NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
12 National Teams that would have shined in 2020
The greatest honor of every soccer player is inarguably to wear their national colors. Women and men of a select 12 teams did it amazingly in 2019 and could be coming for more in 2020.
How did Salah take the "next step"?
Premier League title or not, one thing is for certain. Mo Salah is no one-season wonder. The Egyptian pharaoh made the jump to world class territory after winning the Premier League Golden Boot back-to-back. Approaching only his 27th birthday, what looks like a “sky is the limit” career didn’t always look a sure measure.
Is there a big club who does not want Napoli & Senegalese's Koulibaly?
Kalidou Koulibaly is now easily one of the best centre-backs in the world if not the best. His displays in the Italian Serie A, UEFA Champions League and even at the 2018 FIFA World Cup have made him a highly experienced asset bound to become the world’s most expensive defender if he switches clubs. A potential move looks imminent as the top clubs circle the 27-year-old.
2019 AWCON: One last dance for SA & Nigeria as the women cap off a superb tourney
This is it ladies and gentlemen. The final tango of the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is here. The most successful team on the continent facing the challenge of the most promising. Time to pick favorites.
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?
Five reasons why you should watch the upcoming AFCON 2019
Ever wondered what goes down in other soccer domains around the world other than the acclaimed English Premier League, La Liga, FIFA World Cup only to mention but a few. Here are five reasons why the AFCON will totally rock your world and is one such a tournament you cannot afford to miss.
FT World Cup 2018: Senegal's Tournament in Review
FIFA must surely change their ‘Fair Play’ tiebreaker, which unfortunately eliminated a brave Senegalese side that played well at the World Cup 2018.
FT World Cup 2018: Tunisia's Tournament in Review
Tunisia exited the World Cup disappointingly with one win in Group G.
FT World Cup 2018: Morocco's Tournament in Review
Morocco played an attractive style of attacking football at the World Cup 2018 albeit lacking goals in decisive moments.
FT World Cup 2018: Egypt's Tournament in Review
We take a look back at how Egypt fared at the World Cup 2018.
FT World Cup 2018: Senegal were so close but yet so far
Senegal were eliminated from the World Cup 2018 after suffering a 1-0 loss to Colombia.
FT World Cup 2018: Senegal held to a 2-2 draw by Japan
Senegal lose concentration late on and Japan snatch a draw after scoring a late goal in this 2-2 Group H duel.
Croatia Teaches Senegal a Lesson in Final World Cup Friendly
Luka Modric and Croatia will arrive in Russia full of confidence after a 2-1 victory against Sadio Mane and Senegal.
FT In Our Corner: The World's Game
Whether you call it soccer, futbol, football, or fussball, this wonderful sport unites all of us and has always served as a powerful uniting mechanism.
FT World Cup Focus: Does Nigeria have three reasons to ‘Kelechi’ (Thank God)?
Leicester City FC Forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, Arsenal Kelechi Nwakali and the Nigerian fan, Kelechi Anyikude represent three factors that could prove crucial in Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World campaign and the future of Nigeria football as a whole.
Women’s African Cup of Nations 2018 is around the corner
A Gabon supporter cheers for his team ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Gabon and Burkina Faso at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 18, 2017. / AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS
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.
Juventus wins Coppa Italia 2018
Pictured is Juventus’ Mehdi Benatia celebrating after winning the Copa Italia (TIM Cup) final in a match he scored a brace against AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on May 9, 2018 in Rome, Italy.