Chris Burton Author Image

Chris Burton

Senior News Writer

Bio: If you can’t make a living from playing the game, then make one writing about it. I did my best to tick the first of those boxes, but it was not to be. I have been working hard at the latter for the best part of two decades and joined the collection of international stars that make up team GOAL in 2016. I am now Senior Staff Writer, which means my days are spent covering everything that the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of football has to offer. I have always been a fan of mercurial talents and love an underdog story, which goes some way to explaining why - alongside my East Midlands roots - Nottingham Forest are (for better or worse) my team of choice.

My Football Story: From the local playing field with friends, all through school, representing teams at various levels and facing a number of future professionals, to endless hours spent at the City Ground, a university degree and professional employment that has taken me to iconic venues across the country, football has always been the thread that ties my past, present and future together. I wouldn’t have it any other way and consider myself fortunate that I have been able to pass my passion for the game down to my son, who now finds himself heading down a similar path.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Nottingham Forest Football Club - with there always a lot going on there
  • News sourcing and writing - identifying what real fans want to talk about
  • Interviews - don’t believe those that say you shouldn’t interact with your heroes
  • Analysis & insight - not just explaining what happened, but how and why

Favourite Footballing Memory: I was too young to have witnessed Nottingham Forest’s European glory years and not yet old enough to have seen them add a third star to that famous Garibaldi shirt, being at Wembley as a 23-year wait for Premier League football came to a close will always be a special experience. I don’t remember much about the game itself, given the nerve-shredding nature of play-off finals, but the celebrations afterwards made enough memories to last several lifetimes.

Articles by Chris Burton
  1. Liverpool boss Slot explains why Salah was benched again

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been forced to explain some big selection calls, with Mohamed Salah named among the substitutes again for the Reds’ Premier League clash with Sunderland. The Egyptian superstar failed to make it off the bench in a welcome win over West Ham - ending a run of featuring in every match under Slot. He was involved against Sunderland, but was only introduced at half-time.

  2. Tuchel brutally told England 'haven't played anybody'

    Thomas Tuchel has been brutally reminded that England “haven’t played anybody” yet as they prepare to discover their 2026 World Cup group stage opponents. Former Three Lions star Nigel Winterburn has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, been discussing what success - and failure - looks like for a talented squad that is looking to shake their ‘nearly men’ tag.

  3. Enzo reflects on helping Messi complete ‘unfinished business’

    Enzo Fernandez has been reflecting on how he helped Lionel Messi to complete “unfinished business”, with an “incredible” experience being savoured at the 2022 World Cup. The Albiceleste captured a global crown at that tournament, allowing their talismanic captain to complete his medal collection and emulate the achievements of fellow GOATs Pele and Diego Maradona.

  4. Messi comparisons 'not helping' Barcelona wonderkid Yamal

    Lamine Yamal has been told that relentless comparisons with Lionel Messi are “not helping” his development, with “unnecessary pressure” being lumped onto the teenager’s shoulders. The Barcelona wonderkid has cleared every hurdle put in front of him so far, but he is only 18 years of age and could do without being asked to follow in the footsteps of an all-time great.

  5. Hillsborough officers would’ve faced misconduct proceedings

    A report into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters, has stated that 12 police officers would have faced gross misconduct proceedings had the case been handled properly. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report has detailed how "fundamental failures" and "concerted efforts" to blame fans led to justice never being served.

  6. Dele sent ‘trial’ warning after ‘scary’ fall from grace

    Dele Alli has been warned that his future may now rest on the outcome of trial spells, with it “scary” how far he has fallen. That is the opinion of former Tottenham star Stephen Carr, who has been telling GOAL about what happens next for an ex-England international who has suffered a humbling tumble from grace and finds opportunities “very slim” despite becoming a free agent.

  7. 'Workaholic' Pochettino could leave USMNT after World Cup

    Former USMNT star Brad Friedel has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, explained why “workaholic” Mauricio Pochettino could walk away from international management after the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine tactician holds the honour of leading the United States into another major tournament on home soil, but inevitable questions are being asked of his future.

  1. McTominay makes history by emulating Ronaldo with award win

    Scott McTominay continues to rewrite the history books in Italy, with the Napoli midfielder being named Serie A’s footballer of the year for 2024-25. The Scotland international has picked up that prize after being joined at a glitzy ceremony by girlfriend Cam Reading. Another individual award for McTominay has allowed him to emulate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

  2. Dani Dyer’s worst nightmare! Huge transfer call for Bowen

    Dani Dyer is in danger of seeing her worst nightmare become a reality, with Jarrod Bowen facing a huge transfer call at West Ham. Nigel Winterburn has been discussing the Hammers captain’s future with GOAL, in an exclusive interview, with the England international being likened to Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier when it comes to mulling over personal ambition.

  3. Ex-Chelsea star on leave after alleged assault by own fans

    Former Chelsea star Jeremie Boga and Nice team-mate Terem Moffi have reportedly been placed on leave after allegedly being assaulted by the club’s own supporters in an “unbelievable and scary” incident. Disgruntled fans took their anger out on senior players after a frustrating 3-1 defeat at Lorient, with many descending on the team’s training base.

  4. 'Don't know how he scored' - Kane's unique talent explained

    Harry Kane’s unique talent has been explained by Wes Brown in an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Bayern Munich striker is one of the most fearsome No.9s in world football, with the record books being rewritten in domestic and international competition. Kane is currently waiting to discover who England will face in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

  5. 📽️ | Real Betis star Antony taunts Sevilla fans during derby

    Antony was caught on camera taunting Sevilla supporters during Real Betis’ derby victory over their arch-rivals. The Brazil international was unable to play any part in said contest as he served a suspension. The former Manchester United winger did, however, make a point of winding up fans that were sat in his vicinity, with objects being thrown in his direction.

  6. Thiago Silva's son signs first pro contract with Chelsea

    Thiago Silva’s son Isago is following in the footsteps of his famous father, with the teenage wonderkid signing his first professional contract with Chelsea. The 17-year-old, who is also a defender, is held in high regard by Premier League giants at Stamford Bridge. They are hoping to see him become another commanding presence at the heart of their back four.

  7. Ronaldo tipped to play for Portugal beyond 2026 World Cup

    Cristiano Ronaldo could play for Portugal beyond the 2026 World Cup, Wes Brown has said in an exclusive interview with GOAL. Ahead of the group stage draw for next summer’s finals, a former Manchester United team-mate of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has explained why he could have more Hollywood storylines and another major tournament left in him.

  8. PSG’s CL final hero Doue receives 2025 Golden Boy award

    Desire Doue, who bagged a brace for Paris Saint-Germain in their historic Champions League final victory over Inter, has collected his Golden Boy award for 2025. Tuttosport announced the winners of their prestigious prizes in November. England’s teenage striker Michelle Agyemang, who helped the Lionesses to European Championship glory, has landed the Golden Girl gong.