World Football

From Soweto to Yorkshire: ‘The Chief’ Lucas Radebe

25 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

South Africa’s Lucas Radebe speaks about his life journey. From being shot on the streets of Soweto, to becoming a Premier League player, the captai...

Carlos Queiroz and Troubles for Germany

18 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Carlos Queiroz on the challenges of coaching Iran. The former German international Simon Rolfes dissects his country's latest defeats. We also speak t...

Louis Saha and Football in the Caribbean

11 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The former Manchester United striker Louis Saha tells us why big egos are disrupting the club. We discuss the plans to develop football in the Caribbe...

New Zealand's Chris Wood and the Curious Case of Virtus Entella

04 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Burnley striker Chris Wood remembers the bullying he faced for wanting to play football as a youngster in New Zealand. We find out why the Italian clu...

Joachim Löw, N'Golo Kanté and a Trip to Valencia

27 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Germany coach Joachim Löw reflects on his team's disappointment at Russia 2018. The Belgium national team coach Roberto Martinez and France's N'Golo ...

Bruce Grobbelaar and the Return of Red Star Belgrade

20 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Life stories from the former Liverpool and Zimbabwe goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar.(Photo by David Cannon/Allsport/Getty Images)

Montserrat, Luxembourg and Russia's Afterglow

13 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Dynamo Moscow's Konstantin Rausch discusses Russia's new found confidence following the World Cup. We travel to Luxembourg for the start of a journey ...

Schmeichel Snr, Kanu and Seedorf

06 Sep 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A proud Peter Schmeichel talks about the career of his son Kasper. The former Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu discusses the lack of African superstars. P...

The Resurrection of Parma

30 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In 2015, the two-time UEFA Cup winners Parma were declared bankrupt and demoted to the amateur leagues. The famous club effectively ceased to exist. R...

La Liga, Joel Robles and a Meditating Footballer

23 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Real Betis goalkeeper Joel Robles discusses the possibility of La Liga footballers going on strike because of a row over playing league matches in Nor...

In Conversation with Rafael van der Vaart

16 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

From growing up on a trailer park to playing in the World Cup final, the former Ajax and Real Madrid player Rafael van der Vaart looks back on his car...

A Wild Child and the Pele of Peru

09 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennent talks his wild lifestyle and difficult upbringing. We find out why the World Cup feel-good factor is fading...

Valencia, De Boer and the village built by Nemanja Matic

02 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Valencia's new signing Daniel Wass looks ahead to the new season. Frank de Boer talks about the struggles of Dutch football. And we visit the hometown...

Inter's Arrivals and El Loco at Leeds

26 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We're with 18 time Italian champions Inter Milan as they prepare for a return to the Champions League. John Bennett speaks to Ghana International Kwad...

Coming Out, a Con and Qatar 2022

19 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Minnesota United forward Collin Martin opens up to Mani Djazmi about coming out and becoming the only openly gay man in America's five major sports le...

Russia 2018: The Final Countdown

12 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Join us this week on the World Football show as Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić and former Croatian international Dario Simic look ahead to the World Cup ...

Russia 2018: Uruguay, Sweden and Russia...Still Dreaming

05 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

World Football comes from Nizhny Novgorod as we look ahead to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Within the show the former Russia international And...

Russia 2018: German Woes, Japanese Joy and Lacklustre Argentina

28 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Oliver Bierhoff and Mats Hummels reflect on Germany’s exit from the World Cup, Maya Yoshida and Keisuke Honda talk about Japan’s Samurai Spirit an...

Russia 2018: Queiroz, Lizarazu and Peru

21 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s World Football comes from St Petersburg, and join us as we hear from the Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, Peru’s very own Nolberto Solano an...

Russia 2018: The Kick-Off

14 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Finally it is here, Russia 2018. So join us as this week's episode comes from the heart of the tournament, where we speak not only to Australian goalk...

