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Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, is world football's most powerful man.His presidency has been marked by the controversial men's World Cups in Russia and Qatar, as well as the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. But it is the newly-expanded Club World Cup that he hopes to leave as his legacy.So, who is Gianni Infantino, where did he come from, where is he taking the game, and has he fulfilled his promises?Join Adam Leventhal as he tracks Infantino's journey from son of migrants to rubbing shoulders with the world's leaders.Featuring footage from: FIFA, Sky News, ABC News, AFP, iShowSpeed, Eurosport, Channel Four, Reuters, China Global Television Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Most Powerful Man in World Football

In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office, and they all met, with the US, in the Nations League finals.Adam Leventhal has been looking into what happens when the sport and politics are thrust together like this speaking with the players, stakeholders and fans to find out how they feel about the various subplots surrounding this tournament and the 2026 World Cup.How do the co-hosts put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division?Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi PatersonFeaturing audio from: The Daily, The Headlines, CBS, NBC, CSPAN, ESPN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026

Online searches for fake football shirts have gone up by over 500% since 2021, with the Premier league counterfeit market worth over £180m.But what damage could they be causing you and others?Adam Leventhal has spent the last nine months investigating the illicit trade of counterfeits, and uncovered some shocking details along the way.Host: Adam LeventhalMixing: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: Sky News, Arsenal, Manchester United, Aston Villa, sdpeasyy, Culture Force Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Underground World of Fake Football Shirts

In August 2023, on the pitch in Sydney, Australia, Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso's life changed. But not in the way it should have.In a moment that became more widely known as "The Kiss" former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales, grabbed Hermoso's face and planted a kiss on her lips.It became front page news around the world.In February 2025, Rubiales went on trial for one count of sexual assault and one of coercion. If he was found guilty of both counts, the prosecution was asking for a two and a half year prison sentence.In the end, following a two week trial, Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault but not guilty of coercion.So, how did we get to this ruling?Meg Linehan guides you through the full story, with the help of The Athletic's Spanish reporters, from the pitch in Sydney, to the hills of south Spain, over to the court room of Madrid. And ultimately ask one question, se acabó? Is it over?______________________________CreditsHost: Meg Linehan.Contributors: Dermot Corrigan, Guillermo Rai, Laia Cervello and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero.Producer: Theo Lloyd-HughesExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson and Emily OlsenFeaturing footage from: ABC News, Sky Sports, Al Jazeera, The Independent, Sky News, France 24 English, Fox, Jenni Hermoso Instagram, RFEF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Over: The Trial of Luis Rubiales

Football fans are desperate for transfer news - and it's often bigger than the sport itself.Open twice a year - in January and the summer - the transfer window changes the game.But what actually goes on when deals are made?Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at training grounds, stadiums and offices to explain the anatomy of a transfer and to breakdown the complex process of what a player goes through when they move from club to club.Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anatomy of a Transfer

On December 1, one of the world’s worst stadium disasters unfolded. At the Stade du 3 Avril in Nzerekore, Guinea, a devastating crush led to chaos and, according to officials, the deaths of 56 people. But domestic human rights organisations believe they have verified that at least 135 people lost their lives that day.The Athletic travelled to Nzerekore to visit the stadium, analyse what happened and speak to eyewitnesses and relatives of those involved. They are grieving and searching for the truth.Content Warning: This show contains reporting that some listeners may find upsettingHost: Adam LeventhalProducer: Abi PatersonNews reporting: Channel 4, France News, Sky News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Story of the Guinea Stadium Disaster

In April 2023, civil war broke out in Sudan. It continues to this day leaving in its wake the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.Despite this, Sudan’s national football team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and tops its World Cup qualification group.They are a source of hope to a nation left in ruins.In this special episode of The Athletic FC Documentary we’ll take you into the war torn country where amateur matches continue amid the shelling, and football grounds have become burial grounds.At a refugee camp in neighbouring Chad, we’ll hear of the horrors of war and how football is helping children there.And hear how geo political influence, immigration and perilous journeys over land and sea are part of this journey with Sudan, football and a war struggling to be seen and heard.CreditsWritten and presented by Adam LeventhalProduced by Abi PatersonAdditional reporting in collaboration with Tom Rhodes and Zemenfes Goudos GebreMikaelFeaturing footage from beIN Sport, Al Jazeera, British Pathé, Sky News, Fairshot, SuperSport, Sudan FA  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sudan: Football and the Forgotten War

