malaysia's Chow Chee Yeong.
Will Saudi Arabia's deal with La Liga backfire if their players don't get game time ahead of Russia 2018? Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino talks about the pressure footballers face. We discuss the state of football in Egypt and visit the Swedish club Östersunds FK.
(Photo by Kaz Photography/Getty Images)
The former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet talks about his time in the Chinese Super League and discusses the pressures of coaching. We also hear from the former Australia international Jade North about his struggles with depression and discrimination. And the coach of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr, tells us it's ridiculous to suggest that there's an attitude problem among African players.
(Photo: Ian MacNicol/AFP/Getty Images)
Nigerian international Leon Balogun talks about the racist abuse he has suffered in Germany. Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino remembers the moment that changed his life and talks about his fondness for Barcelona. We also assess Morocco's bid to host the World Cup in 2026 and speak to Matthew Beard - the coach of the now defunct Boston Breakers.
(Picture by Oliver Hardt/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Nigeria's Taribo West talks about the pitfalls of being a footballer. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish discusses his club's turnaround this season. And FIFA whistle blower Bonita Merciades talks about her new book, 'Whatever It Takes - the Inside Story of the FIFA Way'.
(Photo: Taribo West on the pitch. Credit: Mark Sandten/Bongarts/Getty Images)
A female football fan tells us what it was like when her dream of watching her favourite team in the flesh came true. Fathers teaching their young daughters about football tactics, women attending stadia without guardians and, later in 2018, being allowed to drive. Is football heralding a new era in the Kingdom?
In the week that Spartak Moscow describe three of their black players as “chocolates” in a joke, the Nigeria striker, Peter Odemwingie, tells us there’s no racism in Russia.
Odemwingie is half-Russian, and played there for three years, but he says the amount of black players in the Russian Premier League proves that Russia is a welcoming country.
We pay tribute to Cyrille Regis, who overcame fierce racism to be regarded as a hero by fans of all English clubs.
We hear about how John Aldridge etched his name into the history of Real Sociedad, and the former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin calls on Arsenal fans to keep faith with Arsene Wenger.
(Photo: The first women allowed into football stadia in Saudi Arabia. Credit: Getty Images)
Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta talks about the heartbreak of losing a World Cup final. We explore the problem of sexism in football with Mansfield Town's CEO Carolyn Radford. And the Malawi coach Ronny Van Geneugden discusses the challenges he faces.
Cameroon's Lauren on the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup. The former AC Milan striker George Weah tells us how Nelson Mandela inspired him to become the President of Liberia. And Nigerian international Odion Ighalo on fulfilling his dream of opening an orphanage in Lagos. Plus, we're on the island of Jersey as they bid to get an national football team.
(Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
Relive the highs and lows on the road to Russia 2018. Over two years ago, teams from 210 nations began the qualification campaign for next year's World Cup. There was joy for Panama and Iceland. Syria went close despite the civil war. And there was heartbreak for Italy, the USA and Ivory Coast. From the earliest matches in the Himalayas, to Peru claiming the final spot, this is story of World Cup qualification.
(Photo: ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP/Getty Images)
Exactly 50 years ago, the North American Soccer League was launched in the USA. During its heyday in the 1970s it attracted some of the biggest names in the world game like Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Eusebio, Gerd Müller, George Best and Pele. This is the story of the hype-and-chaos surrounding the rapid rise and dramatic fall of the NASL featuring former players Rodney Marsh, Bob Rigby and Chris Dangerfield.
(Photo by Peter Read Miller /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)
US Soccer Presidential candidate Steve Gans outlines his vision for the future of the game. We hear from Real Sociedad's Adnan Januzaj and Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. And we visit Steaua Bucharest, currently playing in Romania's fourth division.
World Cup winner Rai explains why Brazil could struggle at Russia 2018. The former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele remembers how he persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to sign David de Gea. And New Zealand's Rory Fallon on why he's turned his back on football to go into the ice cream business.
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
After becoming an outcast at his club, Senegal's Oumar Niasse talks about the challenges he faced following a bust-up with coach Ronald Koeman. The former Liverpool and Cameroon defender Rigobert Song reflects on the moment he almost lost his life. Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio looks ahead to next week's World Cup draw and discusses his own future. Plus, Rodney Marsh remembers his great friend George Best.
(Photo by Mark Robinson/Getty Images)
All the excitement from Peru, Senegal and Ivory Coast on the road to the 2018 World Cup. During a dramatic final round of qualification matches in South America and Africa, we hear from Peru's assistant coach Nobby Solano, Ivory Coast's Kolo Toure, Morocco coach Herve Renard, Senegal's Cheikhou Kouyaté and many others. There's heartbreak, despair, joy and plenty of crazy celebrations.
