NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
FirstTouch’s Top 5 African Male Ballers of 2019
Worry not about the so-called snoozing and losing, we got Africa’s top male players for 2019 right here.
We argue Real Madrid could be fixed in two Senegalese signatures
Adding strength and dynamism to Real Madrid may not be rocket science after all. In Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal might just be the answer to the 3-peat UEFA Champions League winners’ ills. Los Blancos are struggling to keep up with La Liga bitter rivals, Barcelona.
Liverpool's FAB 3 predatory reign is just getting started
Barcelona’s MSN came, saw and conquered. So did Real Madrid’s BBC with Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. PSG’s MEN with Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar were priced to be the next looters capable of bringing the 2018/19 UCL trophy to Paris. But did Liverpool’s win over PSG on Tuesday twist the plot? The FAB 3 with its African roots in Mane and Salah really mean business.
Liverpool making the right noises – Thanks to the Africans
Man City are looking like they may be EPL runaway leaders once more. But last campaign’s UEFA Champions League finalists, Liverpool are looking quite sharp with their African talent on fleek
Relive the Weekend’s Best Moments: Mane Marches On
Iwobi and Sadio Mane on the scoresheet for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. Nigeria’s Leon Balogun’s Brighton beats Manchester United on his debut
Relive the Weekend’s Best Moments: Iwobi’s shaku-shaku
Iwobi and Sadio Mane on the scoresheet for Arsenal and Liverpool respectively. Nigeria’s Leon Balogun’s Brighton beats Manchester United on his debut
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.
FT 2017/18 Best Africa XI: ST - Mohamed Salah
We saved the best for last with Mohamed Salah. Without a doubt, he is deserving of a place in any Best XI from the 2017/18 season. The football world is poised to see how he will follow up such a sensational season.
FT 2017/18 Best Africa XI: ST - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Burnley at Emirates Stadium on May 6, 2018 in London, England.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CAM - Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez has gone from strength to strength since announcing himself in the Premier League with Leicester City a few seasons ago. The Algerian will not be playing in Russia but will not be short of any suitors this summer.
FT Best African XI: LM - Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane will look to continue his momentum from an excellent season with LIverpool as he leades Senegal in the World Cup 2018.
FT Best African XI: CM - Naby Keita
Naby Keita has been consistently improving as a two-way midfielder in RB Leipzig’s midfield. His standout performances have sealed him a move to Liverpool FC.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CDM - Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey had a breakout season this year with Atletico Madrid and is well deserving of his place in the Best African XI.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RM - Wilfred Zaha
Crystal Palace Player of the Year, Wilfred Zaha, is well deserving of a place in the Best African XI for the 2017/18 season. The Ivory Coast international is already subject to numerous transfer rumors after the season he had.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: LCB – Medhi Benatia
Medhi Benatia is one of the best center-backs in Europe and just won the Serie A with Juventus. He will bring stability to Morocco at the World Cup 2018 this summer in Russia.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: CB – Kalidou Koulibaly
Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the most in demand center-backs in Europe due to his consistent performances for Napoli in Serie A. He will look to continue his excellent form this past season with Senegal at the World Cup 2018 in Russia.
FT 2017/18 Best African XI: RCB - Hamdi Nagguez
Hamdi Nagguez will look to continue his excellent form from the 2017/18 season with Tunisia in the World Cup 2018 this summer.