BBC World Football: Recent Episodes
BBC World Football
Behind the scenes of the award winning global football programme from BBC World Service Radio. This is an official @BBCSport account.
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 on the show...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.
Picture: Xavi, captain of Al Sadd celebrates winning the 2017 Emir Cup at Khalifa International Stadium (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)
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.
Picture: U.S. women's national soccer team player Megan Rapinoe (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 former Manchester United and Ajax goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar talks about the problems facing Dutch football. World Cup winner Juliano Belletti tells us why Brazil are once-again genuine contenders to win the World Cup. We meet one of the best connected men in football, the American sports executive Charlie Stillitano. And we hear from the President of Bristol Rovers FC, Wael Al-Qadi. But why has a billionaire from Jordan decided to invest in a club 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.
Picture: 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.
Picture: Patrick Kluivert poses with a t-shirt at a Global Legends Series event in Kuala Lumpur (Credit: Charles Pertwee/Getty Images for GLS)
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 by 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)
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.
Picture: Russian riot police (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.
Picture credit: Cameroon's Belgian coach Hugo Broos is lifted into the air as Cameroon celebrates beating Egypt 2-1 to win the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final (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 to 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 Muelenstenen 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 Super Club. With the likes of Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia they put football 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 1975-77. (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)
Chelsea's John Obi Mikel says he's ready to quit Stamford Bridge in January if he can't force his way back into the team. The Nigerian international Michael Uchebo tells how he has been treated ‘like a slave’ by the Portuguese club Boavista. And there's an interview with the new American owner of Marseille Frank McCourt who tells us how he plans to outsmart his rivals.
Picture credit: John Obi Mikel boards an airplane at Gatwick (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via 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. 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)
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.
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)
Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti discusses life, philosophy and the rise of the superstar manager. goalkeeper Jorge Campos, former Brazil captain Carlos Alberto and others, look back on 50 years of drama at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium. And the Northern Ireland coach Michael O'Neill discusses his team's preparations for Euro 2016.
Picture: Carlo Ancelotti gestures during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match Real Madrid FC vs Juventus at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. (GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)
The former Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra looks back on his time at the club. He talks about his relationship with Sven Goran Eriksson, being forced to sell the club after his assets were frozen and how he wanted Claudio Ranieri to be coach.
Also on the programme, Turkey's clubs pome together to tackle violence and corruption. We catch up with two Englishmen playing in Bangladesh. And what's the point of FIFA's legends matches?
Picture: Ex Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra shakes hands with fans prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on April 30, 2012 in Manchester, England (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Brazil's 1970 World Cup winning captain Carlos Alberto discusses the state of the game. He hits out at the lack of quality players and teams. Also, Ajax's final day meltdown, an interview with former Celtic goalkeeper Packie Bonner and a trip to Portsmouth to find out how the club's supporters saved the club after a string of bizarre owners almost drove it to extinction.
(Photo: Carlos Alberto, former captain of the Brazilian 1970's football team, holds the World Cup trophy. Credit: Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images)
There's controversy and some difficult decisions to be made after Kosovo gain UEFA membership. We hear from the Kosovan-born players who may have to decide whether to stick with their adopted countries or return to play for their homeland. Also on the programme, Sweden coach Erik Hamren looks ahead to Euro 2016. And Arsenal's Alex Iwobi disuccses his break-through season.
Picture: Players of the Kosovo national football team pose for a group photo before their friendly football match against Turkey in the town of Mitrovica (ARMEND NIMANI/AFP/Getty Images)
The first woman to win a men’s professional league tells us who attracted her to the game, what she does when her players are getting changed, and why the different ways that men and women think mean she can’t always understand them.
Former New Zealand international Ben Sigmund talks about his World Cup depression, decision to briefly quit football for rugby and overcoming adversity.
We’re in Qatar, at the Workers’ Cup.
And Alan Green gives a personal account of the Hillsborough disaster from his perspective as a BBC reporter, at the stadium, on the day of the tragedy.
(Image: Chan Yuen Ting, credit: Getty Images)
We’re in Parma to speak to the vice-President of the club after their promotion back to the professional ranks of Italian football, a year after bankruptcy forced them to fold.
Romania captain Razvan Rat says that terrorism won’t keep him from playing in Euro 2016. He also assesses the La Liga title race whilst Christian Fuchs talks Leicester City.
And we hear from one of the best women's footballers in the world, Carli Lloyd, and remember Iraq’s astonishing 2007 Asian Cup victory.
Picture: Parma celebrate promotion from Serie D. Credit: Getty Images.
Park Ji Sung and coach Uli Stielike assess South Korea's chances of reaching the 2018 World Cup. Find out about the problems for football on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha reflects on his time at Mancehster United. And what's going wrong at AC Milan?
Picture: Andranik Teymourian of Iran celebrates qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup (Amin M. Jamali/Getty Images)
Ronald Koeman remembers Johan Cruyff and Barcelona's Dream Team. Gianfranco Zola gives his verdict on Chelsea's new coach Antonio Conte. We visit the Thunder Castle, home of Thailand's Buriram United. Plus, Nigeria's Football Federation attempts to defend another crisis and we pay tribute to Cesare Maldini.
Picture: Coach Ronald Koeman celebrates his team's goal during the Copa del Rey semi final match between Barcelona and Valencia (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
One of the most powerful women in football, Sierra Leone's Isha Johansen, reflects on the FIFA Presidential election, Sepp Blatter's downfall and the lack of women in football politics. After reaching the final round of Asian World Cup qualifiers, we hear from Syria's captain Abdulrazak Al Husein and coach Fajr Ibrahim. As Northern Ireland prepares for Euro 2016, what's football like in Belfast these days? And the former Premier League player Julio Arca talks about swapping football boots for boxing gloves.
