World Football

Ghana's Otto Addo and Euro 2022 kicks off

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Belgium midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet looks ahead to their opening match against at Euro 2022 against Iceland. Plus, we speak to a man with two job...

Euro 2022 and the rise of Hong Kong

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Norway's Amalie Eikeland looks ahead to Euro 2022. Also on the programme, Hong Kong international Matt Orr talks about qualifying for the Asian Cup fo...

India coach Igor Stimac and a new dawn for MLS?

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Igor Stimac discusses the challenges of coaching the India national team, and the former USA international Marcelo Balbao takes a closer look at a new...

Socceroo Aziz Behich and the return of Heather O'Reilly

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Australia's Aziz Behich reflects on a famous night for the Socceroos as they secured World Cup qualification with a win over Peru. The former South Af...

Germany's Babett Peter and Australia's World Cup dream

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The recently retired Real Madrid and Germany defender Babett Peter looks back on her career. The former Socceroo John Aloisi discusses Australia's Wor...

Victory for Ukraine and promotion for Berlusconi's Monza

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We reflect on Ukraine's win over Scotland and look ahead to their World Cup play-off against Wales. Monza striker Christian Gytkjaer discusses his tea...

Zinchenko, Pellegrini and the Champions League final

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Manuel Pellegrini looks ahead to the UEFA Champions League final and Ukraine's Oleksandr Zinchenko discusses the emotions of representing his country ...

Martin Laursen, AC Milan and the women's Champions League final

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The former Former AC Milan, Aston Villa and Denmark defender Martin Laursen looks ahead to the finale of the Serie A season and shares memories of hi...

Manuel Pellegrini, Cremonese and Cowdenbeath

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini talks about their cup success this season and gives his opinion on Manchester City's signing of Erling Haaland. Als...

Portugal's Dolores Silva and troubles in China

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Portugal captain Dolores Silva discusses her country's backdoor qualification for Euro 2022. Plus, why has boom turned to bust for Chinese football?Pi...

Seattle Sounders and Toulouse FC

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Seattle Sounder Steve Zakuani reflects on the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final. And Toulouse's Australian international Denis G...

Shakhtar Donetsk and Bulgaria's Hristov twins

21 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin discusses the challenges faced by the club and the country. Plus we hear from Bulgarian internationals, and twins, ...

Santi Cazorla and unhappy NAC Breda fans

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The former Arsenal and Villarreal midfielder Santi Cazorla looks back on his career. Plus, we hear from a NAC Breda fan angry at a potential takeover ...

The coaches of Iran, USA and Qatar

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez, Iran's Dragan Skočić and USA's Greg Berhalter look ahead to the world Cup. Plus, we remember the clash between the USA an...

Bonus Podcast: In conversation with Qatar coach Félix Sánchez

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Qatar coach Félix Sánchez sits down with Mani Djazmi to look ahead to the World Cup. You can hear the full interview in this bonus podcast.

Counting down to Qatar 2022

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the week of the World Cup draw, Mani Djazmi travels to the tournament's host country Qatar where he speaks to Croatia international Lovro Majer, Su...

Socceroos, Craig Foster and Vanuatu

24 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Footballer-turned-human rights activist Craig Foster discusses Australia's national team and Qatar 2022. We also hear from Vanuatu player Jared Clark ...

Canada and Ecuador on the verge of the World Cup

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Canadian international Jonathan Osorio discusses their push to qualify for Qatar 2022. We also find out more about Ecuador's World Cup hopefuls, and h...

Chelsea, Ukraine and a riot in Mexico

10 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pat Nevin discusses Chelsea's uncertain future and we hear from Ukraine international Nicole Kozlova about the emotional stress of war. We also find o...

Escaping Ukraine: The story of Lluis Cortes

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The coach of Ukraine's women's team, Lluis Cortes, talks about his dramatic journey out of Ukraine following the Russian invasion. We also discuss the...

Crisis in Ukraine

24 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Ukraine international footballer Evgeniy Levchenko talks about his pain and shock after Russia's invasion. We also hear from the assistant coac...

Bonus Podcast: In conversation with India's Sunil Chhetri

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hear the full interview with the Bengaluru and India captain Sunil Chhetri, widely regarded as the greatest Indian football player of all time. He loo...

India's Sunil Chhetri and building St Louis

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

India's record goal scorer Sunil Chhetri talks about Lionel Messi, North Korean adventures and his love of tigers. We are also joined by the former go...

Bonus Podcast: Afghan footballer Fati

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus podcast, you can listen to the full interview with Afghan footballer Fati. She describes her terrifying escape from the Taliban and relo...

Afghanistan reunited

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Afghan footballer Fati talks about her escape from the Taliban and her return to football. Exiled Afghanistan players have reunited in Australia and a...

