NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Which of Barcelona’s youth prospects have the best chance to succeed?
Blaugrana used to be the best in the business of producing world-class talent, churning out the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi. They were down but never out. As of now, Ansu Fati is not the only promising talent, there are more!
Put aside the 93% of Spanish women following in the footsteps of the USWNT, protests over pay and working conditions are just starting
Discussions and debates about gender equality in football are all but just starting. A crescendo of the matter is surely at hand all around the world.
The USA are back to back champs. Even though European nations are making progress, substance must always trump style.
A second consecutive and record 4th FIFA World Cup title is certainly something to shout about. The word is dominance, it spells dominance. However, hidden in the narrative are the stern challenges of Spain, France, England and the Netherlands, that the USWNT faced enroute to their 2019 title. Substance did trump style and we get to explore the meaning of the win, both for America and women’s football in general.
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.
FT 2019 Preview: Competition heating up in the Spanish La Liga?
Contrary to assumed state of affairs, the Spanish La Liga title race could the toughest of all Europe’s top leagues this campaign. And quite a number of African stars are very much caught up in the thick of things. You do no want to miss it.
FT In The Future: Asensio and Richarlison usher in the new generation for Spain and Brazil
Richarlison’s slick start at Premier League side, Everton continued with a brace for Brazil and Real Madrid’s Asensio made a powerful statement in the UEFA Nations League. He looks set to star in La Liga and eventually work to ensure Los Blancos will not miss Cristiano Ronaldo. The story about these two is a story of the future.
FT African Legends Series: Salif Keita, a forgotten hero?
We reminisce the days of “The Black Pearl of Bamako,” the player who scored goals for fun in the Ligue 1, La Liga and pioneered the conquest of the Major League Soccer for players close to retirement.
FT Hidden Gems Series: Remember the name - Adama Traore
Wolves winger Adama Traore is a talent with pace, power and skill of scarce supply. We think the 22-year-old born to Mali parents will light up the Premier League in the 2018/19 season.
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: Morocco issues a powerful closing statement against Spain
Morocco and Spain share the spoils in the final Group B match that was unfortunately marked with VAR controversy
FT World Cup 2018: Africa Has Arrived - Morocco
Morocco would do well to reach the Round-of-16 in Russia. Could we possibly be treated to a major upset by the Atlas Lions?
Spain coach and newly appointed Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui sacked
Lopetegui sacked by Spanish Federation after taking Real Madrid job days before Spain’s first World Cup 2018 match against Portugal.
Real Madrid Appoints a New Coach
Real Madrid have finally found a replacement for Zinedine Zidane.
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 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 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.