To round up our series on Brentford we answer the outstanding questions on the Bees.What next for star striker Ivan Toney following his ban from football by the FA?How far up the Premier League table can the club go?And what are the club doing behind the scenes to ensure that they can keep improving year on year?Plus we hear about the women's team and how the club are supporting them.Hear from Chief Exec Jon Varney, Head Coach Thomas Frank, Captain Christian Norgaard, Performance Director Ben Ryan, Director of Football Phil Giles, Women's Head Coach Karleigh Osbourne, and Technical Director Lee Dykes on all this - and their thoughts on what the future holds for the club.Host: Jay HarrisProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 4: European ambitions and the Ivan Toney dilemma

Brentford Football Club suffered a devastating loss to their staff in November 2018 when Technical Director Robert Rowan passed away in his sleep aged just 28 due to a fatal cardiomyopathy episode.Christian Eriksen, the Danish international who had a heart attack on the pitch in 2021, was lucky. He survived and went on to play for Brentford from January 2022.In this episode we bring you their stories and tell you about the work that the club is doing with their community to raise awareness for heart charities.Hear from Robert's wife Suzanne Rowan, Head Coach Thomas Frank, Captain Christian Norgaard, Director of Football Phil Giles, B Team Head Coach Neil MacFarlane, Technical Director Lee Dykes and Director Nity RajHost: Jay HarrisProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 3: Eriksen, Rowan, and the Heart of West London

What are the questions reporter Jay Harris gets asked the most? How does Brentford's recruitment work? And are they the moneyball club?Well in episode two we get all the answers, or at least as many as we could, from the staff and players at Brentford FC.Hear from Technical Director Lee Dykes as he explains how he's built a unique data system to make sure Brentford can recruit the very best talent, at a much cheaper price than the rest of the Premier League. Plus he tells us how he builds squads and why he has 16 positions on the field, not 11.Players Ben Mee and Christian Norgaard explain what persuaded them to join the West London outfit.You'll also hear from Director of Football Phil Giles and manager Thomas Frank.Oh, and don't call them moneyball.Host: Jay HarrisProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 2: How to build a Premier League team

Jay Harris is given access all areas to one of the most intriguing clubs in the Premier League: Brentford.The club had the lowest wage bill in the top tier and yet were able to do the double over champions Manchester City and in their short two year stay (so far) in the league, beaten the big six at least once. So how do they do it? That's what we're here to tell you.First up, a whizz through the history of Brentford since owner Matthew Benham took over.Hear from Chief Exec Jon Varney, Head Coach Thomas Frank, Captain Christian Norgaard, Performance Director Ben Ryan, Director of Football Phil Giles, Women's Head Coach Karleigh Osbourne, Technical Director Lee Dykes, Director Nity Raj and club announcer Peter Gilham as they tell the Bees' storyHost: Jay HarrisProducer: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 1: A bus stop in Hounslow

In the third and final episode of this documentary series, presenter Mike Zimmermann explores the legacy that Lionel Messi will leave behind.Matt Slater explains the motives behind the Saudi Pro League, and why Messi turned down nearly half $1 billion annually in favor of Major League Soccer.The relationship between Messi and Inter Miami started back in 2018 — Paul Tenorio takes us through the initial interest from Miami, the inner workings of a contract that includes equity and profit-sharing from Apple and Adidas, and how Messi will change Major League Soccer, both on the field and off.With MLS and Apple partnered for the next 10 years, a broadcast deal worth $2.5 billion, Richard Deitsch describes Lionel Messi's arrival in the US as "a massive catalyst" for Apple's soccer coverage and the media landscape.You'll also hear from Andrés Cantor, legendary Telemundo Deportes broadcaster, about how Messi is viewed in Argentina leading up to the 2024 Copa America and 2026 World Cup, both being played in the United States.Produced by Mike Zimmermann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Making of Messi: Part Three - Leaving a Legacy

In the second episode of this documentary series, presenter Mike Zimmermann explores what Lionel Messi’s arrival will mean for American Soccer.Pablo Maurer looks back at the stars who have tried to crack the USA, while Felipe Cardenas looks ahead to how Messi and Inter Miami will attempt to build on this.You'll also hear from Ex-MLS players Bradley Wright-Phillips and Nedum Onuoha, who talk us through playing Soccer in the States, and how they think the Argentine will fit in.Produced by Jay Beale.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Making of Messi: Part Two - Coming to America

