How mental performance coaching is transforming elite football
Following Jadon Sancho’s first goal for Borussia Dortmund since returning to the club, his manager made a simple judgement about his performance. “We know he’s not 100 per cent yet,…
Brazil-Spain match against racism: Vinicius Junior disappointed and no money for charity
On Tuesday night, Brazil and Spain took to the pitch at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid for a friendly designed to combat racism, including in response to the abuse…
The best football managers of the future: Paulo Fonseca, tactical multiculturalist
This is the third article in a six-part series looking at some of Europe's newest up-and-coming football managers. Part one, on Thiago Motta, is here and part two on Kieran…
LAFC are finalizing a deal for Olivier Giroud, sources say
LAFC is finalizing a deal to sign France forward Olivier Giroud, sources familiar with the deal say. Athletic. The deal would see Giroud join LAFC this summer when his contract…
Wins for Adam Crafton and David Ornstein at the Sports Journalism Awards
Athletic's Adam Crafton has been named Sports Writer of the Year at the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards. Meanwhile, David Ornstein is the football journalist of the year Athletic has…
The day Vinicius Jr broke down in tears – and delivered his strongest anti-racist message yet
It was no ordinary day at Valdebebas, Real Madrid's training ground on the outskirts of the Spanish capital. On Monday, 100 accredited journalists – including 72 from Brazil – attended…
Mbappe, Davies, Modric and more: Real Madrid's trade in March and April
Real Madrid are entering a crucial phase of the season – not just in terms of what happens on the pitch. March and April are the time when talks about…
The best football managers of the future: Thiago Motta, a charming technician
This is the first article in a six-part series looking at some of Europe's newest up-and-coming football managers. Thiago Motta knows a thing or two about success. When your CV…
Barcelona’s ‘entorno’ – the toxic mix not even Guardiola and Xavi could avoid
FC Barcelona is a noisy place. Just ask Xavi. A legendary figure during his playing days, in January he announced a decision to step down as the team’s manager at…
How Kylian Mbappe reached 250 goals for Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick against Montpellier last weekend means he has scored 250 goals for Paris Saint-Germain in all competitions. The milestone was reached in just 297 games, but the Frenchman's…