The Athletic's flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening - and why it matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres.So what could the Swede offer Mikel Arteta’s side?And is he the missing piece in the title puzzle for the Gunners?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
07/07/2025 • 41:37
There's been two football tournaments in the United States this summer, the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup. Both with an ostensible Saudi feel, all part of grand plan to invest heavily in sport backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Adam Leventhal has travelled to Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas to witness this soft power at play. Hear from Saudi players and fans who celebrate the exposure afforded by these tournaments, but also, crucially, those who fear its impact. All with an eye on the future when Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup.Host: Adam LeventhalProducer: Jesse HowardExec Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: DAZN, Fox News, CBS News, France 24 News, FIFA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06/07/2025 • 60:38
Tony Evans, James Pearce and Simon Hughes reflect on the tragically sad news Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28 along with his brother Andre Silva.The brothers were travelling by car in Spain when their vehicle left the carriageway and burst into flames in the early hours of Thursday morning.In this episode, we pay tribute to Diogo Jota sharing memories of the person and the player. The Athletic's Tim Spiers, who covered Wolverhampton Wanderers when Jota initially moved to England also shares his memories having interviewed him a number of times during his time at Molineux.Host: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
04/07/2025 • 35:04
Chelsea wanted to get the majority of their transfer business done by the end of June and they have been busy! Coming up we’ll break down the signings so far and find out who else could arrive at Stamford Bridge before the window closes.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/07/2025 • 34:04
Crystal Palace are battling to keep their Europa League place, while Lyon have been relegated to French football’s second tier. John Textor and his Eagle Football Group had stakes in both clubs last season.So is his multi-club ownership model to blame? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Slater, Tom Williams and Matt WoosnamExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30/06/2025 • 46:27
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to August 2012, when Arsenal captain Robin van Persie crossed a divide that had defined a Premier League era…So why was van Persie determined to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford - and did the move ultimately prove to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final masterstroke at Manchester United?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Amy Lawrence, Oli Kay & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27/06/2025 • 45:13
It’s still only June but Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer market, having signed both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong and closing in on a deal for Milos Kerez. Today, we break down Arne Slot’s summer rebuild and ask is there even more to come?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein and James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25/06/2025 • 41:12
Barcelona have agreed terms to sign Nico Williams - but with their ongoing financial troubles, how can they realistically afford the Athletic Bilbao winger?We also take a look at the other names on their summer wishlist, and the financial levers Barca may need to pull to make those deals happen.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballus, Phil Hay and Conor O'NeillExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23/06/2025 • 36:52
Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains.Today we’re heading back to January 2011 when Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Liverpool’s No.9, Fernando Torres.So why was Torres’ move from Liverpool to Chelsea so controversial and was he a success at Stamford Bridge?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19/06/2025 • 41:50
Nico Williams has attracted attention from all over Europe but now looks likely to end up at either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.Matt Davies Adams is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor to discuss the latest on Williams, the futures of Xavi Simons and Hugo Ekitike and find out why nobody in the Premier League seems to want Victor Osimhen.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: David Ornstein, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18/06/2025 • 25:33
Manchester City are back on the big stage this week, at the Club World Cup in the USA. And, with a revamped squad and no trophies to show from last season, can Pep Guardiola’s side make a statement in the States?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Adam Crafton, Jordan Campbell, Thom HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16/06/2025 • 36:16
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, is world football's most powerful man.His presidency has been marked by the controversial men's World Cups in Russia and Qatar, as well as the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. But it is the newly-expanded Club World Cup that he hopes to leave as his legacy.So, who is Gianni Infantino, where did he come from, where is he taking the game, and has he fulfilled his promises?Join Adam Leventhal as he tracks Infantino's journey from son of migrants to rubbing shoulders with the world's leaders.Featuring footage from: FIFA, Sky News, ABC News, AFP, iShowSpeed, Eurosport, Channel Four, Reuters, China Global Television Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
13/06/2025 • 58:40
What happens when the best clubs in world football collide? We're about to find out in as the Club World Cup kicks off in the USA.Big names like Lionel Messi, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich will all be there. But what about the teams you don't know so well?The Athletic was granted Access All Areas to South Africa's super club: Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the four African teams taking part in the tournament.Winners of the last eight Premierships, 15 in all, Sundowns are unstoppable. So what makes up this club, what are their values and who are the names to look out for?Listen as The Athletic head to South Africa to meet the Sundowns... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12/06/2025 • 37:02
There’s been a lot of noise around Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, but the North London club regard the deal as done.Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein and Duncan Alexander to discuss Arsenal's summer business including the potential arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga and their ongoing hunt for a striker. Plus, David reveals the latest on Manchester United and Liverpool's recruitment after the mini transfer window came to a close on Tuesday night. Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: David Ornstein, Duncan AlexanderExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
11/06/2025 • 30:43
Tottenham Hotspur have sacked the manager who delivered a first trophy in 17 years.So, why have they sacked Ange Postecoglou and why do they want Thomas Frank to replace him?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Jay Harris and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
