NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #8 Victor Moses
The January transfer window is a few weekends away. In our anticipation and excitement of possible moves, we have taken to lay down 10 “unsettled” African stars in the English top flight, the Premier League. The Nigerian who hung up his international boots earlier this year also finds himself on the list.
Odion Ighalo does not fear for his life!
After a disappointing 2018 FIFA World cup campaign with no goals to his name or an inspiring performance as consolation, the Nigerian forward became more than just a scapegoat as death threats made him reconsider his career. Read full story here.
FT Hidden Gems Series: Daddy-Ajala Moses Simon
The 23-year-old Nigerian had to endure some tough injuries, one of which sidelined him from 2018 FIFA World Cup action. He currently plies his trade in Spanish La Liga with Levante and undoubtedly is a real talent.
FT Impact Player Series: Is Man City's Ben Mendy, Superhuman?
At just 24, Benjamin Mendy has won the FIFA World Cup, French Ligue 1 and English Premier League title. With his playing style unique to him, is he poised to usher in a new generation of full-backs?
FT In The Future: Asensio and Richarlison usher in the new generation for Spain and Brazil
Richarlison’s slick start at Premier League side, Everton continued with a brace for Brazil and Real Madrid’s Asensio made a powerful statement in the UEFA Nations League. He looks set to star in La Liga and eventually work to ensure Los Blancos will not miss Cristiano Ronaldo. The story about these two is a story of the future.
Mo Salah: The conundrums of the Egyptian's "King" status
FIFA Best Footballer of the world finalist, 2017 CAF Player of the Year, 2017/18 EPL Top Goal Scorerç Liverpool’s player of the season and many other countless award winner, Mohamed Salah is involved in a less than ideal relationship with local Egyptian officials.
FT Hidden Gems Series: Idrissa Gana Gueye
The 28-year-old Senegalese and Everton midfielder has made the second highest number of tackles in the EPL since 2015, second to 2018 World Cup winner, N’golo Kante.
FT Top 5 Young Players With African Roots: Munir El Haddadi [Barcelona]
Munir is another Barcelona forward on loan at Deportivo Alaves. His father is from Morocco and has featured for Spain’s youth teams and only once for the first team which harbored him to get a clearance to play for Morocco in next month’s FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.
FT Top 5 Young Players With African Roots: Dele Alli [Tottenham]
Dele Alli was born to a Nigerian father and has become an integral part of the Tottenham and England set up at just 22-years-old.
World Cup Rush: Munir’s hopes for representing Morocco dashed by FIFA verdict
Barcelona’s Munir will not be playing Morocco at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia after FIFA Cas’ maintained their verdict on prohibiting the player to switch allegiance after he appeared for Spain in a 2014 European Championship qualifier.
No going back as the VAR will be showing replays at the World Cup in 2018
FIFA are making sure that VAR is successful this summer in Russia
World Cup Rush: Boost for Nigeria as Onyekuru returns from injury
"I have to prove that I'm able and worthy to go and play"
World Cup Rush: Lauren believes history will repeat itself for African teams
"To be honest with you I can't see any of them go further than the quarter-finals."
World Cup Rush: El Said joins Finnish side to increase world cup appearance chances
El Said has is eyes on a World Cup roster spot
World Cup Rush: Barcelona forward keen represent Morocco
Internationals: Barcelona forward keen represent Morocco
Egypt: Striker surplus to South Africa’s Bidvest Wits, finds favor in Europe
The Egyptian International finds a new hom
Legends: Returning Yaya Toure misses training and Demba Ba eyes Senegal return
Returning Yaya Toure misses training and Demba Ba eyes Senegal return