(Photo: Luka Gonzales/AFP/Getty Images)
Footballer Chris 'Kiki' Naumoff talks about retiring at the age of 21 because of a heart condition. Steven Gerrard and New York City FC's Mikey Lopez reflect on the career of Andrea Pirlo - following the Italian's retirement. There are shocking stories about assassination attempts and match-fixing in Malta. And in the second part of our interview with Ghana's Tony Yeboah, we hear about his time at Leeds United.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The former Ghana international Tony Yeboah talks openly about the racism he experienced while playing in Germany. We also hear from the former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, who looks back on his career and the controversial referee decision which still haunts him.
Claudio Ranieri reflects on life at Nantes. Plus, we find out about the dangers for women players in the Russian league.
(Photo by Frank Peters/Bongarts/Getty Images)
This week's special guest is the former USA international Eric Wynalda, who now wants to run US soccer. Also on the show, we're all dressed up, our hair's neatly combed and we're off to the annual FIFA awards night where we'll meet up with the former France captain Marcel Desailly and the in-form Harry Kane.
Plus, we'll hear from Bibiana Steinhaus...the first ever female referee to take charge of top level men's football.
(Photo by Lutz Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Does Qatar have enough time to find a good enough team for when they host the World Cup in 2022? Many have criticised the Qatari tradition of drafting in naturalised players to fill the national team, but is that criticism fair, and will it continue in the next five years?
Also, Claude Makelele explains why France could struggle at next year's World Cup. And the great Spanish midfielder Xavi tells us how he turned down Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United to stay at Barcelona.
(Photo: Xavi, captain of Al Sadd celebrates winning the 2017 Emir Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Credit: Neville Hopwood/Getty Images)
On World Football, we look back on a feverish week of World Cup qualifiers in the Americas. We're with the United States as they were sensationally eliminated, ending a run of seven consecutive World Cup appearances. We're in Panama as they capitalized on the USA's misfortune to secure their World Cup debut. And we'll be asking why the South American champions Chile haven't made it to Russia 2018.
Picture: Supporters of Panama celebrate after their team defeats Costa Rica and qualifies for the 2018 World Cup (RODRIGO ARANGUA/AFP/Getty Images)
A year ago, Atlanta United didn’t exist. Now they’re in the end-of-season play-offs and have broken the MLS attendance record.
Alan Green reports from the city and meets the key figures at the heart of one of the world’s newest clubs.
We preview the crucial World Cup qualifier between the United States and Panama with Matt Besler, and discuss Nigeria’s World Cup prospects with Jay-Jay Okocha.
The USA international Megan Rapinoe discusses her Olympic and World Cup victories, sexism and homophobia in the game and why she chose to 'take a knee' during the American national anthem.
We also find out where it all started for PSG's Kylian Mbappe. We visit AS Bondy in the Paris suburbs to find out more about the club and coaches which shaped Mbappe.
And in the second part of our interview with Ivan Rakitic, the Barcelona midfielder ttells us how he'd swap five Champions League titles for a World Cup.
(Photo: US women's national soccer team player Megan Rapinoe. Credit: Harry How/Getty Images)
Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic tells us why it's difficult playing alongside Lionel Messi and how he regrets Neymar leaving the team. He also says Barcelona are motivated to do well this season for those affected by the recent terrorist attack in the city.
Also on the show, Borussia Monchengladbach's Ibrahima Traore tells us how he went from playing street football in Paris to the Bundesliga in just twelve months. He also recalls his meeting with the Pope.
Ghana's Anthony Baffoe reflects on what's going wrong with Black Stars, with next year's World Cup now seemingly out-of-reach. And the Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh discusses his seven days in Pyongyang and waking up to the news that a missile flew over the team hotel.
(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Nigerian legend Sunday Oliseh, who is now the manager of Fortuna Sittard, tells us how difficult it is for African players to get coaching opportunities.
World Cup winner Juliano Belletti assesses Brazil's chances at Russia 2018. And the Senegal defender Pape Souare talks about his return from injury following a terrible car crash.
Plus, we're joined by the former Tottenham player Rohan Ricketts who's been described as the 'world's most travelled footballer' having played in Canada, Hungary, Moldova, Germany, Ireland, India, Ecuador, Bangladesh, Thailand and Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive of Ajax, Edwin van der Sar, calls on UEFA to address the trend of big clubs stockpiling the best young talent, only to loan them out.
We meet one of the best connected men in football, the American sports executive Charlie Stillitano. As RB Leipzig prepare for the Champions League, former coach Alex Zorniger remembers the early days of fourth-tier football. And we hear from the President of Bristol Rovers FC, Wael Al-Qadi. But why has a wealthy Jordanian businessman decided to invest in England’s lower leagues?
The former AC Milan player and FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, looks back on his career. He also talks about his political aspirations after launching his campaign to become the next President of Liberia.
Picture: Former international football star George Weah looks at his political supporters from his party's headquarters in Monrovia. (ZOOM DOSSO/AFP/Getty Images)
We investigate allegations of corruption inside Croatian and Greek football as HNK Rijeka and Olympiacos face each other for a place in the Champions League group stage.