Picture: Joseph S. Blatter celebrates with Isha Johansen of Sierra Leone as he is re-elected as FIFA President (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Friends of Johan Cruyff pay tribute to the Dutch legend following his death this week. Also on the programme, Spain's oldest surviving club, Recreativo de Huelva, is on the verge of extinction. Midfielder Antonio Nunez and former player Ikechukwu Uche give their view on the crisis. And, why has the Colombian national team failed to live up to the promise shown at the 2014 World Cup?
Picture: Willy van der Kuylen of PSV (L), Johan Cruyff of Barcelona (R) shake hands before the UEFA Cup match between Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven (VI Images via Getty Images).
The former referee Steve Goddard says he's in shock after FIFA banned him for two years for his alleged involvement in match-fixing. Why has FIFA punished the whistleblower?
With Paris Saint Germain cantering to another title...has French football become boring? Former Monaco coach and St Etienne technical director, Damien Comolli, gives his views. We'll be finding out why so many Spanish footballers are attracted to Gibraltar. And we hear from the former Ajax and Denmark striker Jan Sorensen who tells us about the difficulties of having Johan Cruyff as your coach.
Picture: A man on his cell phone walks past giant footballs in Beijing (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)
As the K-League prepares for kick-off, FC Seoul's Dejan Damjanović discusses the state of the game in South Korea. We're in France to visit the hometown of Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez, speaking to his former coaches and team mates. And in-between the major tournaments, can women's football keep the interest alive? We're at the She Believes Cup in the United States to find out.
Picture: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors supporters at a AFC Champions League match against Yokohama F Marinos (Credit: Masashi Hara/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal and Cameroon defender Lauren discusses his old club's faltering title bid. We look ahead to the start of the Chinese Super League and the new MLS season. Plus a Cypriot referee, who has blown the whistle on match-fixing, takes his case to FIFA.
Picture: Lauren of Arsenal takes a throw in during the UEFA Champions League game between FC Dynamo Kiev and Arsenal at the Olympiyskyi Stadium in Kiev. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images).
We bring you the news and reaction to Gianni Infantino's election as new Fifa President.
(Image: Newly-elected Fifa President Gianni Infantino folds his hands during the extraordinary Fifa congress in Zurich. Credit: AP Photo/Michael Probst)
All the build-up to the FIFA Presidential election. Who will suceed Sepp Blatter? We're in Zurich to speak to some of the people who will help make that crucial decision...Canada FA President Victor Montagliani, Sierra Leone FA President Isha Johansen and Guinea Bissau FA President Manuel Nascimento.
Picture: The FIFA logo seen near the headquarter Home of FIFA ahead of Friday's Extraordinary FIFA Congress to elect a new FIFA President at Hallenstadion.
World Football travels to Romania to speak to players who have been upaid for months and are unable to leave their clubs. Also on the programme...match-fixing in Dutch football, an interview with Manchester City's French international Bacary Sagna and the inside story on FIFA's former General Secretary Jerome Valcke, following his 12 month ban from football.
Picture: General view of the Stadionul Dinamo, home of FC Dinamo Bucuresti taken during the Romanian First Division match between FC Dinamo Bucuresti and FC Viitorul Constanta (Getty images).
With two weeks to go until the FIFA Presidential election, we get the African angle with Liberian FA President Musa Bility and Nigeria's Segun Odegbami. Kolo Toure and Shanghai SIPG's Head of Recruitment Mads Davidsen discuss the increasing attraction of Chinese football. And we also have a chat with Arsenal legend Robert Pires and PSV Eindhoven striker Luuk de Jong.
Picture: FIFA presidential contender Prince Ali bin al Hussein (R) gestures next to the president of the Liberia Football Association Musa Bility during a press conference at the Geneva press club (Getty images)
Can Gianni Infantino become the next FIFA President? We assess his credentials. Also on the programme, the former Arsenal and Galatasaray defender Emmanuel Eboue, Chinese Super League recruit Jack Sealy and we visit Western France to find out more about Ligue 1 side Angers, a team pushing for Champions League qualification.
Picture: FIFA Presidential candidate Gianni Infantino controls a football after his press conference at Wembley Stadium (Getty images)
David Luiz discusses Paris Saint Germain's dominance of the French league and the club's European ambitions. We also travel to Le Havre to meet the club's American owner and coach as they push for promotion. And we are on the Fifa presidential campaign trail, which takes us to Brussels - where a planned televised debate is cancelled at the last minute.
(Photo: David Luiz of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates a goal during the French Ligue 1 between PSGand Olympique Lyonnais at the Parc Des Princes. Credit: Getty images)
Manchester City and Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony talks about his career and dismisses the rumours that he wants to leave the club. Also on the programme...West Ham's Angelo Ogbonna and ADO Den Haag's Gianni Zuiverloon discuss racism in football after an Ajax player was racially abused and subjected to monkey chants. Plus Dynamo Kiev coach Serhiy Rebrov discusses the possibility of Ukraine international Andriy Yarmolenko joining one of Europe's top clubs.
Picture : Wilfried Bony playing for Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. (Getty images).
Former Liverpool assistant coach Pako Ayestaran hits out at the club's lack of direction. We investigate suspicions of age-cheaing at the under-23 Asian Cup in Doha. West Bromwich Albion striker Adil Nabi talks about his Indian adventure with the Delhi Dynamos. And hear the incredible story of the Irishman who saved Barcelona from extinction during the Spanish Civil War.
Picture: Liverpool FC fans show their support prior to the match against Arsenal at Anfield. Credit: Getty Images.
Nigeria's in-form striker Odion Ighalo, who's been one of the stars of the Premier League this season, talks about his rags to riches story.
Christian Karembeu gives his verdict on Zinedine Zidane's appointment as Real Madrid coach. Exactly six years after the gun attack on the Togo team bus, goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale talks about his long road to recovery. And, the Nigeria national team coach Sunday Oliseh hits back at his critics.
