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Long-form football features, in-depth stories and exclusive content from the Footy Times team.
Has Football Become Too boring?
Football remains arguably the world's most popular sport, captivating billions with its blend of athleticism, strategy, and drama. Yet, a growing sentiment suggests the beautiful game has lost some of its luster, becoming predictable and,…
A look back at Sunderland’s six top-flight titles | Part II
After a weak season by their standards in 1893/94 when they finished second, six points behind Aston Villa, Sunderland returned strongly for the 1894/95 season. Their first game of the season against Derby County at home is a famous one in…
Medicine, Football, and Democracy: The Sócrates Legacy
“My political victories are more important than any victories as a professional player. A match finishes in ninety minutes, but life goes on.” - Sócrates
Can football truly change society? Is it more than just a game, or even greater than…
The False 9
False 9 has become the most common tactical term after 2008. Pep Guardiola used Messi in this role, and after their huge success, other teams also adopted it, like Fermino, who was one of the pillars of Liverpool's success. Luka Toni, The…
Unsung Heroes in World Cups: Martin Peters | 1966 England
The 1966 FIFA World Cup was held in England, the birthplace of modern football. The Beatles were preparing for the release of Revolver, the Vietnam War was ongoing, and Martin Luther King was leading rallies in Chicago. England were a…
What does qualifying for a World Cup mean today?
The magical day on which Cape Verde achieved their first FIFA World Cup qualification will be remembered for a really long time.
Cape Verde had been under Portuguese rule up until 1975. Its football team played the first ever match…
Of Cimbom, Hagi and some Turkish tea
Filip Landers opened his eyes, looked at the ceiling of his hotel room and sighed. He hadn’t recovered from the jet lag. A long busy day awaited him. He peered out of the window. Istanbul looked ravishingly beautiful early in the morning.…
Estadio Azteca: the ground that will not host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
Most football fans have one or a few iconic stadiums that come to their minds when asked what ground they would wish to experience a football match at. Some say Anfield, while many votes go to the Signal Iduna Park, and others suggest…
N’Golo Kanté: Greatness Without Noise
N'Golo Kanté a defensive mindfileder for Fenerbahçe and the France national team, one of the most remarkable players in modern football, known for his incredible stamina,humility, and intelligence , he became globally known for doing the…
The Mbappé Paradox: Why Managing Him is the Toughest Job in Football
There is an old saying in football. Players lose matches, managers lose jobs. But in the age of Kylian Mbappé, that line feels less like wisdom and more like a warning label. The proverb is catching fame after Real Madrid fired Xabi Alonso,…