We spend time with Girona FC as the Catalan club prepares for its first ever season in La Liga. Also on the show, the Burnley manager Sean Dyche talks about his love for dance music and handmade leather shoes.
Picture: The Estadia Montilivi stadium during the Spanish Segunda Division match between Girona FC and SD Eibar (Josep Lago/EuroFootball/Getty Images)
Australian goalkeeper Maty Ryan talks about his move to Brighton, initiation songs and how he keeps his feet on he ground. We travel to Lille to find out about the coaching methods of the enigmatic Marcelo Bielsa. Plus, Eric Abidal talks about 'crazy' transfer fees and his emotional return to football after twice being diagnosed with cancer.
Picture: Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan gestures during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualification match between the Socceroos and Tajikistan (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Ahead of the Euro 2017 final we discuss the state of the women's game. Yannick Bolasie talks about his rehabilitation following a serious knee injury. And comic book artist Paul Trevillion tells us about the ideas he's had which have shaped the modern game, such as replica kits, mascots and football stickers.
Picture: Netherlands' Shanice van de Sanden celebrates after winning the UEFA Womens Euro 2017 football match against Sweden (Credit: DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/Getty Images)
Some of football's most traveled managers swap stories about their experiences. We're joined by Stephen Constantine, Tom Saintfiet, Vera Pauw and Steve Darby...four coaches who between them have coached more than 20 national teams and countless clubs on four continents.
(Photo: India's national football coach Stephen Constantine (R) addresses his players at a training camp in Bangalore (Indranil Mukherjee/AFP/Getty Images)
We're with Vikingur of the Faroe Islands and FC Copenhagen for the latest round of Uefa Champions League matches. We hear from the FC Copenhagen coach Ståle Solbakken about his near death experience. And the former Denmark midfielder John Jensen tells us how binge eating beef burgers was the secret to their shock European Championship success in 1992.
Picture: FC Copenhagen fans (Joern Pollex/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Former USA captain Thomas Dooley talks about coaching the Philippines national team. Is there a secret as to why 25% of Premier League managers used to play for Barcelona? We ask Patrick Kluivert. And the former Werder Breman and New Zealand striker Wynton Rufer tells us about his fascinating career.
(Photo: Patrick Kluivert poses with a t-shirt at a Global Legends Series event in Kuala Lumpur. Credit: Charles Pertwee/Getty Images)
We spend time with Andorra's FC Santa Coloma. Despite being a modest club, the Andorran champions do have a rather special left-back...the former World Cup winner Joan Capdevila. But could this be the end of his illustrious career? We speak to Capdevila and his team-mates as they take on Armenia's Alashkert in the first qualifying round of the Uefa Champions League. We're also in Mitrovica for Trepca 89 v Vikingkur, the first Champions League match to be played in Kosovo.
(Picture: BBC)
The CEO of Russia's 2018 World Cup organising committee, Alexey Sorokin, reacts to reports that Russia's footballers are being investigated for doping and talks about the lessons learnt at the Confederations Cup. The former Russia and CSKA coach and Leonid Slutsky looks ahead to next year's World Cup. And we talk to FIFA's head of referees Massimo Busacca about the controversy over the use of video technology at the Confederations Cup.
(Picture credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Mani Djazmi reports from the Fifa Confederations Cup speaking to the former Russia captain Alexei Smertin.
Portugal's Jose Fonte looks ahead to the Confederations Cup and talks about his international career. Nigeria's Ahmed Musa reflects on his time playing in Russia for CSKA Moscow. We also hear from the former Russia national team coach Leonid Slutsky . Plus, Stuart Baxter explains why he's decided to take on the job of South Africa's national team coach for a second time.
(Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho pays tribute to Cheick Tiote after the Ivory Coast international collapsed and died during training. Iheanacho also tells us how his manager, Pep Guardiola, was caught up in the recent Manchester bombing...and discusses his own future.
Also on the programme, the USA international Herculez Gomez talks about the rivalry between Mexico and the USA.
Picture: Cheick Tiote of Newcastle United applauds the supporters following the Premier League match between Burnley and Newcastle United (Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)
The former Spain international Michel Salgado looks ahead to the Uefa Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus. We travel to Liechtenstein to find out more about Cup winners FC Vaduz, who play in the Swiss league. And the former Manchester City and England striker Darius Vassell talks about his troubled time in Turkey.
(Photo: Cristiano Ronaldo. Credit: Pierre-Philippe Marcou/AFP/Getty Images)
The vice President of the Chinese FA, Zhang Jian, criticises the standard of football in Asia. He also raises concerns about Chinese clubs spending huge amounts of money to attract players from Europe and South America. And coach Matt Ward discusses his problems he faced working in Ghana.
