NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
League of Future Stars: Seven former French Ligue 1 players thriving in the Premier League
It may not be considered the best league in the world but the best players have and continue to come through its ranks. The French Ligue 1 is the league of legends.
Essam El Hadary, El Maestro
He is not just the oldest player to appear in world cup match, Egypt’s El Hadary is one of the greatest footballers the continent has ever seen. A master in his craft and with loads of silverware to show for it.
Three of the greatest coaches Africa has ever seen
Just like with players, over the years Africa has been equally endowed with great minds on the touchline. We took time to profile just three. Can you guess who they are?
FT Out Of The Box Series: "Forgotten" African greats who are still playing football
Champions League winners, Premier League, AFCON winners, huge salary earners- they are all in there. Three African greats who in their old age are still doing bits. Check them out.
FT African Legends Series: Didier Drogba, the irreplaceable Chelsea legend
We reminisce the career of the former Ivory Coast captain that led Chelsea to their first and only UEFA Champions League trophy, FA cups and Premier League titles. He’s won it all, except for AFCON and FIFA World Cup. A late-bloomer who took Marseille and London by storm as fans watched his progression into a world-class box predator.
FT African Legends Series: Perpetua Nkwocha, the best ever?
Perpetua, a legend of Nigerian soccer usually compared to Austin Jay Jay Okocha in terms of dribbling abilities but may be more efficient. She has won it all, repeatedly - the Women’s AFCON, accolades for the best women’s soccer player and made a name for herself at tourneys like the FIFA World Cup. Is she the best ever?
FT Legends Series: Lucas Radebe, "The Chief" who became Nelson Mandela's hero
A bullet could not separate hims from the game he loves. The former Leeds United captain led the once English Premier League to a UEFA Cup appearance, captained the South African national team to their only AFCON title and remained a humble gentleman, once being recognized as “his personal hero” by the late global icon, Nelson Mandela.
ABSA Flashback: Three strikers that took the South African League by storm
Mbesuma, Musona and Bucane are among some of the deadliest strikers to ever play in the Absa Premiership in South Africa. Being capable heroes for Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique respectively, we look back and reminisce what they were all about.
FT Late Heroes Series: Cheick Tiote
We remember Cheick Tiote. One tough Ivorian who had drawers full of screamers like the one he scored against Arsenal in the 4-4 Premier League thriller. The legacy of the AFCON winner lives on.
FT African Legends Series: The ultimate "markswoman", Portia Modise
The 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is on the horizon. We reminisce the career of some legendary women who have grace the field on the continent. The first ever footballer (male of female) to reach 100 career goals is up first. Do you who she really is?
FT African Legends Series: Salif Keita, a forgotten hero?
We reminisce the days of “The Black Pearl of Bamako,” the player who scored goals for fun in the Ligue 1, La Liga and pioneered the conquest of the Major League Soccer for players close to retirement.
Gervinho and Yaya Toure: Aging like wine
Former Arsenal forward, Gervinho and the four time African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure are the two Ivorian Legends back in the headlines again and warming hearts. Will the AFCON Winners and seasoned FIFA World cup performers deliver for their new clubs?
The Legacy of African Football
In this blog, we explore the lives of household names in African football such as Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Nwako Kanu in bid to learn what they are or will always be remembered for on the continent. Something other than bossing the field of play.
From king of the pitch to king of a nation: George Weah
This feature takes a look at the Liberian football legend’s life story. We take you on the journey of George’s life from childhood, his illustrious football career at home and abroad as well as life outside the pitch, most notably, his political career.