Africa Cup of Nations: Third time lucky for Senegal?

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mani Djazmi is joined by former Scotland international Pat Nevin and 2002 Africa Cup of Nations winner with Cameroon Patrick Suffo to discuss the week...

Africa Cup of Nations: The Olembe Stadium tragedy

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cameroon football journalist Giovanni Wanneh reflects on what he saw as he was caught up in some of the crush ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations match...

Africa Cup of Nations: Into the knockouts

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Comoros captain Najim Abdou reflects on an historic moment for the country. Burkina Faso midfielder Adama Guira looks ahead to the second round of...

Africa Cup of Nations: Under way in Cameroon

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The former Uganda and Sierra Leone coach Johnny McKinstry discusses a slow start to the Africa Cup of Nations. We also hear from the former Cameroon c...

Counting down to the Africa Cup of Nations

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nigeria's Efe Ambrose and Cameroon's Patrick Suffo look ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations. We also hear from the Gambia captain Pa Modou Jagne as he ...

Bojan Krkić and Finland's Linda Sällström

30 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bojan Krkić discusses the new generation of young players at his old club Barcelona. Finland's leading goal scorer Linda Sällström looks ahead to t...

Footballers and faith

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward and the former Portsmouth player Linvoy Primus discuss their Christian faith. We also hear from former USA internati...

Champions! Atlas finally win the Mexican title

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from fans of Atlas after their team won the Liga MX title for the first time since 1951. And we pay tribute to Argentina's Sergio Aguero follo...

Portland's Larrys Mabiala and Syria's Oliver Kass Kawo

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the MLS Cup final we hear from Portland Timbers defender Larrys Mabiala as his team prepare to take on New York City FC. We also hear from Ol...

Big wins, Louis Saha and coaching in the Highlands

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The former Manchester United striker Louis Saha remembers playing for Sir Alex Ferguson. We hear from the new coach of Fort William, a club in the Sco...

The Copa Libertadores final 2021

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

World Cup winner Gilberto Silva looks ahead to the Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and Palmeiras. Also on the programme, the former Australia...

Serbia's Nikola Milenković and Ghana's Andy Yiadom

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Reflections on a dramatic week of World Cup qualifiers with Serbia and Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenković and Ghana's Andy Yiadom. We also hear fr...

Brazil's Gilberto Silva and Thailand coach Mano Pölking

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

World Cup winner Gilberto Silva explains how his tough upbringing shaped him as a footballer. And Thailand's new coach Mano Pölking looks ahead to th...

In conversation with Barcelona's Martin Braithwaite

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Denmark international Martin Braithwaite talks about a tumultuous time for Barcelona following the exits of Lionel Messi and Ronald Koeman. And Br...

Koeman's departure and Padova's Niko Kirwan

28 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand's Niko Kirwan talks about his sporting family and first international goal. Plus, is Xavi the right coach for Barcelona following the depa...

Biennial World Cups and Belgium's surprise league leaders

21 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet gives an insight into the recent biennial World Cup discussions. We also hear from history graduate turned defender Chris B...

Welcoming back Mr. Ranieri

14 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Watford defender William Troost-Ekong discusses Claudio Ranieri's Premier League return. We also hear from the Sierra Leone national team coach John K...

Abuse allegations in the NWSL

07 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Heather O'Reilly reacts to the abuse allegations which have rocked women's football. Heather O'Reilly played under coach Paul Riley at the North Carol...

A famous night for FC Sheriff

30 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

FC Sheriff's Sébastien Thill talks about his winning goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, which created one of the biggest upsets i...

Thalea Smidt’s Champions League dream

23 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

South African midfielder Thalea Smidt tells us about her excitement ahead of playing for Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in the inaugural African Women’s C...

From 9th tier to Serie A – Chievo phoenix club dreams

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chievo Verona legend Sergio Pellissier tells us about the formation of a new phoenix club, after the original club went out of business in August. Plu...

A World Cup every two years?

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nigeria's Sunday Oliseh discusses the proposal to have a biennial World Cup. South Africa's new national team coach, Hugo Broos, reflects on the recen...

South American frustrations and J-League dreams

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Peru's assistant coach Nolberto Solano assesses the latest club v country row. And we hear from the Spanish coach of Urawa Reds, Ricardo Rodriguez, ab...

Mind games with Malmö's Jon Dahl Tommason

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Malmö coach Jon Dahl Tomasson discusses his club's qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage. And we speak to the former Afghanistan wo...

The Psychology of goalkeepers with Australia's Maty Ryan

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Real Sociedad goalkeeper Maty Ryan looks back on the last 10 months of his career and tells us why he suddenly fell out of favour at Brighton. We also...

Messi in Paris and Greuther Fürth back in the Bundesliga

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Greuther Fürth captain Branimir Hrgota looks ahead to the new season, following their promotion to the Bundesliga. Plus, Pat Nevin and Heather O'Reil...