(Photo: Odion Ighalo walks on the pitch at Watford's Vicarage Road. Credit: Getty Images)
Hear the incredible story of how Bhutan's national team, previously called 'the worst team in the World', won their first ever World Cup qualification match, in 2015. Also, coach Gary White reflects on an equally impressive year for the tiny Pacific island of Guam.
(Photo: Bhutanese fans cheer during a match in Thimphu in June 2015. Credit: Getty images)
Fifa Presidential candidate Prince Ali of Jordan discusses possible back-room deals ahead of February's election and says he is not interested in playing 'political games'. In the week of his 40th birthday, he also gives us his birthday wish - for Arsenal to win the Premier League title.
Also, the former Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard looks back at the Africa Cup of Nations. And, we reflect on the dark past of the venue for the 2015 Copa America final.
(Photo: Fifa Presidential candidate Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan talks during the 65th FIFA Congress. Credit: Getty images)
Will Jose Mourinho bounce back following his exit from Chelsea? There's trouble in the Netherlands, with the Dutch club ADO Den Haag in danger of going out of business. We look ahead to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. And we visit CS Lewbowski, a unique fan owned break-away club in Florence.
Picture credit: Jose Mourinho celebrates winning the Premier League with Chelsea. Credit: Getty images
Brazil's star players hit out at the corruption which, they say, is ruining football. Also on the programme interviews with Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez and Watford coach Quique Sanchez Flores. Plus, there's a trip to Valencia for Gary Neville's first match in charge and a chat with Sanfrecce Hiroshima's Mihail Mikic as the FIFA Club World Cup kicks-off.
Picture credit: Getty images.
We hear from FIFA Presidential candidate Tokyo Sexwale, Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and Fiorentina coach Paulo Sousa. Plus, there's a look ahead to Sunday's MLS Cup final between Columbus Crew and Portland Timbers
Picture: Tokyo Sexwale at a press conference in Tel Aviv. Photo credit: Getty images
Didier Drogba gives us some dressing room secrets from his time at Chelsea. Herve Renard looks to the future after leaving Lille. Plus, does football have a doping problem? And we visit Florence to find out if Fiorentina are serious title contenders this season.
Photo: Didier Drogba celebrates after scoring Chelsea. Credit: Getty Images.
Bixente Lizarazu and Joe Hart discuss the dangers of stadia being targeted by terrorists. Dirk Kuyt reflects on the troubles of the Dutch national team. And we travel to Armenia, where the domestic league is struggling to attract fans.
(Pictuire credit: Getty images)
Gianfranco Zola reveals his ‘uncontrollable’ passion for ice cream as he realises his dream to open an Italian café in London.
He’s joined by Roberto Di Matteo who rules himself out of a second caretaker managerial role at Chelsea, and Andriy Shevchenko who says that qualification for Euro 2016 would be the Ukraine national team’s greatest achievement since leaving the USSR.
A leading youth coach tells us that too many players are risking their identities and careers by moving when they’re too young.
We hear about the ‘football factory’ of Anderlecht and coach Besnik Hasi’s memories of juggling a career with worries about his family during the Balkan wars.
And we’re in the Middle Kingdom as China begins to stir as a football force. Picture: Gianfranco Zola; photo credit: Unico)
Cristiano Ronaldo tells us he’s the best player in the world and the reason for his superstardom is that he’s “unbelievable” on the pitch.
The Real Madrid forward reveals that he’s planning to have five or six more years in the game and he won’t be tempted by a big-money move.
Kuwait’s record goalscorer, Bashar Abdullah, says national team players are devastated by the prospect of expulsion from World and Asian Cup qualifiers.
Kuwait’s FA has been told that unless it resolves its problems with the government, the country will remain suspended by Fifa, and miss their World Cup qualifier against Myanmar.
Newcastle’s new no.9, Aleksandar Mitrovic, tells us he wants to become a legend like Alan Shearer, whom he idolised as a boy.
The coach of China, Alain Perrin, runs the rule over Asian Champions League finalists, Guangzhou Evergrande.
And from being born in a refugee camp in Thailand to playing professional football in England, the heart-warming story of Kler Heh.
(Picture: Cristiano Ronaldo, credit:Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo tells us he’s the best player in the world and the reason for his superstardom is that he’s “unbelievable” on the pitch.
The Real Madrid forward reveals that he’s planning to have five or six more years in the game and he won’t be tempted by a big-money move.
Kuwait’s record goalscorer, Bashar Abdullah, says national team players are devastated by the prospect of expulsion from World and Asian Cup qualifiers.
Kuwait’s FA has been told that unless it resolves its problems with the government, the country will remain suspended by Fifa, and miss their World Cup qualifier against Myanmar.
Newcastle’s new no.9, Aleksandar Mitrovic, tells us he wants to become a legend like Alan Shearer, whom he idolised as a boy.
The coach of China, Alain Perrin, runs the rule over Asian Champions League finalists, Guangzhou Evergrande.
And from being born in a refugee camp in Thailand to playing professional football in England, the heart-warming story of Kler Heh.
Hear the story of how a dream move turned sour for Barcelona youth players Ben Lederman and Nanno Lugo. We have the latest on the Nepal match-fixing scandal. Sporting Lisbon coach Jorge Jesus returns to Benfica. And former Portugal international, Deco, talks about his new life as an agent.
(Picture: Barcelona training camp. Getty images)
We travel to Paris, to find out about the early years of French striker Anthony Martial. Roberto Mancini looks ahead to the Manchester derby. And Magnus Hedman discusses the fading fortunes of Sweden's national team. Would Sweden be better off without Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
(Picture credit: Manchester United striker Anthony Martial - Getty images)
Interview with Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini. We also have the inside story of Albania's Euro 2016 adventure. And, Austria's Johnny Ertle and Sweden's Magnus Hedman discuss their country's fortunes in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
(Photo: Roberto Mancini. Credit: Getty images)
The Dutch legend Johan Cruyff tells us why he's glad he's not still a coach. Lothar Matthaus and Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel discuss Bayern Munich's dominance. Is the German title race already over, after just eight games? Mexico's flamboyant goalkeeper Jorge Campos talks about plans for a World Cup for legends. And, what next for FIFA, following the suspensions of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini?