(Photo: Ultra supporters and fans of the Beijing Guoan FC cheer together during their match against Chongcing Lifan FC in Chinese Super League. Credit: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Paris Saint Germain winger Julian Draxler talks about the heartbreak of their dramatic loss to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League this season. Bebeto's baby-cradling goal celebration was one of the iconic images from the 1994 World Cup. The child who inspired that celebration is now a footballer and has just signed for Sporting Lisbon. Bebeto tells us all about him. And we travel to the Colombian jungle to find out about a new football club set up by FARC rebels.
(Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
Has FIFA broken its promise to reform? We're in Bahrain to find out. The Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez talks about the one thing in football he'd love to change. And we visit the West Bank settlements to find out more about the football clubs at the centre of a political row between Israel and Palestine.
(Picture credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Italy's anti-racism adviser, Fiona May, reacts to the latest incident of racism involving Ghana's Sulley Muntari. As football's corruption scandal reaches Asia, we find out more about the men caught up in the latest bribery allegations. And we're in Latvia to hear a story of match-fixers, ex-KGB agents and a former Premier League player who's simply had enough.
(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Argentina's Martin Demichelis looks back at Manchester City's title win in 2014 and tells us why his former coach Manuel Pellegrini deserves more respect. The Nigerian internationals Kelechi Iheanacho and Kenneth Omeruo discuss their Premier League futures. Plus, we visit Colombia to find out more about the country's new professional women's league.
Picture: Martin Demichelis of Manchester City signals as snow falls during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United player Dwight Yorke tells us why he thinks black footballers should go on strike. We find out more about the new league season in Indonesia with Bhayangkara FC coach Simon McMemeny. Friends pay tribute to the Panama footballer Amilcar Henriquez following his murder. And we hear from Brighton and Hove Albion's Israeli players Tomer Hemed and Beram Kayal, who are looking forward to playing in the Premier League.
(Photo credit: ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images)
The President of Mexican club Santos Laguna, Alejandro Irarragorri, discusses the 2026 World Cup bid. And what next for Argentina following the sacking of the national team coach? We visit the football club where Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus began his career. And can the former England captain Tony Adams save Granada from relegation?
Why is one of the most famous clubs in European football, Steaua Bucharest, being torn apart? We speak to the controversial Gigi Becali. Watford's Isaac Success talks about reports that his injuries this season are due to a voodoo curse. And what is it like to be one of the worst teams in the world? We travel to the Turks and Caicos islands to find out.
(Photo: FC Steaua Bucuresti supporters during the Uefa Europa League group stage march. Credit: Andrei Pungovschi/EuroFootball/Getty Images)
World Cup winner Juninho reflects on Brazil's qualification for Russia 2018. Also on the show, the Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi defends his manager Arsene Wenger. And we hear from Japan's record-breaking striker, the 50 year old Kazuyoshi Miura.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Khalida Popal, standing up to the Taliban
Former Afghanistan women's team captain Khalida Popal grew up in a nation under Taliban rule where women were banned from playing any form of sport. She learned to play silently with friends to avoid detection, played on pitches once used for public executions and suffered physical and verbal abuse. Khalida fled her country, years later, and with her playing career now over she looks back on her life and tells us of her dream to one day return home as head of their FA.
Bon soire Napoleon, the life of Raymond Kopa
Raymond Kopa died earlier this month at the age of 85. He was the first French player to win the Ballon D'or and finished in the top three on a total of four occasions.
He was the first player to boast a commercial interest, (his own sportswear brand), something no player would be without today. He was also one of the founding fathers of the first players union.
Nicknamed 'The Little Napoleon', he was part of the Real Madrid side that dominated the 50s, he also played for Stade de Reims in the first ever European Cup final.
We hear Kopa's only BBC World Service interview and Reims Sporting Director Alexandre Barbier pays tribute.
Alessandro Costacurta interview
The former Italy and AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta looks back on his time playing alongside Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi.
Arguably the most dominant defence of all time, he says the team 'choked' their opponents into submission and blames Milan's recent problems on the absence of a 'teacher' like Baresi or Maldini.
He also claims Milan's owner is 'too old' to take the team back to the top and admits Inter Milan are the more likely of the two teams to challenge for Serie A titles in the near future.
A night on the tiles with Kosovo
James Montague reports from Kosovo where the national team coach Albert Bunjaki staged a flash mob at a classical music concert to stir up national pride amongst his players.
Kosovo are hoping to record their first ever competitive win when they face Iceland this weekend.
We also hear from Manchester City and Kosovo player Bersant Celina who recently jumped into the crowd to tear down a 'Kosovo is Serbia' banner at an FC Twente match (he's on loan there).
The tragedy of Justin Fashanu
Leroy Rosenior played with Justin Fashanu at West Ham, he looks back on their time at the club and examines how close (or far away) football is from convincing gay players they are safe to come out whilst continuing their careers.
He also tells us how Fashanu's suicide changed his life.
For the first time in three decades, African football has a new President. We hear reaction to the “sweet victory” of 57-year-old Madagascan Ahmad, who goes by that single name.