St Pauli's Jackson Irvine and South Africa's Ode Fulutudilu

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Australian international Jackson Irvine talks about his move to Hamburg's FC St Pauli. Also on the programme, South Africa's Ode Fulutudilu discusses ...

Olympic opportunities, regression and pressure

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

South Africa's Janine van Wyk discusses the future opportunities for Zambia's Barbra Banda following some impressive performances at the Tokyo Olympic...

Serial winner Pitso Mosimane and El Salvador's Joaquín Rivas

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from Pitso Mosimane, the South African coach who keeps on adding trophies to his collection. His most recent one was the African Champions Lea...

The Olympics are coming!

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

USA striker Lynn Williams joins us from Japan as she prepares for the Tokyo Olympics. The USA women's team is hoping to become the first to win back-t...

Euro 2020, Claudio Ranieri and Copa America

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Claudio Ranieri looks ahead to the final of Euro 2020 between Italy and England. We're also joined by former England international Tony Dorigo. Plus, ...

Euro 2020: Shocks, thrillers and own goals

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hungary coach Marco Rossi tells us why selfishness and a lack of unity cost France, Portugal and Germany their places at Euro 2020. Former Czech Repub...

Euro 2020: The knockouts begin

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As the knockout stage of Euro 2020 gets underway, the former Denmark international and European Championship winner John Sivebek discusses the emotion...

Euro 2020: Ronaldo's records and Eriksen's collapse

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from the Finland captain Tim Sparv, who was on the pitch when Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest. Portugal's Jose Fonte pays tribute ...

Euro 2020: The long wait is over

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hungary midfielder Adam Nagy, Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and Denmark's Christian Eriksen look ahead to Euro 2020.(Photo: Teemu Pukki scores aga...

Finland goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký on saunas, beer and the Euros

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus podcast, World Football's Mani Djazmi speaks to the Finnish international Lukáš Hrádeck. The Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper talks about ...

Venezia promoted and Copa America on the move

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Venezia FC's Harvey St Clair discusses the unique nature of football in Venice, following the club's promotion to Serie A. Also on the programme, Peru...

Salomon Kalou and the Champions League final

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Former Chelsea player Salomon Kalou looks ahead to this year's Champions League final. He also reflects on the finals he played in against Manchester ...

Lille's Jose Fonte and Barça's Ana-Maria Crnogorčević

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jose Fonte looks ahead to the final game of the French season, with Lille on the verge of surprisingly winning the title. And Barcelona's Ana-Maria Cr...

The rise of Barça's women and Crew-less in Columbus

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A look ahead to the women's Champions League final between Chelsea and Barcelona. The former Barcelona director Maria Teixidor gives an insight into t...

Kelechi Iheanacho: Faith, goals and more goals

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Leicester City's in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho reflects on a great season, in which he's become one of the Premier League's leading goal scorers. ...

FC Goa and Dynamo Kyiv's Mircea Lucescu

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

FC Goa's Brandon Fernandes discusses his team's run in the Asian Champions League and the surge of Covid cases in India. Plus, Dynamo Kyiv's 75 year o...

Super League chaos and the coach of Sweden

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Reflections on the rapid rise and fall of the proposed European Super League. Plus, Sweden coach Janne Andersson talks about the return of Zlatan Ibra...

Norway's protests and Brazilian publicity stunts

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken discusses his team's recent protest against human rights abuses. And we hear from the Brazilian social media celebrity w...

D.C. United, El Clásico and an inspirational Puerto Rican

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

D.C. United coach Hernán Losada discusses the influx of young talent from South America into Major League Soccer. And the former Puerto Rico goalkeep...

Bayer Leverkusen's woes and Gambia's hero

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bayer Leverkusen's director of football Simon Rolfes explains the decision to sack their coach and their plans for the future. Gambia's Assan Ceesay r...

Mergers, managers and Romania's Liga 2

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Metaloglobus București player Ovidiu Herea joins us to discuss an incredible end to the Romanian Liga II season. And the CEO of Belgian's Pro league ...

Cuba's Jorge Corrales and Wolfsburg's Kevin Mbabu

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cuban footballer Jorge Corrales discusses an historic moment for the national team, for the first time foreign-based footballers can now play for Cuba...

A Caf coronation, Löw leaving and the prize money pay gap

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Former Confederation of African Football executive committee member, Musa Bility, gives us his take on Patrice Motsepe's unopposed election as Caf Pre...

Chinese Super League uncertainty and Fifa Council

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Chinese Super League champions, Jiangsu FC, ceasing operations just 108 days after winning the title we look at whether more clubs could foll...

Yohan Cabaye, 'Super Agents' and İstanbul Başakşehir

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Former France international Yohan Cabaye discusses his decision to retire from football. Players' agent Mino Raiola talks about his motivation. And we...