Welcome to the Making of Messi, our new three-part narrative series. Following in the footsteps of former stars of the footballing world like Pele, David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi is attempting to crack the US with his move to Inter Miami.The Argentine has won it all in domestic and international football over a glittering career at Barcelona, PSG and for his country, Argentina.In the first episode of this audio documentary series, presenter Mike Zimmermann takes us on the journey of Messi becoming, in many people’s eyes, the greatest of all-time, or GOAT.We go back to Messi’s roots in Rosario, Argentina, hearing from Felipe Cardenas on his early years, Pol Ballus provides insight on his 20-year spell at Barcelona, and Tom Williams recounts his time at PSG.James Horncastle assesses his international career, which reached its peak in that epic 2022 World Cup win in Qatar.You’ll also hear from Michael Cox on Messi the footballer, and Nick Miller on the Messi the man, and the money.Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Making of Messi: Part One - Becoming the GOAT

In part two, The Athletic's Adam Leventhal continues his journey along the Turkish fault line, to reveal more stories of remarkable heroism, tragedy and finding refuge in football, four months on from the earthquakes.As all eyes fall on Istanbul and the glamour of a Champions League final, Adam finds a technical director who pulled five people out of the rubble, the story of a goalkeeper's wife whose cry for help sent shockwaves around the world, and visits Iskenderenspor - the team that played on.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football on Turkey's Fault Line: Part Two - 'Kahraman' means Hero

In the first of this two-part audio documentary series, The Athletic's Adam Leventhal heads to the capital of Turkey's south-eastern province of Hatay - home of first-division side Hatayspor - where former Ghana international and Premier League winger Christian Atsu scored a last-minute free kick, just hours before the first earthquake hit on February 6th.Adam interviews head coach and former Turkish international goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, as well as various other people connected to Hatayspor, about their lasting memories of Atsu and how the football club is trying to help an entire community rebuild.It's a harrowing insight into the realities of surviving a natural disaster and the scale of the destruction.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football on Turkey's Fault Line: Part One - Christian Atsu's Hatayspor

This is Bobby 90, a four-part special podcast series from The Athletic to mark what would have been Sir Bobby Robson's 90th birthday. In this final episode of the series, Sir Bobby talks about his various battles with cancer and the establishing of the charitable foundation in his name.As preparation for his final book, Sir Bobby looked back over his remarkable life-story with George Caulkin. Thanks to the generosity of Sir Bobby's family we are able to publish the recording of those conversations, featuring memories of his life as a miner's son, watching some of the greatest ever Newcastle United teams, and embarking on an incredible football career of his own.We also hear the moving story of Sir Bobby's repeated bouts of cancer and how he came to launch his "last and greatest team", the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.The shows were written by Sir Bobby Robson and George Caulkin, mixed and edited by Ollie Bellwood.For more information, and to donate, please go to http://sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby '90: Episode 4, "My Last and Greatest Team"

This is Bobby 90, a four-part special podcast series from The Athletic to mark what would have been Sir Bobby Robson's 90th birthday. In the third episode of the series, Sir Bobby talks about his dream managerial job at Newcastle and his relationship with the fans.As preparation for his final book, Sir Bobby looked back over his remarkable life-story with George Caulkin. Thanks to the generosity of Sir Bobby's family we are able to publish the recording of those conversations, featuring memories of his life as a miner's son, watching some of the greatest ever Newcastle United teams, and embarking on an incredible football career of his own.We also hear the moving story of Sir Bobby's repeated bouts of cancer and how he came to launch his "last and greatest team", the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.The shows were written by Sir Bobby Robson and George Caulkin, mixed and edited by Ollie Bellwood.For more information, and to donate, please go to http://sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby '90: Episode 3, "Back at Full Pelt"