In March 2017, 24-year-old Mohamed Tauseef died of kidney failure and blood sugar complications that were the result of a common, ligament injury sustained while playing for his national team. He was the second Pakistani footballer to die in a matter of weeks. So why are Pakistani players dying when their injuries can be treated?
Meet the Muslim coach of a Jewish club. Former Mali international Sami Traore has taken over French amateur club Maccabi Creteil.
The fall and rise of Ljubo Milisevic. The former Australia international tells us how he fell into isolating depression from the heights of the Champions League and his national team, and how he’s returned to football, a more fulfilled man.
(Photo: Ahmad with a football, Credit: Getty Images)
Should fans at next year's World Cup be fearful of hooliganism? We get a Russian view of fan violence. And, why are fans in Atlanta so excited about their brand new soccer team? We're joined by Atlanta United's President Darren Eales.
(Photo: Russian riot police. Credit: Getty images)
Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony explains why he refused a move to China. Find out about Tanzania's biggest club match...but be warned, when city rivals Simba and Yanga meet, things can get a bit crazy! And discover how Besiktas supporters are recovering and finding togetherness through football following last year's bomb attack.
Picture: Wilfred Bony of Manchester City celebrates scoring against Borussia Monchengladbach (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Chile international Mark González talks about his close friend and team-mate Alexis Sanchez. We meet the owner of the Israeli Champions Hapeol Be'er Sheva to find out why the club's fans think she's the new Messiah. And the former referee Kim Milton Nielsen discusses the extreme pressures faced by today's match officals.
Picture: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates after he scores the equalizing goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match against FC Bayern Muenchen (Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Cameroon coach Hugo Broos reflects on his victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. Dirk Kuyt and Brad Jones talk about Feyenoord's title hopes. And we examine hooliganism in Brazil.
(Photo: Cameroon's Belgian coach Hugo Broos is lifted into the air as Cameroon celebrates beating Egypt 2-1 at 2017 AFCON final. Credit: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)
The shocking story of Kenyan footballer called Clifton Miheso. He claims to have been threatened at gunpoint by his club and forced to terminate his contract. Also on the show, the Cameroon defender Allan Nyom tells us he has no regrets about choosing not to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations. And the former Brazil midfielder Edu will be chatting about Manchester City's new striker...Gabriel Jesus.
Picture credit: Mohammad Amin
A look ahead to the final of this year's Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Cameroon. We hear from Cameroon’s Geremi and Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya. Also on the show, the former South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena warns that World Cup expansion could lead to African teams embarrassing themselves. And the former Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Zaire, Ghana, Togo and Cameroon coach, Otto Pfister, tells us how African talent is being killed by European academies.
On Saturday 21 January, Chapecoense took to the pitch for the first time since the plane crash which killed 71 people. The friendly against Palmeiras was a symbolic and emotional return for a club trying to recover from a tragedy. World Football's Mani Djazmi travels to Chapecó to find out how the team and the city are rebuilding, after one of football's great disasters.
Also, Otto Pfister talks about his remarkable career. The German coach began his African adventure when he took over Rwanda in 1972. Along the way, he became friends with President Mobutu of Zaire and some of the best African footballers of all time.
Picture: Brazilian Chapecoense goalkeeper Jackson Follmann (C), a survivor of the LaMia airplane crash in Colombia, receives the Copa Sudamericana trophy in Arena Conda stadium before a charity match between Chapecoense and Palmeiras in Chapeco, Brazil on January 21, 2017. (Photo by Leonardo Benassatto/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
The former Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph Antoine Bell hits out at the organisation of the Africa Cup of Nations. The AC Omonia coach, John Carver, talks openly about his suspicions of match-fixing in Cyprus. And after being awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Dutch government, what's next for Louis van Gaal?
Picture: A Mali supporter cheers for his team ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations match between Mali and Egypt in Port-Gentil (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images).
We chat to the Brazilian defender Dante about Nice's surprise title challenge, team-mate Mario Balotelli and former coach Pep Guardiola. Plus, Ghana's Andre Ayew looks ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Picture: Dante of OGC Nice during the French Ligue 1 between Nice and Lille at Stade Allianz Rivera (Getty Images)
The Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou tells us why representing your country at the Africa Cup of Nations could damage a footballer's career. We'll be finding out more about the problems facing one of Israel's most famous and successful clubs, Hapoel Tel Aviv. And Rene Meulenstenen talks openly about the lack of job security for coaches.
Picture: Ivory Coast's forward Salomon Kalou during a friendly match between France and Ivory Coast (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
A tribute to Johan Cruyff and Carlos Alberto who both died in 2016. Plus, the story of Kosovo's fight for FIFA recognition.
(Picture: A tribute to Johan Cruyff at Wembley Stadium before a match between England and the Netherlands - Getty).