Davor Suker, Kevin de Bruyne and Football's Outsiders

07 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Croatia's Davor Suker and Belgium's Kevin de Bruyne look ahead to Russia 2018. We speak to the former South Africa international Matthew Booth about h...

A Redemption Story, Tibet and the Coach of Mexico

31 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Iraq international Brwa Nouri talks about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio looks ahead to Russia 2018. We speak t...

Ange Postecoglou, Clarence Seedorf and Parma Calcio 1913

24 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Former Australia coach Ange Postecoglou explains why he turned his back on the World Cup. Clarence Seedorf looks ahead to the Uefa Champions League fi...

Coaching Syria, David Villa and Footballers Under Pressure

17 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The coach of Syria, Bernd Stange, talks about the challenges he faces and remembers his previous job in charge of the Iraqi national team. Spain's Dav...

Sepp Blatter and Denmark's Nicolai Jørgensen

10 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

An exclusive interview with the disgraced former President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter. What's his life been like since his spectacular fall from grace? And...

The Yemen coach, a Thai international and Christian Benteke

03 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Abraham Mebratu tells us what it's like to coach war-torn Yemen. Bangkok United's Mika Chunuonsee talks about the growth of the game in Thailand. And ...

World Cup Hopefuls and AEK's 'Almost Certain' Title

26 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Peru and Feyenoord midfielder Renato Tapia tells Mani Djazmi about his World Cup expectations and managing the National team Whatsapp group. Australia...

Chicharito, Sam Kerr and a trip to Corsica

19 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Mexican striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez looks ahead to the World Cup. Australia's Sam Kerr remembers her reluctant switch from AFL to soccer. We...

One Crazy Night in Rome

12 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

AS Roma President James Pallotta reflects on his team's astonishing win against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. We also hear from the former L...

The Goalkeeper Who Wants to be an Astronaut and other stories

05 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Former Vitesse Arnhem and FC Twente goalkeeper Wouter Dronkers talks about his interest in medicine, astrophysics and aliens. We also hear from the Be...

Warming Up for the World Cup

29 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We’re on the road for the latest round of international friendlies. Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi, Poland's Lukasz Fabianski and Tunisia’s Yohan Benaloua...

A Very Curious Match and the Sad Story of Femi Opabunmi

22 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Was the Malta team that lost 12-1 to Spain in 1983 the victim of a doping scandal? Malta's Carmel Busuttil dismisses claims that they were drugged by ...

Greek Super League Suspension, Veteran Football and Remolding Mali

15 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

What can be done to fix Greek football? With the league suspended after the PAOK president Ivan Savvidis invaded the pitch to protest against a late g...

Will Gay Fans Be Safe at the World Cup in Russia?

08 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

With less than 100 days to go to the World Cup Russia’s anti-racism inspector, Alexey Smertin, says that black and gay fans shouldn’t fear going t...

Monday Night Boycotts, Cancelled Seasons and Stadiums for All

01 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Borussia Dortmund Chief Executive Hans-Joachim Watzke explains why German fans are staying home and being counted in protest over Monday games in ...

The Troubles of a Premier League Footballer

22 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Former Premier League footballer Kieron Dyer talks about the sexual abuse he suffered as a child and explains how that affected his football career. T...

Saudis in Spain, Mauricio Pellegrino and Östersunds FK

15 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Will Saudi Arabia's deal with La Liga backfire if their players don't get game time ahead of Russia 2018? Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino talk...

Gus Poyet, Jade North and Gernot Rohr

08 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The former Chelsea midfielder Gus Poyet talks about his time in the Chinese Super League and discusses the pressures of coaching. We also hear from th...

Racism in Germany, Morocco 2026 and Pochettino

01 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Nigerian international Leon Balogun talks about the racist abuse he has suffered in Germany. Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino remembers the moment ...

