NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
2000’s Top News Stories of the Decade
We have a time machine here at FirstTouch and just used it to chew on 10 of the best moments of the decade-spanning 2010-19. Buckle up on our free tour!
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?
The US may be the favorites, but who could prevent them from winning back to back?
The major competition for the US comes from England, France, Germany and Japan who have all recorded standout performances in the leading up to the 2019 FIFA World Cup, putting them among the favorites to win the title and dethrone the US women from their long-held position as the best team in the world.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: Honorary Mention - Leroy Sane
A snub so big it deserves an honorary mention on our list; Leroy Sane will not be playing for Germany this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snub: #2 - Alexander Lacazette
Alexander Lacazette of Arsenal FC will not be representing France this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
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 Top World Cup Snubs: #1 - Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi has our vote for the 2018 World Cup’s most surprising snub. The Inter Milan forward will not be representing Argentina this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT World Cup Focus: Players vs The Mental Side of Football
Loris Karius of Liverpool breaks down in tears after defeat in the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool on May 26, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine
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 Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #3 - Mario Götze
Mario Goetze of Germany controls the ball during the International friendly match between Germany and France at RheinEnergieStadion on November 14, 2017 in Cologne, Germany.
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 Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #4 - Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches of FC Bayern Munich, and recently on loan at Swansea City FC, will not be representing Portugal this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
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.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #5 - Shkodran Mustafi
Shkodran Mustafi of Arsenal FC will not represent Germany this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: CDM - Franck Kessie [AC Milan]
Franck Kessie of AC Milan in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 26, 2017 in Milan, Italy.
FT Top 10 World Cup Snubs: #6 - Javier Pastore
Javier Pastore of Paris Saint-Germain will not be representing Argentina this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT 2017/18 African Transcendent XI: LB – Ramadan Sobhi [Stoke City]
Ramadan Sobhi of Stoke City FC will represent Egypt this summer at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.