The story of the rise and fall of the 1970s New York Cosmos, arguably the World's first ever football Super Club. With the likes of Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia they put the game on the map in the USA. But how was a soccer team able to capture the American imagination? And why didn't the good times last? Former players, fans and officials remember a unique moment in sporting history.
Picture: Tony Field #7, Giorgio Chinaglia #9 and Pele #10 of New York Cosmos look on before a game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, circa 1975 - 1977, Credit Robert Riger/Getty Images
Meet the youngest coach in Bundesliga history, Hoffenheim's 29 year old manager Julian Nagelsmann. The former West Ham footballer Clyde Best talks about the racism he suffered in the 1970s. And ahead of the Catalan derby, the Espanyol coach Quique Sanhez Flores discusses his family's love of flamenco.
Picture: Head coach Julian Nagelsmann of Hoffenheim looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between 1899 Hoffenheim and Hertha BSC (Simon Hofmann/Bongarts/Getty Images)
An exclusive interview with disgraced former FIFA President Sepp Blatter. He talks about his breakdown following the corruption scandal and talks openly about the mistakes he made. Also on the show...the Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watske explains why Red Bull Leipzig are the most hated club in Germany. And the Dutch player Nathan Ake tells us why Chelsea is like Harvard University in terms of getting a football education.
Picture: The former FIFA president Sepp Blatter smiles during the 'Sepp Blatter Tournament' in Ulrichen, Blatter's hometown. (FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)
A football team on the way to a Cup final. It was supposed to be Chapecoense's moment of glory, but instead Brazil is left to mourn the dead. Friends of the dead pay tribute and talk of their grief following the air crash which killed 71 people.
(Picture: View of a flower hanging from a net during a tribute to the players of Brazilian team Chapecoense Real who were killed in a plane accident in the Colombian mountains - Heuler Andrey/Getty Images)
The Nigerian international Michael Uchebo tells how he has been treated ‘like a slave’ by the Portuguese club Boavista. Chelsea's John Obi Mikel says he is ready to quit Stamford Bridge in January if he cannot force his way back into the team. Plus, an interview with the new American owner of Marseille, Frank McCourt, who tells us how he plans to outsmart his rivals.
(Photo: Michael Uchebo in action for Nigeria. Credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi describes how Arsene Wenger has taught him the value of patience. Iwobi, who’s enjoying his break-through season at Arsenal, also tells us why he chose to play for Nigeria over England and how Nigerian fans ask for much more than mere selfies when they see him.
Iwobi is also joined by his father, Chukwu, who says that he still sees Alex as his four-year-old boy, and he’ll watch him play for club and country till he dies.
After Thomas Muller said there was no point in playing San Marino, we hear from the San Marino coach and the General Secretary of the Gibraltar FA, who calls Muller’s views ‘ridiculous’.
Algeria’s third coach of 2016, Georges Leekens,tells us why he’s returned for a second spell in charge of the national team, why Riyad Mahrez shouldn’t be expected to touch the heights of last season, and why Belgium will win the 2018 World Cup.
The tiny club of Kongsvinger will make their debut in the Norwegian cup final on Sunday. We hear from Managing Director, Espen Nystuen, who is also a player. So, the man he hired as coach, decides whether he plays in the team or not.
Photo: Alex Iwobi at the Emirates Stadium. Credit: Getty Images
As four Laos internationals are provisionally suspended for alleged match fixing, we ask if the fixers can ever be beaten.
We speak to the Mexico coach, Juan Carlos Osorio, ahead of their politically-charged World Cup qualifier against the USA.
China have another national coach, but is Marcello Lippi the man to plan their football history? We speak to the architect of Belgium’s Golden Generation.
What’s behind Azerbaijan’s sudden, unexpected upturn in form, and could they really reach the 2018 World Cup?
And we’re with the history-makers of Al-Jawiya.
Picture: USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann. Credit: Getty Images.
The coach of Mexico, Juan Carlos Osorio, tells us how an embarrassing 7-nil defeat earlier this year has made him a better leader. Michael Laudrup reflects on Inter Milan's decision to sack coach Frank de Boer after just 85 days. And, it's now over one thousand days since David Beckham announced his intention to set-up a football club in Miami. So, why very little has happened since?
Picture: Juan Carlos Osorio coach of Mexico gestures during a Copa America match between Mexico and Venezuela (Omar Vega/LatinContent/Getty Images)
Friends pay tribute to Brazil's 1970 World Cup winning captain Carlos Alberto Torres who died this week. Also on the show, the chairman of Finland's surprise Champions, Mariehamn. And reflections on the African Champions League success of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Picture: Brazil captain Carlos Alberto celebrates after soring a fine 4th goal to end a sweeping move (Photo by Popperfoto/Getty Images)
Are plans afoot for clubs to breakaway from UEFA and create a new Champions League? We hear from the head of the Danish Superliga, Claus Thomsen and the former head of the Scottish FA, Gordon Smith. Also on the show, Bayern Munich's Xabi Alonso, Tottenham's Son Hueng-min and the Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr.