Taribo West, Steve Parish and the Fifa Way

25 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Nigeria's Taribo West talks about the pitfalls of being a footballer. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish discusses his club's turnaround this season...

The Pioneers

18 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A female football fan tells us what it was like when her dream of watching her favourite team in the flesh came true. Fathers teaching their young dau...

In Conversation with Pablo Zabaleta

11 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Argentina's Pablo Zabaleta talks about the heartbreak of losing a World Cup final. We explore the problem of sexism in football with Mansfield Town's ...

Melon Trees, Presidents and Orphans

04 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Cameroon's Lauren on the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup. The former AC Milan striker George Weah tells us how Nelson Mandela inspired ...

The Road to Russia: The Story of World Cup Dreams and Heartbreak

28 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Relive the highs and lows on the road to Russia 2018. Over two years ago, teams from 210 nations began the qualification campaign for next year's Worl...

Football’s Wild West: The Story of the North American Soccer League

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Exactly 50 years ago, the North American Soccer League was launched in the USA. During its heyday in the 1970s it attracted some of the biggest names ...

US Soccer Politics, Adnan Januzaj and Steaua Bucharest

14 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

US Soccer Presidential candidate Steve Gans outlines his vision for the future of the game. We hear from Real Sociedad's Adnan Januzaj and Panama goal...

Brazil Still Hurting

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

World Cup winner Rai explains why Brazil could struggle at Russia 2018. The former Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele remembers how he pe...

Oumar Niasse, Rigobert Song and Rodney Marsh

23 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

After becoming an outcast at his club, Senegal's Oumar Niasse talks about the challenges he faced following a bust-up with coach Ronald Koeman. The fo...

Party Time in Peru and Other Stories

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

All the excitement from Peru, Senegal and Ivory Coast on the road to the 2018 World Cup. During a dramatic final round of qualification matches in Sou...

When Dreams Are Snatched Away

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Footballer Chris 'Kiki' Naumoff talks about retiring at the age of 21 because of a heart condition. Steven Gerrard and New York City FC's Mikey Lopez ...

Tony Yeboah, Claudio Ranieri and Shay Given

02 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The former Ghana international Tony Yeboah talks openly about the racism he experienced while playing in Germany. We also hear from the former Republi...

Eric Wynalda: Talkin' 'bout a Revolution

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week's special guest is the former USA international Eric Wynalda, who now wants to run US soccer. Also on the show, we're all dressed up, our ha...

Xavi, Makelele and the Qataris

19 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Does Qatar have enough time to find a good enough team for when they host the World Cup in 2022? Many have criticised the Qatari tradition of drafting...

Road to Russia 2018: Joy and Despair

12 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On World Football, we look back on a feverish week of World Cup qualifiers in the Americas. We're with the United States as they were sensationally el...

Atlanta’s record-breakers

06 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A year ago, Atlanta United didn’t exist. Now they’re in the end-of-season play-offs and have broken the MLS attendance record.Alan Green reports f...

Megan Rapinoe and the Making of Kylian Mbappe

28 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The USA international Megan Rapinoe discusses her Olympic and World Cup victories, sexism and homophobia in the game and why she chose to 'take a knee...

In Conversation with Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic tells us why it's difficult playing alongside Lionel Messi and how he regrets Neymar leaving the team. He also says Barcelona...

Sunday Oliseh, Juliano Belletti and a Nomadic Footballer

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Nigerian legend Sunday Oliseh, who is now the manager of Fortuna Sittard, tells us how difficult it is for African players to get coaching opportuniti...

Edwin van der Sar and Other Movers and Shakers

08 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Chief Executive of Ajax, Edwin van der Sar, calls on UEFA to address the trend of big clubs stockpiling the best young talent, only to loan them o...

In Conversation with George Weah

31 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The former AC Milan player and FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, looks back on his career. He also talks about his political aspirations aft...

The Dangerous World of Croatian Football

24 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We investigate allegations of corruption inside Croatian and Greek football as HNK Rijeka and Olympiacos face each other for a place in the Champions ...