(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images for Laureus)
An interview with Frank de Boer...could the Ajax coach be heading to the Premier League? As Argentina's champions look forward to representing South America in the Club World Cup, we'll be finding out more about the resurrection of River Plate. We'll also be getting a taste of Champions League football in Tel Aviv. And in the second part of our interview with Emmanuel Petit, the World Cup winner defends his friend and mentor Arsene Wenger.
(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit looks back on his career and tells us how money is having a negative impact on today's players. How did the Dutch national team get so bad so quickly? We hear from former Dutch international Michael Reiziger. His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail hits out at the current state of football in Malaysia and talks about his club, Johar Darul Takzim, reaching the AFC Cup semi-final. And Muzzy Izzet remembers his unlikely appearence in a World Cup semi-final. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Getty Images)
The former Russia captain Alexei Smertin and Cameroon's Andre Bikey discuss the issue racism in Russian football. Zico says players and fans should have a voice when it comes to choosing FIFA Presidents. And we hear from the current top goal scorer in Major League Soccer, Sierra Leone's Kei Kamara. (Photo credit: YURI KADOBNOV/AFP/Getty Images)
The President of the Romanian FA tells us why Prince Ali is making a political misjudgement if he thinks he can win the election to become the next FIFA President. Gianluca Vialli tells us why Italian football has an image problem. We're with the national team of Guam as their World Cup adventure continues. St Pauli and Borussia Dortmund play a friendly match to help refugees. And the agent of Chelsea's new signing Papy Djilobodji hits back at accusations that he's killing the player's career. (Photo by Jordan Pix/Getty Images)
The President of Sporting Lisbon gives a passionate plea for the introduction of video technology. The former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami on his desire to be the next FIFA President. And the Belgian international Sebastien Pocognoli who describes his frustration at the lack of first team football at West Bromwich Albion.
The Italian prosecutor at the centre of the Juventus EPO scandal in the 1990s and WADA's Director General discuss doping in football.
Parma's vice President Marco Ferrari talks about the efforts to re-build the club following bankruptcy. And Aston Villa's Rudy Gestede discusses racism in the game after being the victim of racist abuse last season. Plus Northern Ireland's Jim Hagan shares his memories of playing for Celta Vigo in the 1980s.
(Photo by Sascha Steinbach/DFL via Getty Images)
Has Vitesse Arnhem lost its identity by becoming Chelsea's feeder club? We hear from Vitesse captain Guram Kasia. Argentine Julio Arca and Kuwaiti interantional Aziz Mashaan discuss the the lure of Europe's top leagues. Will the rest of the World ever be able to compete with the power and the pull of La Liga and the English Premier League? And former Croatian international Josip Simunic evaluates Real Madird's new signing - and fellow Croat - Mateo Kovacic.
The President of Saudi Arabia's FA outlines his vision for the future. The former Trinidad & Tobago captain David Nekhid on his FIFA Presidential ambitions. We also pay tribute to Harald Nielsen, one of Denmarks finest ever players and discuss violence in Turkish football. (Photo credit: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images)
South Korea's Chung Mong Joon and Liberia's Musa Bility hit out at Michel Platini's ambitions to be FIFA President. What's happened to all the great Nigerian players? There's turmoil in Mexican football following the sacking of national team coach Miguel Hererra. And a former football hooligan looks back at violence in Eglish football during the 1970s and '80s. (Photo credit Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images)
The former FIFA advisor Michael Hershman talks about his frustrations while dealing with the "dinosaurs" of the organisation. The former Argentina international Hernan Crespo discusses his new coaching job in Italy and the mis-fortunes of his former club Parma.
We pay tribute to Alcides Ghiggia, the Uruguayan footballer who broke Brazilian hearts at the 1950 World Cup. And we spend time with Greenland, the forgotten team of international football. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Syria’s former U-17 captain, Mohammad Jaddoua, relives his nightmare journey in a sinking boat from Turkey to Italy as he escaped Syria’s civil war.
The coach of Micronesia talks about how his players are coping with conceding 114 goals in three matches at the Pacific Games.
The head of Liberian football, Musa Bility, sets out his vision for Fifa, if he is elected as Sepp Blatter’s replacement.
And, we hear about the pressures of balancing Ramadan with a professional football career.
(Photo: Three Syrian refugees on a boat off the Turkish Coast. Credit: Getty Images)
Bayern Munich legend Paul Breitner looks back on his career and gives his views on the controversy surrounding Qatar 2022. David Trezeguet pays tribute to Andrea Pirlo. We also spend time with San Marino's SS Folgore in the UEFA Champions League. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Getty Images)
Chile international Mark Gonzalez and Peru's assistant coach Nolberto Solano look ahead to the Copa America final in Santiago, as the hosts Chile prepare to take on Argentina.
Also on the programme, a look at the problem of fan violence in Chilean club football and why doesn't South America care about the Women's World Cup?
(Image: Chile Fans Credit: Getty Images)
At Chile's Nacional Estadio as many as 40,000 men and women suffered at the hands of a cruel dictatorship. On this week's World Football, hear about the dark past of the venue for this year's Copa America final.
The stadium was was used as a prison camp during the early days of the Pinochet regime. The dressing rooms were used to hold political prisoners and unspeakable acts of torture took place.
Former prisoners and family members of the disappeared give their shocking stories.
Also on the programme the latest from the Women's World Cup in Canada and a South American commentary masterclass.