This is Bobby 90, a four-part special podcast series from The Athletic to mark what would have been Sir Bobby Robson's 90th birthday. In the second episode of the series, Sir Bobby takes us through his various managerial stints at England, Barcelona and his hunger for success everywhere he went.As preparation for his final book, Sir Bobby looked back over his remarkable life-story with George Caulkin. Thanks to the generosity of Sir Bobby's family we are able to publish the recording of those conversations, featuring memories of his life as a miner's son, watching some of the greatest ever Newcastle United teams, and embarking on an incredible football career of his own.We also hear the moving story of Sir Bobby's repeated bouts of cancer and how he came to launch his "last and greatest team", the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.The shows were written by Sir Bobby Robson and George Caulkin, mixed and edited by Ollie Bellwood.For more information, and to donate, please go to http://sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby '90: Episode 2, "I Don't Think There's Been a Manager in the Game Like Me"

This is Bobby 90, a four-part special podcast series from The Athletic to mark what would have been Sir Bobby Robson's 90th birthday. In the first episode of the series, Sir Bobby talks about his childhood and growing up in the north east.As preparation for his final book, Sir Bobby looked back over his remarkable life-story with George Caulkin. Thanks to the generosity of Sir Bobby's family we are able to publish the recording of those conversations, featuring memories of his life as a miner's son, watching some of the greatest ever Newcastle United teams, and embarking on an incredible football career of his own.We also hear the moving story of Sir Bobby's repeated bouts of cancer and how he came to launch his "last and greatest team", the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.The shows were written by Sir Bobby Robson and George Caulkin, mixed and edited by Ollie Bellwood.For more information, and to donate, please go to http://sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bobby '90: Episode 1, "A Proud Miner's Son"

On the eve of England's first ever Euro final, we look back at their darkest day in the tournament when Roy Hodgson's side crashed out to Iceland at France 2016. Oh, how we laughed at the time. Elsewhere, Wales made history, Italy and Germany participated in the worst penalty shoot out of all time, and Portugal and Ronaldo had a shot at redemption.It's Euro 2016, it's brought to you by those who were there from across the continent, and it's right here.Your experts in this episode:Stefan Augustsson for Iceland, Rafa Honigstein for Germany, Lynsey Hooper for England, James Horncastle for Italy, Tom Kundert for Portugal, Julien Laurens for France, Kristof Terreur for Belgium, and Tom Williams for WalesYour charming host is Iain Macintosh and your ace producer is Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 2016

It's the year the world was supposedly destined to end, but thankfully the Mayan calendar wasn't synced with ours and 2012 carried on meaning we could enjoy Euro 2012!Four years after tiki taka graced our pitches, it's back and ready for more - but are we? This is the tournament that brought two groups of death, Andy Carroll, and a lot of spying.It's Euro 2012, it's brought to you by those who were there from across the continent, and it's right here.Teams:Group A: Czech Republic, Greece, Poland RussiaGroup B: Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, PortugalGroup C: Croatia, Ireland, Italy, SpainGroup D: England, France, Sweden, UkraineVoices:Host: Iain MacintoshGuests: Elko Born, Sasha Guryunov Rafael Honigstein, Lynsey Hooper, James Horncastle, Themis Kesaris, Tom Kundert, Julien Laurens, Alvaro RomeoNotesGet yourself an Athletic subscription here for just £1 a month for six months! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 2012

It's 2008 and the world is obsessed with Barack Obama and Beyonce, over here we're more interested in events at Austria and Switzerland because it's Euro 2008 and it's great.Yes, there's no England, they failed in the rain at Wembley against Croatia. But there's Spain's tiki taka, Turkey's late late goal scoring, and one hell of a thunderstorm. Oh, and there's the French doing, well, nothing really.It's Euro 2008 and it's here.Voices:Host: Iain MacintoshGuests: Elko Born, Sasha Goryunov, Rafael Honigstein, James Horncastle, Julien Laurens, Alvaro Romeo, Juraj Vrdoljak, and Yordi YamaliNotesGet yourself an Athletic subscription here for just £1 a month for six months! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 2008

We arrive at 2004, the year of Frankee and Eamonn's musical back and forth, the blackberry, and one of the most unexpected tournaments in Euros history.We're in Portugal where there are teams on the up, like England, and teams on the down, like Germany. And this time there's a dark horse that no one expects will actually do anything apart from enjoy being there. How we never learn.This is Euro 2004 brought to you by the voices that lived and breathed it from across the continent.Teams:Group A: Greece, Portugal, Russia, SpainGroup B: Croatia, England, France, SwitzerlandGroup C: Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, SwedenGroup D: Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia, NetherlandsVoices:Host: Iain MacintoshGuests: Elko Born, David Cermak, Rafael Honigstein, Lynsey Hooper, James Horncastle, Themis Kessaris, Tom Kundert, and Julien LaurensNotesGet yourself an Athletic subscription here for just £1 a month for six months! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 2004

