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.
FT's AFCON 2019 Ultimate XI
It’s sort of a tradition to sum up the biggest performers of a tournament at the end of it. Here’s the best eleven from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament who stood out for their nations and entertained neutrals. No one could have anticipated that the 21-year-old Algerian midfielder, Ismael Bennacer would headline it. Check out who else made the list.
Who are the favorites: Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt?
Well, the writing is on the wall; Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal are undoubtedly top favorites to claim the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title. But what makes them the teams to beat, what do they have up their sleeves?
Aubameyang vs Koulibaly: The fate of the furious
Napoli vs Arsenal in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final will be treated as a final by both sides. Even more interesting will be the Wakanda battle between Aubameyang and Koulibaly. Check out who we think will emerge victorious?
Mali’s road to 2019 U-20 AFCON Glory
Mali clinched the 2019 U2O AFCON gold in Niger. Here’s how they made it.
The pursuit of justice for racial abuse on Kalidou Koulibaly continues
Arguably the best center back in the world currently, Koulibaly has more than just his career development to focus on. As a subject of racial abuse in the Italian Serie A, he faces no easy task in dealing with the emotions that come with all that. But alas, he is not alone. Friends and fans from the Premier League and Africa are all behind the Senegalese international.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #2 Senegalese fans dripping sauce
They showed up, backed up their heroes, and built a reputation around their gratitude towards their nations inclusion in the 2018 World Cup Do you remember the phenomenal Senegalese fans at the 2018 FIFA World Cup?
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.
Koulibaly and Napoli revealed PSG's apathy for UCL glory
Let’s have that conversation. Despite the heavy spending and numerous managerial appointments, Ligue 1 champions PSG are still far away from being the best in Europe. Check out why.
Issa Diop swears allegiance to France not Senegal or Morocco
West Ham’s 21-year-old defender who could have played for either of two African countries pledges allegiance to 2018 World Cup Champions, France. Tinotenda Magiya takes you on journey of this all too common plight of players with African roots and proposes some solutions.
UEFA Europa League Matchday 2: Our African Fantasy Five
Senegal, Tanzania, Gabon, Ghana and Nigeria will all be properly represented on the UEFA Europa League Matchday 2. Checkout our fantasy five and let us know who will make it into your top five list of Africans to watch this week.
FT Hidden Gem Series: On the rise, Senegal's Ismaila Sarr
The 20-year-old Senegalese’s worldie goal for Stade Rennais FC on the opening day of the 2018/19 Europa League competition made the headlines. He is definitely a player coming even closer to the limelight more so after an impressive showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. But how much do you know about him?
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.
Is Senegal's Koulibaly the best CB in Italy?
It’s now time to have that tough conversation. As the FIFPRO World XI 55 nominee list rolled out and the mountain man in charge of leading Napoli’s defence is missing yet again, just how much underrrated is the Italian Seria A based, Senegalese?
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 Hidden Gems Series: Idrissa Gana Gueye
The 28-year-old Senegalese and Everton midfielder has made the second highest number of tackles in the EPL since 2015, second to 2018 World Cup winner, N’golo Kante.