(Image: Estadio Nacional as a concentration camp. Credit: Koen Wessing)
We speak to the man many regard as Chile's finest ever player, Elias Figueroa. From the Copa America in Chile, he looks back on his illustrious career, talks about the challenge of playing against Pele and gives his views on the current Chile team.
Also, we hear from Bolivia's Martin Smedberg and the Chile women's goalkeeper Christiane Endler. Plus, a report from the tiny Pacific Ocean Island of Guam, where the the Island's population are dreaming big after impressive wins in World Cup qualification.
(Photo: Chile's Elias Figueroa during their match against Algeria at the 1982 World Cup Finals. Credit: Bob Thomas /Getty Images)
Ossie Ardiles and Diego Forlan look ahead to the Copa America, which kicks-off in Chile this week. But is the tournament being overshadowed by the latest corruption allegations? The former Chile FA President Harold Mayne Nicholls discusses how the latest FIFA revelations have damaged South American football. And there's all the latest from the women's World Cup in Canada. We'll be trying to find out why Brazil has never won the Women's World Cup.
What's next for FIFA following Sepp Blatter's shock resignation? We speak to former FIFA Presidential candidate Jerome Champagne and Paraguay FA President Alejandro Dominguez. Also on the programme, Juventus legend Marco Tardelli and former Barcelona player Michael Reiziger look ahead to the Champions League final and we're with the New York Cosmos as they take on Cuba in a historic match in Havana.
In a special edition of World Football Alan Green travels to Brussels exactly thirty years after the Heysel Stadium disaster which killed 39 people. We hear eyewitness accounts from the players Marco Tardelli and Alan Kennedy, the fans, pitch-side photographer Eamonn McCabe and former UEFA President Lennart Johansson as we remember the Ghosts of Heysel.
The President of the Romanian FA Razvan Burleanu reacts to Michael van Praag and Luis Figo's decision to pull out of the race for the FIFA Presidency. Ghana's Andre Ayew discusses his future. Will Indonesian teams be banned from international competition? We speak to the former Dutch international who recently tookover as the national team's technical director. And we spend time with Ultras in Macedonia and attend the Macedonian Cup Final.
There are Chelsea players past and present as we talk to Wolfsburg's Andre Schurrle and French youngster Kurt Zouma. Also on the programme a look ahead to the A-League Grand final between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, a chat to the voluntary team manager of the Kiribati national team and a tribute to the former Zaire defender Mwepu Ilunga who made history at the 1974 World Cup.
Hear from FIFA Presidential candidate Prince Ali of Jordan, Maccabi Tel Aviv's Rade Prica on surviving rocket attacks and Chelsea youth player Jeremie Boga on trying to break into the first team. Plus a look back at the career of Javier Zanetti, who this week was honoured by Inter Milan.
The former FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka talks of his desire to play again for the Brazilian national team. He also looks back at the highs-and-lows of his career, playing for Real Madrid and Milan. The former Ghana international Anthony Baffoe gives his views on the fight against racism. And World Football travels to the Holy City of Nazareth as the local team prepares for a Cup semi-final.
Panithinakos President Yiannis Alafouzos and former Apollon Smyrni FC coach Lawrie Sanchez discuss match-fixing in Greece. Also on the prgramme, Belgium and Tottenham winger Nacer Chadli, Iran legend Ali Daei and the former Mainz player and coach Colin Bell.
Yemen national team coach Miroslav Soukup says political problems in the country could force him to leave the job. The former Borussia Dortmund player Michael Schulz reacts to Jurgen Klopp's desision to quit. Plus there's an interview with the Argentina and Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez.
Nigeria's goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama explains how he could be 'on the way out' of the national team. Ivory Coast's rising star Eric Bailly discusses his future and the possible international retirement of Yaya Toure.
Also on the programme, Joy-Ann Thomas the first Christian to play for Pakistan's women's team and a look back on Carlos Queiroz's turbulent four years in charge of Iran.
Israel has suffered back-to-back defeats during Euro 2016 qualification and now Palestine is pushing for the Israelis to be kicked out of FIFA. Hear from Israel's Ben Sahar and the President of Palestine FA Jibril Rajoub.
Also on the programme former Egyptian goalkeeper Nader El Sayed hits out at the country's new coach Hector Cuper. We travel to Brasilia where the world's second most expensive football stadium is being used as a municipal bus station. And hear from the Dane who had a dream while sleeping in a Buddhist monastery and went on to coach Tibet.
Serbia's Branislav Ivanovic and Dhusan Tadic discuss Michael Platini's recent comments about the rise of hooliganism and nationalism in European football. Sven Goran Eriksson talks about the coaching career of his former player, Diego Simeone. Nigeria's former captain Joseph Yobo looks back on his career. And the President of the Montserrat FA, Vincent Cassell, explains how things are finally looking up for the national team following the devastation caused by a volcanic eruption 20 years ago. Plus, hear the remarkable story of Steve Mokone, the first black South African to play professionally in Europe.
The former head of Russian football, Vyacheslav Koloskov, questions if all monkey chants are racist and says too much is made of the issue of racism in Russian football.
Weâre in Bhutan as the national team makes history by winning their first ever World Cup qualifying tie.
Murun Altankhuyag, Mongoliaâs first ever player in Europe, tells us itâs a dream come true. He says his style of play is like Ronaldinhoâs but laments the fact that Mongolia wonât have a competitive match for four years after being knocked out of qualifiers for the World and Asian Cups.
And weâre in the Big Appple for New York City FCâs first home match, at baseballâs Yankee Stadium.
President of the 20-times Greek champions Panathinaikos tells us that the countryâs hooliganism problems are because fans are fed up with corruption in Greek football.
Giannis Alafouzos also says that top clubs would consider a break-away league.
The Monaco and Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho tells us that Jose Mourinho left Real Madrid two years ago because heâd lost faith in his own players.
