NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
FIFA to turn Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium into a soccer laboratory
Barcelona is taking a leap in pioneering transformative soccer technologies, find out how.
Soccer clubs, the perfect home ground for brand sponsorship?
It’s not just the packed stadiums, t-shirt sales or television that rings the till for football clubs, brand sponsorship also brings in quite a significant portion.
Which of Barcelona’s youth prospects have the best chance to succeed?
Blaugrana used to be the best in the business of producing world-class talent, churning out the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi. They were down but never out. As of now, Ansu Fati is not the only promising talent, there are more!
UEFA Champions League Preview (Matchday 2): Group F
Slavia Praha vs Borussia Dortmund
Barcelona vs Inter
UEFA Champions League Preview(Matchday 1): Group F
Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona
Inter Milan vs Slavia Praha
How can La Liga grow their audience as a league?
They play some of the best football on the globe, if not the best and have quality players to show for it. Two of the best clubs in the world are hosted by La Liga Santander but have their strategic business planning been letting them down in past times? What could they do better?
How will Atletico Madrid fare in their new era?
Read our take on how the Portuguese sensation Joao Felix has seamlessly integrated into Diego Simeone’s new Atleti which curled the former heroes and are looking to patiently build towards a future in which they could dominate Spanish football as Barca and rivals Real Madrid have stuttered to start the 19/20 season.
UCL Review: Why Liverpool got blanked in Spain and Barcelona battered in England
A tale of two tales. Here is a review of how Messi pick-pocketed Liverpool and the Reds in turn completing a miraculous comeback against the Blaugrana on their way to the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League final in Madrid.
Vitesse, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord opening academies in Zimbabwe?
Westerhof plans to usher in a new methodology to accelerate African players’ growth to global stardom. Dutch Eredivisie’s Ajax has done it successfully with South Africa’s Ajax Cape Town club. Could Zimbabwe follow the same path?
Kevin Prince Boateng’s shocking move to Barcelona explained
After completing a shock January transfer switch to Barcelona, there is no questioning what the Ghanaian international can actually bring to the La Liga. After featuring for over 10 of Europe’s top clubs, playing in all sorts of positions - versatility and experience is what he is all about.
Despite off the pitch concerns, Dembele is hitting top gear on the pitch
Off the pitch disciplinary issues are becoming more of a candle in the sun compared to Dembele’s goals and magic wand-like feet. Whether it’s the La Liga or Champions League, there is no arguing that Dembele has been invaluable to Barcelona in 18/19.
Is Dembele ready to share Messi's Barcelona "burden"?
Barcelona seem to be in need of a fix right now and yes, Messi could be it. But for how long will the La Liga giants hinge on the five time World’s Best Player’s abilities? With the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, Ousmane Dembele looking a different player, is it perhaps time for the five time Champions League winners to think ahead and find new heroes?
Post-Ronaldo Real Madrid: Can they compete?
Without the 40 goals a season forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, should you still have your money on Real Madrid to win something between La Liga, the UEFA Champions League or any silverware at all?
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LW - Percy Tau [Mamelodi Sundowns]
Percy Tau is one of the most promising African players that still plays in Africa. He is definitely one to watch as his consistent performances with Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African PSL continue to garner attention.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CF - Emmanuel Boateng [Levante]
Emmanuel Boateng of Levante FC is a young, talented, Ghanaian striker that is making a name for himself in La Liga after a standout performance against Barcelona FC.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: RW - Keita Balde [Monaco]
Keita Balde is a talented attacker and has a promising future for his club AS Monaco FC and the Senegal National Team.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CM - Naby Keita [RB Leipzig]
Guinean player Naby Keita has been a standout player at RB Leipzig and will soon transfer his talents to Liverpool FC.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CDM - Wilfred Ndidi [Leicester City]
The 21-year old midfield enforcer, Wilfred Ndidi, is as good as anyone you can get in his position and will certainly attract interest from bigger clubs with good performances for Nigeria at the World Cup 2018 in Russia this summer.