NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
How did Borussia Dortmund become a factory for talent?
Here is a story of a club that has continually reinvented itself and now stands tall as one of the top destinations for highly-rated football talent.
EURO2020: From the heights of glory in 2014 to the dumps; Die Mannschaft struggles explained
Since winning the World Cup in 2014, Die Mannschaft have often struggled to replicate the power and glory that saw them reclaim their place at the peak of international football. Are their problems connected to the Bundesliga?
Bundesliga Breakout Stars of the Season: Which players are poised to have breakout seasons?
They are young, hungry and dangerous. Here are five of the possible breakout stars we suggest you can keep an eye on in the 2019/20 Bundesliga season.
Can Dortmund challenge Bayern?
For those who still may not be hip, the Bundesliga is not just a typical “farmers’ league.” 2018/19 runners-up Dortmund will remember the agony of defeat, fresh on their minds from last season after giving up a clear lead to rivals Bayern Munich. After a strong summer window, can the Yellow Submarine put an end to Bayern’s league dominance?
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.
FT 2019 Preview: Dortmund's youth ending Bayern’s Bundesliga dominance
Black and yellow are the colors that represent the German Bundesliga at the turn of the year. Borussia Dortmund are youthful, electric, and playing exciting football that has resulted in a 6 point lead over Bayern Munich. They just may be making Bundesliga great again.
10 Africans unsettled in the English Premier League: #4 Baba Rahman
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 fourth man on the list is a member of the Chelsea loan system who hails from Ghana.
Reminiscing the globetrotting career of Kevin Prince-Boateng
He has appeared in colors of ten clubs across the Premier League, Bundesliga and Italian Serie A. The 2010 South Africa World Cup performer who represented Africa in Ghanaian colors is still only 31 years of age and still doing what he knows best on the pitch. Get updated on how the Prince’s career has progressed so far.
FT Hidden Gems Series: The short-gun, Ademola Lookman
He represented England at youth level but has now committed to Nigeria. His eyes will definitely be set firstly on making a mark in the upcoming 2019 AFCON tournament and proving that he can be regular for Everton in the 2018/19 Premier League season. But who really is Ademola Lookman?
FT African Legends Series: Austin Jay Jay Okocha [Nigeria]
Nigeria and the career of Mr. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, the guy who was “so good that he had to be named twice,” according the the Bolton Wanderers fans. The guy who mentored FIFA World Cup winner, Ronaldinho at PSG, headlined the Bundesliga and helped his country to its first ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 1994 as well as helping NIgeria win an AFCON title.
Abroad: Naby Keita earns new nickname at Die Rotten Bullen
The hype hasn't slowed for Naby Keita
Champions League Quarter-Final Overview: Sevilla vs Bayern Munich
Does fortune favor Bayern Munich?
Legends: Jay-Jay Okocha Inducted Into the Bundesliga Hall of Fame
Jay-Jay Okocha inducted into the Bundesliga hall of fame
Batman in Town!
This short piece takes a look at the arrival of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the English Premier League and how he can light up the league. It also gives mention to the contribution of fellow African players who have been performing well in the past few years.