As Bhutan record a win in their first-ever World Cup qualifier, ending a 19-match losing streak in the process, we speak to the countryâs leading Lama about his love for football.
And 25-year-old midfielder George Saunders charts his career to date from Arsenal schoolboy to playing in the Colombian first division.
The President of Paraguayan football tells us why the South American associations decided against giving their backing to Sepp Blatter for re-election as FIFA president. Instead, theyâve decided to consider the four options after meeting Blatter and his three challengers this week.
We hear from one of those challengers who outlines his plans for an expanded World Cup and says itâs time to turn FIFA around with a new leader.
As the Panama striker Luis Tejada is racially abused for the second time in five months in Peru, the former Peru captain Nolberto Solano discusses what needs to be done to combat racism in his countryâs football.
We're with the trail-blazers in French womenâs football, Lyon.
And Cliff Jones remembers his former Tottenham team-mate, Dave Mackay, who died this week.
The former Chile FA President Harold Mayne Nicholls on why hosting Qatar 2022 in Nov/Dec is the worst possible choice. We travel to France to visit top-of-table Lyon and find out about Parma, a club on the verge of ruin. Parma legend and team manager Alessandro Melli gives us his views on the club's troubles.
The former Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon discusses Mourinho's departure, Ancelotti's future and Luis Figo's FIFA ambitions. World Football travels to Baku as Azerbaijan looks forward to hosting matches at Euro 2020. And the former USA captain John Harkes gives his views on the tribulations of Freddy Adu and the possibility of a MLS player strike.
Brian Jeeves tells the story of #astonvilla footballer Thomas Ball who was killed in 1923 and remains the only English professional footballer to have been murdered
Who's pulling the strings in the FIFA Presidential fight? We hear from two men who have been involved in the fight for power. Also on the programme, the former Juventus General Manager Luciano Moggi remembers the 2006 match-fixing scandal and continues to deny any wrong doing. The President of Bhutan's Football Federation looks ahead to his country's first ever World Cup qualification match. And the tragic story of the Aston Villa defender Thomas Ball, who remains the only English professional footballer to have been murdered.
In this week's World Football, the aftermath in Malabo. After home fans targetted Ghana's supporters forcing their semi-final to be stopped, Equatorial Guinea's suitability as hosts is under scrutiny, along with CAF's decision to take the tournament there.
This week's World Football takes you to Equatorial Guinea where the president's son, Gabriel Obiang, tells us they're producing the talent to build on the team's run to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. Current captain, Emilio Nsue, believes the national side is on course to become the best in Africa.And Jimmy Armfield, a former team-mate of Sir Stanley Matthews for club and country, tells us what players today can learn from the very first World Footballer of the Year as the game celebrates the centenary of his birth.
This week's World Football comes from Sydney ahead of the Asian Cup final between Australia and South Korea. Hear from Socceroo Jason Davidson and South Korean captain Ki Young Seung.
Also on the programme the latest of the fight to become the President of FIFA and reaction from the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
A Cameroon legend hits out following his sides failure - but the hosts upset the odds to reach the quarter-finals.
This week's World Football comes from Brisbane where the hosts Australia secured their semi-final place at the Asian Cup. Hear from Tim Cahill, former Liverpool winger Craig Johnston and the CEO of the Australian Football Federation David Gallop. Plus Harold Mayne Nicholls talks about the possibility of challenging Sepp Blatter for the Presidency of FIFA and at the Africa Cup of Nations, Congo coach Claude Le Roy discusses his love affair with African football.
This week's World Football comes from Sydney as the quarter-final line up starts to take shape at the Asian Cup. We hear from Japan's Maya Yoshida, Oman's Ali Al Habsi and the former Australia goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, who have serious concerns about the timing of the tournament. Also on the programme, one of Kenya's best ever players Musa Otieno looks ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations which kicks-off this week-end. Plus, hear from the Sydney football fans who are cheering on North Korea.
World Football travels to Melbourne for the kick-off of the Asian Cup.
Hear from Kuwait's Aziz Mashaan, Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh and the first coach to lead Australia to a World Cup, Rale Rasic.
Meanwhile, Palestine prepares for its first ever Asian Cup.
Plus FIFA Presidential candidate Jerome Champagne reacts to this week's news that Prince Ali of Jordan has also put himself forward as a challenger. Can either man oust Sepp Blatter?
As Major League Soccer enters its 20th year, Sean Wheelock travels to Los Angeles to find out more about the past, present and future of the USA's top division. Includes interviews with former players Tony Meola, John Harkes and Eric Lalas, the MLS commisoner Don Garber and LA Galaxy's star player Robbie Keane and Bruce Arena. Plus, will Las Vegas soon have it's own football team? Find out more about Sin City's efforts to become a MLS expansion team.
More stories from the Dallas Tornado world tour of 1967/68. The players recall stories from their 6 month journey to the most dangerous places on the planet. They visited Saigon during the War, came face-to-face with Chinese militants, survived a riot in Singpaore and narrowly avoided man-eating tigers while smuggling themselves over the India/Pakistan border. A unique and remarkable chapter in football history.
Investigative journalist Andrew Jennings discusses the latest drama at FIFA following Michael Garcia's shock resignation. Plus, there's an interview with Kerala Blasters player-coach David James ahead of the final of the Indian Super League.
Real Madridâs record goalscorer, Raul, tells us heâs prepared for Cristiano Ronaldo to beat his tally. He also says if Ronaldo continues in the form heâs in, heâll be the best ever.
Weâre in LA for a Hollywood ending to Landon Donovonâs distinguished career, hearing from Donovon and Robbie Keane.
The eccentric Atletico Nacional coach Juan Carlos Osorio talks about his notebooks, coloured pens and notes that get eaten by players during matches.