Ibrahim Ba, Colo Colo and the Milan derby

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ibrahim Ba looks ahead to the Milan derby. Plus, Brondy's Theresa Eslund discusses her career and looks ahead to facing Lyon in the UEFA Champions Lea...

Protests, death threats and a fake footballer

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Myanmar goalkeeper Kyaw Zin Htet tells us about his decision to protest following the military coup. Norway's Tom Henning Øvrebø tells us why death ...

Barca's Joan Laporta and USA coach Vlatko Andonovski

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Barcelona's Presidential candidate Joan Laporta talks about the future of Lionel Messi, and how he intends to deal with a debt of nearly $1.5bn. And w...

The Thomas Tuchel diet: No wheat, no sugar

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Goalkeeper Hendrik Bonmann talks about his former coach Thomas Tuchel. Plus, Brazil's Gláuber Berti looks ahead to the final of the Copa Libertadores...

Dead bats in Cameroon and brick walls in Austria

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Namibia's Pat-Nevin Uanivi joins us from the African Nations Championship in Cameroon. And Sturm Graz player Jon Gorenc-Stankovic tells us the secret ...

Good times for Santos

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With Santos reaching the Copa Libertadores final, we speak to the former Santos captain Rildo Menezes. And we find out more about the game's all time ...

Big plans and high hopes for Anguilla

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anguilla national team coach Stern John talks about his new job and his hunt for new players. Wales international Helen Ward tells us why she briefly ...

Tragedy on Stairway 13

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

On the 50th anniversary of the Ibrox stadium disaster, Roddy Forsyth, Pat Nevin and survivor John Hodgson join Mani Djazmi to remember the tragedy whi...

Nights out with Maradona and Ice Hockey with Cruyff

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thomas Rongen shares some fascinating stories and memories, from the glory days of the North American Soccer League in the early 1980s, to leading Ame...

A new era for Beitar Jerusalem?

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We look at the historic co-ownership of Beitar Jerusalem by an Arab and a Jew. Beitar have never had an Arab player but now they have an Arabic co-own...

Walking off in solidarity

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Başakşehir's Nacer Chadli discusses the decision to abandon a Champions League match after an alleged racist incident. And we pay tribute to Italy's...

Tears in Lima and joy in the Arctic

04 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We reflect on differing fortunes for Norway's Bodo/Glimt and Peru's Alianza Lima. Plus, Icelandic goalkeeper Guðbjörg Gunnarsdóttir talks about the...

El Diego: A tribute

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We pay tribute to Diego Armando Maradona. We hear from Claudio Marangoni, who played against him in his early years in the Argentinean league. He desc...

Yannick Bolasie, The Gambia and winning in China

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The DR Congo and Everton winger Yannick Bolasie talks about the frustration at not getting game time with his club, and the joy of being back playing ...

Sassuolo flying high and African politics

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

South African FA supremo Danny Jordaan discusses the race to become the President of the Confederation of African Football. And Sassuolo's Pedro Obian...

IFK Göteborg and Gio Reyna's mum

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Former IFK Göteborg player Pontus Kåmark discusses the club's surprise relegation fight. Ghana's Asamoah Gyan explains his reasons for returning hom...

A fresh start in Turkey and happy birthday Maradona!

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Alanyaspor's Steven Caulker talks about life in Turkey and tells us how he's rebuilding his career after overcoming addiction problems. And Julio Arca...

Anger in Nigeria and Happy Birthday Pelé!

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nigerian international John Ogu calls for players to boycott matches following the protests and violence in Nigeria. And the former New York Cosmos ca...

Arsene Wenger, Andre Ayew and what if?

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Arsene Wenger discusses his love affair with Arsenal FC. And we report from the international friendly between Ghana and Qatar, hearing from Andre Aye...

Elbows and spitting in South America

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Peru's Nolberto Solano talks about the fun and violence of South American World Cup qualifiers. And lawyer Mr Leven Siano tells us about his dreams fo...

Delight for Ferencváros

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We hear the unbridled excitement of forward Tokmac Nguen about the prospect of making his debut in the UEFA Champions League. He plays for Hungary's F...

Anger and heartbreak for Al Hilal

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Al Hilal coach Răzvan Lucescu expresses his anger following his team's expulsion from the AFC Champions League. Al Hilal were unable to field a team ...

Andriy Shevchenko and trouble in Dresden

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The former AC Milan and Chelsea player Andriy Shevchenko looks back on his career. And Dynamo Dresden's Chris Löwe joins us after his team's match ag...

Cádiz back in La Liga

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

41 year old Cádiz captain and goalkeeper, Alberto Cifuentes, looks ahead to the new La Liga season. We look back at a chaotic few days for the Czech ...