Picture: FC Copenhagen fans let off flares ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Leicester City and FC Copenhagen at the Leicester City Stadium. (Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola remembers his mentor Johan Cruyff. Xavi gives the low-down on Pep. And we hear from Jordi Cruyff too. Also on the programme, is Sven Goran Eriksson the right man to coach China? And we're on the road with the national team of Kosovo.
Picture: Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff enjoy lunch at Club Golf Montanyà (Credit: Getty images)
Robert Pires and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani discuss the possibility of expanding the World Cup to 48 teams. Also on the show, Andre Villas Boas talks about football in Russia and tells us why it all went wrong at Chelsea. The President of Atlanta United, Darren Eales, reveals how he persuaded the former Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino to join the club. And hear what kind of music Swansea City's new coach Bob Bradley likes his players to listen to in the dressing room before matches.
Picture: Football supporters from Holland celebrate their country's victory over Ivory Coast in a 2006 World Cup Finals match played in the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium, Germany (Credit Alistair Berg/Getty images)
Former Brazil international Gilberto Silva says modern players get too much, too young. The Toulouse FC coach, Pascal Dupraz, talks about the psychological tricks he uses to motivate his team. Plus, football agent Jon Smith discusses the latest allegations of corruption in English football.
(Picture: Brazilian player Gilberto Silva poses for a picture with a boy in a hotel garden in Maracaibo, Venezuela ahead of the final of 2007 Copa America. Credit: ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP/Getty Images)
Yaya Toure's agent has some very strong words to say about the Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola. The outspoken Dimitri Seluk accuses Guardiola of treating his players like dogs. aslo on the show, the Portuguese winger Nani, talks about the joy of winning Euro 2016 and the troubles at his club side Valencia. And the only footballer from the Gambia to ever play in the English Premier League, Modou Barrow, tells us why he's dreaming of playing in the World Cup.
(Picture: Josep Guardiola manager of Manchester City reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach at Etihad Stadium on September 14. Credit: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
UEFA has a new President, but who exactly is Aleksander Ceferin and what's his vision for European football? The El Salvador footballer Richard Menjivar explains why he took a very public stand against match-fixing. Ghana's Alfred Duncan discusses the incredible rise of the Italian club Sassuolo. And the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid manager Ron Atkinson looks back at the highs and lows of his career.
Picture: UEFA's newly elected president, Slovenian Aleksander Ceferin, is pictured during the 12th Extraordinary UEFA congress in Lagonissi, some 40 kilometers south of Athens, on September 14, 2016 (ARIS MESSINIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Ruud Gullit gives his views on his former clubs AC Milan and Chelsea and discusses the recent struggles of the Dutch national team. Also on the programme, we're in Bangkok for the latest round of Asian World Cup qualifiers and Jon Smith gives an insight into the life of a football agent.
Picture: Ruud Gullit during the Euro qualifier match between the Netherlands and Cyprus at De Kuip on October 28, 1987 in Rotterdam (VI Images via Getty Images).
Nigeria's Samson Siasia on winning a bronze medal in Rio despite chaotic preparations and no pay. We spend a day with agent Samira Samii, one of the few female football agents working in Europe. And find out more about football in Afghanistan as the new Afghan Premier League season kicks-off.
Picture: Samson Siasia the coach of Nigeria looks on during the national anthems prior to the FIFA U20 World Cup Round of Sixteen match between Germany and Nigeria at the Mubarak Stadium on October 7, 2009 in Suez, Egypt. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu talks about his journey from Mohali to Oslo, and becoming the first Indian footballer to play in the top division of a European league.
US international Joanna Lohman discusses the six-month ban given to national goalkeeper Hope Solo for calling the Swedish team “a bunch of cowards”.
Celtic in Be’er Sheva: with a looming fine for displaying Palestinian flags hanging over them, we’re with the Scottish champions for the second leg of their European Champions League qualifier in Israel.
Life after football – the former Dutch international Reggi Blinker tells us how he’s helping former professionals to adapt after retiring from the game.
And the Southampton coach, Claude Puel, reveals how his mentor, Arsene Wenger, encouraged him to move to the English south coast.
(Photo; Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal for India, Credit; Getty Images)
Sepp Blatter talks about the death of his 'teacher' Joao Havelange and his appeal against a 6 year ban from football. The former Inter Milan goalkeeper Walter Zenga looks ahead to the new football season in Italy. Following the attack of a player during a match in Sweden, is there a new type of football violence being committed by fans? Plus, a look ahead to the finals of the Olympic football tournaments.
Picture: FIFA president Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter (Mikhail Japaridze\TASS via Getty Images)
French international Moussa Sissoko discusses his uncertain club future, the heartbreak of losing the Euro 2016 final and swaps stories about his close friend, Paul Pogba. South African under-23 international Ty Sandows assesses Brazil's Olympic hopes. We hear about the challenges facing the President of the South Sudan FA, with the country on the verge of another Civil War. And we find out why FC Cincinnati are creating so much interest in the city, despite being in existence for just one year.