We discuss the merits of expanding the Womenâs World Cup to 24 teams and hear from the Cameroon captain Stephane Mbia on his Brother Frank, who might be about to join him in the national team.
Double Olympic silver medallist Fiona May talks about her new role as Italian footballâs anti-racism advisor.
The former long-jumper Fiona May talks about her shock at being asked to be the anti-racism advisor to the controversial head of Italian football, Carlo Tavecchio.
The Netherlands goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen, gives an insight into the difficulties of being a goalkeeper on the bench and what it was like to be replaced just before a penalty shoot-out.
We hear both sides of the artificial pitch debate, ahead of the draw for the Womenâs World Cup.
The man who was coach of New York Red Bulls when Thierry Henry joined pays tribute to the Frenchman.
And central defender Omar Jarun describes his pride at Palestineâs award for National Team of the Year in Asia.
The head of African football admits there will be problems when the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Equatorial Guinea next year, due to the last-minute change of hosts.
Equatorial Guineaâs policy of naturalising players is criticised by their own captain but defended by the well-traveled Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet.
The man who replaced the murdered South Africa captain Senzo Meyiwa in goal, Darren Keet, talks about the pressure he felt and the dedication he wrote on his goalkeeping gloves.
Stephanie Roche, who could become the first woman to win FIFAâs Goal of the Year award, talks about her excitement at being nominated.
And the uncle of Radamel Falcao gives us an insight into the childhood of the Manchewster United striker.
Despite another crazy week at FIFA HQ, the most powerful man in South American football gives his support to Sepp Blatter. Also on the programme, the Burnley coach Sean Dyche and there's a trip to to the home town of Chile international Alexis Sanchez. Plus, is it right to let Equatorial Guinea host the Africa Cup of Nations given the country's poor human rights record?
Hear from Bonita Mersiades of Australia's 2022 bid team and the Head of Qatar's Organising Committee Hassan Al-Thawadi. Also on the programme...an interview with the former Dutch international Bryan Roy, Morocco's Abdes Ouaddou on the chaos surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations and the amazing story of Corinthian-Casuals during the First World War.
The debate over Qatar 2022 heats up! Hear three very different views on when to host the tournament. Also on the programme, World Football travels to Scotland to find out more about Hamilton Academical's surprisingly strong start to the season. And Sweden's Lars Eriksson pays tribute to his close firend and former team-mate Klas Ingesson who sadly died last week.
South Africa's Benni McCarthy remembers his former team-mate Senzo Meyiwa. The Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper was shot dead this week. Also on the programme, a look ahead to the crucial second leg of the Asian Champions League final between Al Hilal and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Myanmar under-19 coach Gerd Zeise talks about his team'as success and hits out at age-cheating. Also on the programme, the Iceland coach Lars Lagerback, former USA international Oguchi Onyewu and there's a report from Istanbul on the fading fortunes of the Galatasaray v Fenerbahçe derby.
Inter Owner Erick Thohir tells the BBC's World Football programme how Italian football needs to modernise and calls for the UEFA Champions League to be expanded...
Albania's Herolind Shala gives an account of the violence which led to Serbia v Albania being abandoned. Also on the programme, the Inter Milan President Erick Thorir, Mumbai City coach Peter Reid and the President of Santos Laguna Alejandro Irarragorri.
This week's World Football comes from Chelsea's Stamford Bridge. Discussing the big issues in the game are the AS Roma owner James Pallotta, UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino and AC Milan's Director Umberto Gandini. Also on the programme the President of the San Jose Earthquakes Dave Kaval.
Alan Green travels to Lisbon to discuss the dangers of thrid party ownership with Sporting Clube de Portugal President Bruno de Carvalho. This week's World Football also features visits to Champions League matches in Europe and Asia, with the focus on Malmo and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Ahead of this week-end's match between Genoa and Sampdoria, Gianluca Vialli remembers his past performances in the Derby della Lanterna. Gheorghe Hagi looks back at the 1994 World Cup which he believes Romania should have won. And Alan Green meets Michael Campion, the footballer who turned his back on the wine industry to follow his dreams as a professional player in Hong Kong.
The FIFA Presidential candidate Jerome Champagne outlines his vision for the future of the game and talks about his chances of unseating Sepp Blatter. Once full of promise, has football in Syria been destroyed by Civil War? Former Syria international George Mourad and Syria's Under-16 coach Mohamed Al-Attar talk about conditionsd in the country. Also on the programme, the former Chelsea and Barcelona player Albert Ferrer discusses the challenages of coaching Cordoba, a team playing in La Liga for the first time in 42 years. And will the launch of a new Premier League in Hong Kong help attract big-name players?
The FIFA Executive Committee member, Michel D'Hooghe, tells us that nobody can beat Sepp Blatter in the 2015 FIFA Presidential election.
Dr. D'Hooghe also outlines a new regulation that forces referees to postpone matches for three minutes if a player suffers concussion and gives only the club doctor the power to decide if the player can continue playing or not.
Brazil and Italy legendts Carlos Alberto and Gianfranco Zola bemoan the lack of promising young talent for their respective national teams.
We talk to the Technical Director of Belgium's federation, Paul Allaerts, who tells us how they've unearthed such a promising generation.
And the General-Secretary of the All India Football Federation, Kushal Das, says the inaugural Indian Super League is "make or break" for football in his country.
The President of the South American football confederation Juan Angel Napout and the Argentine footballer Julio Arca discuss racism in the game and the export of young South Americans to Europe. Also on the programme a close friend gives an insight into the personality of Arsene Wenger. And hear the incredible of the former Everton player who shot his brother and died in a mental asylum.
The President of the South American football confederation Juan Angel Napout and the Argentine footballer Julio Arca discuss racism in the game and the export of young South Americans to Europe. Also on the programme a close friend gives an insight into the personality of Arsene Wenger. And hear the incredible of the former Everton player who shot his brother and died in a mental asylum.