Girona FC: Meeting La Liga's new boys

17 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We spend time with Girona FC as the Catalan club prepares for its first ever season in La Liga. Also on the show, the Burnley manager Sean Dyche talk...

Maty Ryan, Eric Abidal and the enigmatic Marcelo Bielsa

10 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Australian goalkeeper Maty Ryan talks about his move to Brighton, initiation songs and how he keeps his feet on he ground. We travel to Lille to find ...

Women's Euro 2017, Yannick Bolasie and a football visionary

03 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the Euro 2017 final we discuss the state of the women's game. Yannick Bolasie talks about his rehabilitation following a serious knee injury....

The Journeyman Coach

27 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Some of football's most traveled managers swap stories about their experiences. We're joined by Stephen Constantine, Tom Saintfiet, Vera Pauw and Stev...

Viking Adventures in the Champions League

20 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We're with Vikingur of the Faroe Islands and FC Copenhagen for the latest round of Uefa Champions League matches. We hear from the FC Copenhagen coach...

Kluivert, Wynton Rufer and the Coach of the Philippines

13 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Former USA captain Thomas Dooley talks about coaching the Philippines national team. Is there a secret as to why 25% of Premier League managers used t...

Meet the Minnows: The Uefa Champions League is Back!

06 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We spend time with Andorra's FC Santa Coloma. Despite being a modest club, the Andorran champions do have a rather special left-back...the former Worl...

Confederations Cup Part 2: Sochi and St Petersburg

29 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The CEO of Russia's 2018 World Cup organising committee, Alexey Sorokin, reacts to reports that Russia's footballers are being investigated for doping...

Confederations Cup Part 1: A week in Moscow

22 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Mani Djazmi reports from the Fifa Confederations Cup speaking to the former Russia captain Alexei Smertin.

Portugal's Jose Fonte, Nigeria's Ahmed Musa and Russia's Leonid Slutsky

15 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Portugal's Jose Fonte looks ahead to the Confederations Cup and talks about his international career. Nigeria's Ahmed Musa reflects on his time playin...

Remembering Cheick Tiote

08 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho pays tribute to Cheick Tiote after the Ivory Coast international collapsed and died during training. Iheanacho als...

Uefa Champions League, FC Vaduz and Adventures in Turkey

01 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The former Spain international Michel Salgado looks ahead to the Uefa Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus. We travel to Liechtenst...

Chinese Super League: Time to Slow Down?

25 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The vice President of the Chinese FA, Zhang Jian, criticises the standard of football in Asia. He also raises concerns about Chinese clubs spending hu...

Julian Draxler: My Worst Moment

18 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Paris Saint Germain winger Julian Draxler talks about the heartbreak of their dramatic loss to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League this season. Beb...

A Crazy Week in Manama

11 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Has FIFA broken its promise to reform? We're in Bahrain to find out. The Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez talks about the one thing in football...

Racism, Bribery and an ex-KGB agent

04 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Italy's anti-racism adviser, Fiona May, reacts to the latest incident of racism involving Ghana's Sulley Muntari. As football's corruption scandal rea...

Martin Demichelis, Iheanacho and women's football in Colombia

27 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Argentina's Martin Demichelis looks back at Manchester City's title win in 2014 and tells us why his former coach Manuel Pellegrini deserves more resp...

Dwight Yorke, Indonesia and the Assassination of Amilcar Henriquez

20 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Former Manchester United player Dwight Yorke tells us why he thinks black footballers should go on strike. We find out more about the new league seaso...

World Cup 2026 and Argentina's search for a coach

13 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The President of Mexican club Santos Laguna, Alejandro Irarragorri, discusses the 2026 World Cup bid. And what next for Argentina following the sackin...

The Fight for Steaua Bucharest

06 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Why is one of the most famous clubs in European football, Steaua Bucharest, being torn apart? We speak to the controversial Gigi Becali. Watford's Isa...

