Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari – The first visionary of Indian football
Two of Eastern India’s best known educational institutions, Hare School and Hindu College (present Presidency College) was established between 1816 and 1818. Both possess glittering lists of alumni and over two centuries…
We need to talk about the Granit Xhaka incident
There is a video on the internet, titled The horribly slow murderer with the extremely inefficient weapon, that shows a hooded assailant stalking, chasing, and beating an innocent man. He follows the…
Art and Football in Bilbao – Goal by Aduriz
On the first match of what is to be his final season in the Spanish top division, Aritz Aduriz was supposed to present a picture of a veteran who’ll soon bid his farewell. He chose to author a spectacle instead.
AC Milan and the unravelling of a season in one match
Gennaro Gattuso knew how difficult the 2018/19 season would be just 90 minutes into it. He had watched his Milan side take a two goal lead over Napoli in its season opener,…
Ajax and The Class of 2019
What if it was all a dream? The so-called Class of 2019. The summer visits to Vienna, Liege, and Kyiv. Failures in Almelo and Rotterdam, but an ultimate vengeance and triumph over…
This Time Will Be Different! – Chelsea Season Preview 2019/20
We are on the brink of another season. May seems like an era ago. Since then, clubs have sold and bought players. New, promising managers have arrived with a suitcase of visions,…
The rebuild déjà vu – Manchester United Season Preview 2019/20
European football’s annual reset button is upon us. New kits are being released and fantasy teams are getting built. Life seems to have picked up pace. For most clubs in England, the…
Analysis Paralysis – Football’s dying aspect of fun
The best way to ruin a movie is to watch it with someone who works in film production. I lived for a year with a flatmate who studied film at university and…
Analysing Venezuela’s Copa Campaign: A Missed Opportunity but Greater Times Await
“We’re in the middle of a ‘generational renovation,’” Ruben Villavicencio, executive president of the Venezuelan Premier League, told me as we discussed Venezuela’s Copa América performance. I thought that was a wonderful…
From Sapri with a False Name – A Tale of Football, Salerno, and Heritage
Salernitano Raimundo Bisogno was born and raised in a small fishing town in the Italian province of Salerno, called Sapri. He was one of the three brothers and one sister. His family…
The nice guy who could mess you up – Farewell, Aaron Ramsey
April and May 2019 saw the finales for Game of Thrones and Marvel Phase 3, two of the most significant pop-culture franchises from the past decade. If I wanted to be dramatic,…
Football and the Global South: A future behind closed doors?
In a contemporary sense, the Global South, often referred to countries that emerged out of decolonisation, are rapidly emerging from the peripheries of international order, and becoming core players, considering developments around…
Jóvenes – Where Are Venezuela’s Golden U20 Generation Now?
With the 22nd edition of the FIFA U20 Men’s World Cup approaching, it is time to look back at one of the most remarkable campaigns in recent memory – that of Venezuela…
At Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, there’s place for everyone
At the Wanda Metropolitano, well after the final whistle, after the medals had been presented and the big-eared trophy lifted, Liverpool’s players and coaching staff started assembling near the end occupied by…
FP In The Stands: The ice and fire of the Stadin Derby
The distinct sounds of chanting could be heard from afar as I approached the Telia 5G Areena in Helsinki. It was around an hour before kick off, but there were police-mounted horses…
Eden, You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go
Artists are rarely straightforward and forthcoming about their work. Bob Dylan’s 15th studio album Blood on the Tracks was written and recorded during the end of his relationship with his wife Sara.…
The Oranje Dream: Ajax’s conquest of Madrid
Writer’s Note: This article was written preceding Ajax’s two-legged triumph over Juventus. I hope you still enjoy the content, as we feel this story is still relevant, perhaps now more than ever,…
Spotlight – The constant scrutiny of youngsters in English football
When Declan Rice scored against Newcastle United, the first thing he did was put his finger to his lips to shush the Toon army. His rather stiff attempt at the ‘Gun Lean’…
Football for Everyone?
Football is not for everyone. We do not all get an equal share of the game: some fans more than others. The red taping of the sport comes in many forms. Calling…
José Mourinho and the disadvantages of realizing one’s dreams
“You don’t understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could’ve been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it,” argues Marlon Brando as…
Ole Solskjaer’s At The Wheel – A fan looks at the rear-view mirror
What is a football club? It’s not a rhetorical question, and it’s one I keep returning to over the years. Most recently it was when Wayne Rooney, my beloved childhood idol and…
Can We Give Virgil Van Dijk A Cape, Please?
Football has seen multiple rule changes. Ever since Scotland kicked a ball in anger vs England at the first-ever competitive football match on 30 November 1872 at West of Scotland Cricket Club’s…
The Etihad Exhibition: Manchester City 6-0 Chelsea
Even the magical realists in the Chelsea board couldn’t have seen this coming within months of getting their dream man. Well, Chelsea fans, sometimes you eat the bear, sometimes the bear eats…
Caught between Ajax and Man City: The duality of supporting two clubs
Most people live and die by their beloved club and its colors. What about those who have eyes and heart for more? We explore the story of one such fan, who loves…