Friend and former team-mate Hamza Bencherif remembers Cameroon's Albert Ebosse who was killed by fans last week-end. There's reaction from Monaco following Michel Platini's decision not to stand for the FIFA Presidency. World Football spends time with FC Romania, hoping for a good run in the English FA Cup. And hear from Andrea Pierobon who holds the record for being the oldest professional footballer in Italy.
An interview with one of the World's most travelled coaches, Stephen Constantine who's worked for Nepal, India, Sudan, Malawi, Rwanda and Millwall.
Also on the programme: ahead of the Spanish season, the President of newly promoted Eibar talks about a 'dream come true'; and the USA international Graham Zusi looks back at his World Cup adventure.
Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo looks ahead to the new season and discusses the possibility of letting TV cameras gain access to dressing rooms. Also on the programme the former Roma player Damiano Tommasi gives his views on who should be Italy's next coach and the latest racism row to hit Italian football.
Will Paris St Germain dominate again? The former Monaco and Liverpool CEO Damien Comolli looks ahead to the new French season. Also on the programme, hear about the 16 year old Serbian who could become football's next big thing and there's an interview with the newly appointed coach of New Zealand, Anthony Hudson.
Argentina's David Solari talks on the stress of living and playing football in Southern Isael, just miles from the Gaza border. And the President of the Palestinian FA, Jibril Rajoub, vents his frustrations over the current situation in the region. Also on the programme the Danish international Simon Poulsen gives an insight into the working methods of coach Louis van Gaal.
World Football goes back in time to 1967 and '68 to relive an incredible chapter in football history. The Dallas Tornado World tour. A team of 18 young players went into some of the world's most difficult locations. For six months they travelled 25 thousand miles around Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and finally Central America. They played games in Saigon during the Vietnam War, nearly died at the hands of Greek/Cypriot terrorists, came face-to-face with Chinese militants and survived a riot in Singapore. It was an amazing World tour that will never be repeated again.
The former Dallas Tornado players have reunited for a special programme to tell the story of that trip. Presented by Sean Wheelock.
Juventus legend and World Cup winner Marco Tardelli gives his views following a dramatic week for the Italian Champions. Also on the programme the coach of Darfur United, a report on Orlando City following the signing of Kaka and a chance to hear from the players of the Azerbaijan Champions who are competing in the UEFA Champions League.
World Cup winner Ossie Ardiles and former USA international Alexi Lalas look forward to the World Cup final in Brazil. And we remember the late, great Alfredo di Stefano.
Costa Rica midfielder Celso Borges and Colombian legend Carlos Valderrama join the show from Rio. World Football also pays tribute to the former Colombia international Andres Escobar who was shot dead 20 years ago after scoring an own goal. And Finland's coach Mixu Paatelainen gives his views on the World Cup so far.
Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho Paulista gives his thought on the tournament so far. And World Football speaks to a young South African footballer playing for Sao Paulo, who left home at 11 years old to make his dreams come true.
The World-renowned anthroplogist Roberto Damatta gives his views on the changing nature of protests at the World Cup - compared to what we saw at the Confed Cup. And tells us what football means to the Brazilian people. This is the full unedited interview with @mani2911.
Protests at the world Cup: @jamespiotr braves the tear-gas to report from the protests at the Maracana for World Football.
The former France coach Gerard Houllier and Argentina's Juan Sebastian Veron give their views on the World Cup so far. And have the locals grown tired of the protesters? Reporter James Montague braves the tear-gas to find out.
Brazil's most capped player Cafu, Bosnian captain Emir Spahic and Paraguay's Roque Santa Caruz look ahead to the 2014 World Cup. Also on the programme, FIFA Presidential candidate Jerome Champagne and the former UEFA President Lennart Johansson discuss the fall-out from this week's FIFA congress in Sao Paulo.
The Road to Brazil: An Outsider's Story. @jamespiotr re-lives his adventures with World Football's underdogs during qualification for the 2014 World Cup
World Football gets to the heart of the latest bribery accusations involving Qatar 2022. Also on the programme, the former Uruguay goalkeeper Leo Percovich and the incredible story of the 1974 World Cup bet that had serious repercussions for an East German footballer.
Was Jurgen Klinsmann right to drop Landon Donovan from the USA World Cup squad? World Football travels to San Francisco to spend time with the team. Also on the programme, the Austrian international Johnny Ertl explains how he was stuck in the middle of the Bosnian floods. Italy's Guiseppe Rossi looks ahead to the World Cup. And protestors in Brazil and World Cup organisers discuss their concerns and hopes ahead of the tournament.
The untold story of the Peru stadium disaster in 1964 which killed over 300 people. Also on the programme Giovanni Trapattoni discusses conspiracy theories and there's a look ahead to the Champions League final with former Atletico and Real Madrid coach Radi Antic, Luis Figo and the former Real President Ramon Calderon.
The former Mali international Freddie Kanoute gives his views on African chances at the World Cup, racism in Spain and the possibility of Israel hosting matches at Euro 2020. Also on the programme 17 Eritrean footballers turn up in the Netherlands after defecting in 2011 and World Football spends time with the Vatican football team.
Following the latest Eritrean defections, here's footballer Ermine Haile talking to BBC World Football last year about his new life in Adelaide following his defection in 2009.
Alan Green visits Robben Island during the World Cup in 2010 for @wsworldfootball. Listen again.
Lebanon national team coach Theo Bucker tells us he's considering leaving the post following a match fixing scandal involving two of his players.
Part of an interview with the legendary Rudi Gutendorf, coach of 18 national teams and countless clubs, including #Hamburg SV
Ukrainian football fans give their views after the France match - and after a few drinks!
The former Manchester United and Newcastle player David McCreery talks about the challenges of coaching in Burma...which apparently includes keeping an eye out for King Cobras!