Picture: Moussa Sissoko of Newcastle celebrates after scoring the second goal during the Capital One Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at The Etihad Stadium (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Albanian footballer Sebino Plaku and Dejan Stefanovic of the players' union FIFPro discuss the problem of bullying in football. Argentina's Claudio Lopez gives his view on the appointment of Edgardo Bauza as national team coach. And the former Nigerian international, Taribo West, remembers winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games.
Picture: Wroclaw's Sebino Plaku fights for the ball during the return leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League football match Brugge vs WKS Slask Wroclaw in Brugge (KURT DESPLENTER/AFP/Getty Images)
An exclusive interview with FIFA's Secretary General Fatma Samoura. Following a crackdown in Israel, we find out about Beitar Jerusalem's ultra-nationalist fan group called La Familia. And we look back at Antonio Conte's first managerial job at Arezzo.
Picture: FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura looks on at a news conference following a meeting of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Local Organising Committee (Sergei Fadeichev\TASS via Getty Images)
UEFA vice President Michael van Praag discusses his bid for the top job. Venezia FC owner Joe Tacopina outlines his vision for football in Venice. And we remember the North Korean team which caused one of the biggest World Cup upsets by defeating Italy 50 years ago.
Picture: Michael van Praag of UEFA during the UEFA Euro 2016 round of 16 match between Italy and Spain on June 27, 2016 at the Stade de France in Paris, France (VI Images via Getty Images)
Croatian midfielder Darko Matic and Demba Ba's agent, Alex Gonfran, discuss the changing face of football in China. The former Real Madrid coach John Toshack talks about life in Casablanca and how he hopes to win the African Champions League. We visit the Homeless World Cup in Glasgow. And the former co-owner of Swansea City, John van Zweden, talks about his unlikely love affair with the club and the recent take-over by American businessmen.
Picture: Brazil's Hulk (R) poses with his new jersey during a press conference after joining Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG Football Club (STR/AFP/Getty Images)
A look ahead to the final of Euro 2016 as the hosts France prepare to take on Portugal. Hear from former France international Bruno Bellone and controversial coach Guy Roux.
Picture: Supporters during the Uefa Euro Semi final between Wales and Portugal at Stade des Lumieres on July 6, 2016 in Lyon, France.(Photo by Jean Paul Thomas/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
As Euro 2016 reaches the quarter-final stage, we speak to the former France international and World Cup winner Bixente Lizarazu. Can the French end Iceland's fairy tale?
Germany's Andreas Moller remembers the penalty shoot-out which propelled them into the final in 1996 and broke English hearts. And former Golden Boot winner Savo Milosevic relives the chaos and drama of Yugoslavia's Euro 2000 adventure.
Picture: Supporters of Iceland during the European Championship match Round of 16 between England and Iceland at Allianz Riviera Stadium on June 27, 2016 in Nice, France (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
The top scorer at Euro 2000, Savo Milosevic, laments the absence of traditional strikers at this year’s tournament. But, he says, the 24-team format should remain.
We relive Chris Waddle’s Marseille days with the former England winger who is still idolised at the Stade Veledrome.
Club owners in Europe are accused of treating their women’s teams as vanity projects by a female football agent.
And former international Eric Wynalda discusses the potentially damaging consequences for football in the USA after their 4-0 thrashing by Argentina in the Copa America semi-finals.
As France reach the knock-out stage of Euro 2016, former international striker Louis Saha assesses their chances of lifting the trophy.
We look back at the fan violence in Marseille, and the part played by so-called ‘Commando Hooligans’.
We get reaction from Iceland to Cristiano Ronaldo’s post-match criticism of their mentality.
And, after Dunga is sacked as Brazil coach, we hear from the assistant coach of Peru, who beat Brazil to knock them out of the Copa America and seal Dunga’s fate. Nolberto Solano tells us Dunga’s sacking was coming, and an expanded Copa America should be repeated.
Picture: France beat Albania to reach the knock-out stages of Euro 2016. Credit: Getty Images.
Croatia's Davor Suker, Albania captain Lorik Cana, Belgium's Radja Nainggolan and former England manager Kevin Keegan look ahead to Euro 2016. Plus we pay tribute to the former captain and coach of Nigeria, Stephen Keshi, who died this week.
A picture shows the trophy of the UEFA Euro 2016 football tournament (Photo credit: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
In his first English-language interview, Italy's Antonio Conte describes his coaching philosophy and looks ahead to Euro 2016. Also on the programme, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio explains why he's got the toughest job in football. And we travel to Iceland to find out more about the smallest nation to qualify for a European Championship.
Picture: Head coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Italian training session at Coverciano in Florence, Italy (Claudio Villa/Getty Images)