Juninho, Alex Iwobi and King Kazu

30 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

World Cup winner Juninho reflects on Brazil's qualification for Russia 2018. Also on the show, the Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi defends his manager Arsen...

Standing up to the Taliban

24 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Khalida Popal, standing up to the TalibanFormer Afghanistan women's team captain Khalida Popal grew up in a nation under Taliban rule where women were...

'A Sweet Victory' for Ahmad

17 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time in three decades, African football has a new President. We hear reaction to the “sweet victory” of 57-year-old Madagascan Ahma...

Russian Hooligans, Zambia's Forgotten Heroes and Atlanta United

09 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Should fans at next year's World Cup be fearful of hooliganism? We get a Russian view of fan violence. And, why are fans in Atlanta so excited about t...

Wilfried Bony, Besiktas and the Dar es Salaam derby

02 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony explains why he refused a move to China. Find out about Tanzania's biggest club match...but be warned, when city riv...

A Messiah, a Ref and a Friend of Alexis Sanchez

23 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Chile international Mark González talks about his close friend and team-mate Alexis Sanchez. We meet the owner of the Israeli Champions Hapeol Be'er ...

Hugo Broos, Feyenoord and Brazilian Hooligans

16 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Cameroon coach Hugo Broos reflects on his victory at the Africa Cup of Nations. Dirk Kuyt and Brad Jones talk about Feyenoord's title hopes. And we ex...

Gun threats, Edu, Allan Nyom & Leicester City's blues

09 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The shocking story of Kenyan footballer called Clifton Miheso. He claims to have been threatened at gunpoint by his club and forced to terminate his c...

Fun in Gabon: The Final of the Africa Cup of Nations

02 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A look ahead to the final of this year's Africa Cup of Nations between Egypt and Cameroon. We hear from Cameroon’s Geremi and Zambia’s Kalusha Bwa...

The Rebirth of Chapecoense

26 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On Saturday 21 January, Chapecoense took to the pitch for the first time since the plane crash which killed 71 people. The friendly against Palmeiras ...

Africa Cup of Nations and Match Fixing in Cyprus

19 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The former Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph Antoine Bell hits out at the organisation of the Africa Cup of Nations. The AC Omonia coach, John Carver, talks ...

In Conversation with Dante

12 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We chat to the Brazilian defender Dante about Nice's surprise title challenge, team-mate Mario Balotelli and former coach Pep Guardiola. Plus, Ghana's...

Salomon Kalou, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Rene Meulensteen

05 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou tells us why representing your country at the Africa Cup of Nations could damage a footballer's career. We...

2016: Memories, Tributes and Historic moments

03 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

A tribute to Johan Cruyff and Carlos Alberto who both died in 2016. Plus, the story of Kosovo's fight for FIFA recognition.(Picture: A tribute to Joha...

When Stars Align: The Story of the New York Cosmos

22 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The story of the rise and fall of the 1970s New York Cosmos, arguably the World's first ever football Super Club. With the likes of Pele, Franz Becken...

The Youngest Bundesliga coach - ever!

15 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the youngest coach in Bundesliga history, Hoffenheim's 29 year old manager Julian Nagelsmann. The former West Ham footballer Clyde Best talks abo...

Sepp Blatter: My Biggest Mistake

08 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

An exclusive interview with disgraced former FIFA President Sepp Blatter. He talks about his breakdown following the corruption scandal and talks open...

The Tragedy of Chapecoense

01 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

A football team on the way to a Cup final. It was supposed to be Chapecoense's moment of glory, but instead Brazil is left to mourn the dead. Friends ...

The Boavista Slavery Club and a Chelsea Outcast

24 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The Nigerian international Michael Uchebo tells how he has been treated ‘like a slave’ by the Portuguese club Boavista. Chelsea's John Obi Mikel s...