Ladies and gentlemen, it's the year 2000 and whilst we might all have enjoyed some Roman Gladiator gore at the cinema, sending pictures via text, and donning our Juicy Couture tracksuits (oo, get you) there's some serious football to be played.Specifically in the regions of Belgium and The Netherlands as 16 of the best teams in Europe gathered to do battle. This tournament brought us the madness that was FR Yugoslavia 3-4 Spain, a big England win followed by a bigger England loss, and a team that really solidified its status as the best.This is Euro 2000 brought to you by the voices that lived and breathed it from across the continent.TeamsGroup A: England, Germany, Romania, PortugalGroup B: Belgium, Italy, Sweden, TurkeyGroup C: FR Yugoslavia, Norway, Slovenia, SpainGroup D: Czech Republic, Denmark, France, The NetherlandsVoices Host: Iain MacintoshGuests: Elko Born, Rafael Honigstein, Lynsey Hooper, James Horncastle, Sasa Ibrulj, Tom Kundert, Julien Laurens, Alvaro Romeo, and Kristof TerreurNotesGet yourself an Athletic subscription here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 2000

Football's coming home to England in this Euro 96 episode - if you can bear to relive it! We've got twice the amount of teams as before, a lot of optimism, and, of course, twists and turns as one team really ruffles some feathers. It's Euro 96 brought to you by the voices that lived and breathed it from across the continent.TeamsGroup A: England, Netherlands, Scotland and SwitzerlandGroup B: Bulgaria, France, Romania and SpainGroup C: Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and RussiaGroup D: Croatia, Denmark, Portugal and TurkeyVoices Host: Iain MacintoshGuests: David Cermak, Niels Harild, Rafael Honigstein, James Horncastle, Sasa Ibrulj, Oliver Kay, Julien Laurens, Alvaro Romeo, Stewart WeirNotesGet yourself an Athletic subscription here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 1996

It's 1992 and we are in Sweden for a tournament full of twists and turns, and a surprise addition who no one expects much off. Join journalists from across the continent as they relive this contest and its unexpected results.Teams Group 1: Denmark, England, France and SwedenGroup 2: CIS, Germany, The Netherlands and ScotlandVoicesHost: Iain MacintoshGuests: Elko Born, Niels Harild, James Horncastle, Rafael Honigstein, Sasa Ibrulj, Oliver Kay, Julien Laurens, Olof Lundh, and Stewart Weir.NotesGet yourself an Athletic subscription here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 1992

This is the story of Euro 88 told by experts from across the continent bringing their memories and stories as well as the facts and the iconic moments from the tournament. Without a single goalless draw or a sending off it is a tournament filled with drama and unexpected moments.TeamsGroup 1: Denmark, Italy, Spain, and West GermanyGroup 2: England, Ireland, Netherlands, and the Soviet UnionVoicesHost: Iain MacintoshGuests: Elko Born, Dion Fanning, Sasha Goryunov, James Horncastle, Rafael Honigstein, Oliver Kay.NotesGet yourself an Athletic subscription here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Euro Stories: 1988

Justin Fashanu would have been 60 this year. Everyone knows how he died, but what about how he lived? This 'Beyond The Headline' special explores Fashanu's experiences as a result of becoming the first British male footballer to come out as gay, the struggles and contradictions of his life, a complicated legacy and its impact on the sport today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Justin Fashanu: The Untold Story of Britain's First Gay Footballer

The €222million fee that PSG paid for Neymar is so big that it may never be topped, but its significance extends far beyond that. We explain how it changed football in France, how it contributed to Leo Messi almost leaving Barcelona, and how it allowed Liverpool to build their current great team… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. Neymar - The Transfer That Changed The World

In the summer of 2017, PSG had absolutely no plans to sign Neymar or any superstar, intending instead to build sensibly. Then they got a call that changed not only their plans, but the football world. This is how and why the most significant transfer of all time happened… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. Neymar - The Transfer That Changed The World

Neymar was a household name before he even made his debut for Santos. We explore how he quickly became the most important player for not only his club but country, his controversial move to Barcelona and what should have been his greatest night at the Nou Camp… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.