09/06/2025 • 39:00
After signing Wolves’ Matheus Cunha for £62.5million, Manchester United have made an opening bid of £55m to sign Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford.So, with no European football, how are United still drawing the big names - and are they at risk of breaching PSR after their lowest top flight league finish since 1974?Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Carl Anka, Mark Critchley, Conor O'NeillExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
06/06/2025 • 37:00
The transfer window is open and Liverpool are after one European football’s brightest talents as they look to complete a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz.And it’s not just the champions who are active, Man City are making moves of their own with a fee agreed for AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders is on his way, who will be next?Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6Host: Adam LeventhalWith: David Ornstein, Phil Hay and James PearceExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
04/06/2025 • 40:25
PSG have finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy after beating Inter 5-0 in the final in Munich on Saturday night.So, how did they do it and are they set to dominate European football?Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6Host: Adam LeventhalWith: James Horncastle, Adam Crafton and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
02/06/2025 • 44:17
On Saturday, PSG will face Inter in the 24/25 Champions League final in Munich. It will be the meeting of the oldest versus the youngest team from the knockout stage, will experience or youthful exuberance prevail?The Athletic’s Italian football correspondent James Horncastle and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ayo Akinwolere to preview the game.Can Luis Enrique’s decision to ditch the ‘superstars’ and change the culture at PSG be validated with the clubs first Champions League trophy or will Inter and Inzaghi achieve the respect they have perhaps deserved more of over the last few years? Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Horncastle, Tom WilliamsExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30/05/2025 • 46:25
Chelsea have won a trophy and have Champions League football next season.So, has Enzo Maresca proven the doubters wrong?Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson and Tomas Hill Lopez-MencheroExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29/05/2025 • 32:45
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after eight years away.So how did a club who were in League One three years ago make their way back to the top table?And crucially, can they stay there?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Phil Hay, Chris Weatherspoon, Leo PearlmanExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
28/05/2025 • 42:16
Napoli won a second Scudetto in three years as a dramatic Serie A title race went down to the final day.So how did Antonio Conte’s side get the better of Champions League finalists Inter, despite losing their two best players?And what part did former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay play in the title triumph? Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27/05/2025 • 30:35
Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a crucial top-five finish in the Premier League—falling short after a moment of controversy at Old Trafford.So, why couldn’t Unai Emery’s side get over the line this season? And what does failing to qualify for the Champions League mean for Villa’s summer transfer ambitions?Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell and Villa expert Dan Bardell to unpack the highs, lows, and looming decisions facing the club this summer.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jacob Tanswell, Dan BardellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26/05/2025 • 29:34
On 25 May 2025, Liverpool will receive their 20th top flight crown, equaling the record set by Manchester United.This season's victory will be defined by Mohamed Salah's goals, Arne Slot's career-defining debut, and the measured manner with which the Reds marched on. But five years ago, when Liverpool last won English football's most prestigious trophy for the first time in 30 years, this was not the scene.Simon Hughes has spoken to families in Liverpool to find out how this title sits five years on from the Covid-19 pandemic. You'll hear the story of the content creator who feels a disconnect with Anfield now. The former steward who never got to savour a title win. And the Hillsborough survivor for whom the Atletico match was his last.Please note this episode includes strong language, and content some listeners may find upsetting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
25/05/2025 • 38:59
Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2024-25 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and Europe. The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Jacob Whitehead join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories. Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Jacob WhiteheadExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23/05/2025 • 50:56
Tottenham Hotspur got the job done in Bilbao with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal in the Europa League Final win over Manchester United.So what does the trophy mean for Spurs & Postecoglou and where does defeat leave Ruben Amorim & Manchester United?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Laurie WhitwellExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22/05/2025 • 40:43
Tonight - Spurs or Manchester United will be crowned Europa League championsSo… will it be Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim that rescues a disastrous season? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jay Harris and Manchester United writer Carl Anka. We also hear from The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke & Laurie Whitwell who attended the press conferences of Postecoglou and Amorim ahead of the pivotal game.Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Jay Harris & Carl AnkaExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21/05/2025 • 46:23
Spurs’ Europa League run has been the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season.They have a chance to end a 17-year wait for a major trophy on Wednesday night. So what would it mean for the club and manager Ange Postecoglou if they win the Europa League?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Danny Kelly & Phil HayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
20/05/2025 • 42:06
This week, it’s all eyes on Bilbao as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Europa League final.Today, we’re focusing on Ruben Amorim’s side and asking what would success mean for Manchester United?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Laurie Whitwell and Mark CritchleyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19/05/2025 • 38:57
On 18th May 2025, Everton will play their final Premier League game at Goodison Park against Southampton. For the men’s team, it will no longer be their home.In this special episode allow yourself to be transported to the stadium, as The Athletic FC captures the iconic sound that only Goodison could bring.You will hear from fans about their memories of the stadium, what it will mean to move on from the place they have called home for 133 years, and a surprising amount of love for the restricted view.So sit back and relax, and join us at Everton Football Club… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17/05/2025 • 30:41
