Muhammad Zaki

News editor

His love for football was rooted in Chelsea, specifically when he was captivated by Gianfranco Zola—not only for his magic on the field but also because the legend's name sounded so pleasant to his ears. A few years later, the 2002 World Cup introduced him to Oliver Kahn, the goalkeeper who became Zaki's second love in football, even though Germany went home empty-handed at that time.

The most memorable moment for Zaki happened much closer to home: standing in the south stands of Maguwoharjo, witnessing PSS Sleman lift the 2013 First Division trophy. The euphoria of victory turned bitter as dualism prevented Si Elang Jawa from being promoted.

Zaki's areas of expertise at GOAL include:

  • Analysis of European football tactics, including the Premier League and Champions League
  • Coverage of player transfer news & club financial regulation dynamics
  • International football editorials: player biographies, legend stories, and hidden young talents
  • Player rating & performance assessment with both analytical and narrative approaches

Zaki's All-Time XI (4-2-3-1)

Oliver Kahn; Cafu, John Terry, Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Maldini; Xavi Hernandez, Claude Makelele; Lionel Messi, Eric Cantona, Eden Hazard; Marco van Basten

Articles by Muhammad Zaki
  1. Barcelona & Arsenal target Alvarez makes shock transfer admission

    Julian Alvarez has sent shockwaves through the Metropolitano by admitting he is unsure if he will still be an Atletico Madrid player next season, amid links with Barcelona and Arsenal. Despite the club's efforts to dampen exit talk, the Argentina international declined to give a definitive answer regarding his future following a standout performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League.

  2. Tudor called out for ignoring Kinsky after subbing goalkeeper

    Tottenham manager Igor Tudor is facing a firestorm of criticism following his handling of young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky during a disastrous Champions League night in Atletico Madrid. The interim boss handed the 22-year-old Czech Republic shot-stopper his first major European start ahead of Guglielmo Vicario, but the decision exploded in his face, and he hooked Kinsky before the 20-minute mark. Tudor also seemed to ignore the keeper as he came off, which did not go down well with ex-Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart.

  3. Rodri avoids ban but hit with £80k fine

    Pep Guardiola can breathe a sigh of relief after Manchester City lynchpin Rodri avoided a playing suspension for his scathing assessment of match officials. The FA confirmed on Monday that an independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned Rodri for the media comments he made following a controversial 2-2 draw with Tottenham on February 1. While the Ballon d'Or winner has been slapped with a heavy £80,000 fine, he remains available for selection as City continue their hunt for silverware.

  4. Alisson ruled out as Liverpool head to Istanbul

    Liverpool's Champions League ambitions have been rocked by the news that Alisson will miss the first leg of their last-16 clash against Galatasaray. The Brazilian shot-stopper, who is still widely considered to be one of the world's top goalkeepers, was a notable absentee as the Reds confirmed their 21-man travelling squad for the daunting trip to Istanbul.

  5. Mbappe returns to training in massive boost for Madrid

    Real Madrid have been handed a major boost ahead of their titanic Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester City, as Kylian Mbappe was spotted back on the grass at Valdebebas. The France international has been away in Paris undergoing conservative treatment on a knee injury, but his return to the club's training base signals a potential turning point for manager Alvaro Arbeloa.

  6. Evra slams 'probably drunk' Walcott over 'dangerous' Arsenal claim

    Manchester United legend Patrice Evra has called out Theo Walcott, suggesting the former Arsenal winger was "probably drunk" when comparing the current Gunners side to United’s iconic 2007-08 Champions League-winning team. The Frenchman did not mince his words after Walcott suggested Mikel Arteta’s title-chasers could compete with Sir Alex Ferguson's legendary squad, joking that he is a "danger to society" for making the claim.

  7. Laporta fires back at Xavi with brutal Hansi Flick dig

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has delivered a stinging assessment of Xavi Hernandez’s tenure, suggesting the legendary midfielder lacked the winning touch that successor Hansi Flick has already brought to Catalunya. Following an explosive interview where Xavi blamed the hierarchy for various failures, Laporta used a presidential debate to set the record straight on why he opted for a change in the dugout.

  8. Lewandowski 'gave up chocolate' & hails wife's role in career

    Barcelona talisman Robert Lewandowski has lifted the lid on the drastic lifestyle changes that have allowed him to remain one of the world's most feared strikers at the age of 37. The Polish international, who has scored close to 400 league goals across Europe’s top-five divisions, revealed that he had to cut out sweet treats and specific food groups to maintain his physical edge.

  1. Sterling snaps back at laughing reporter after first Feyenoord start

    Raheem Sterling was left visibly unimpressed following Feyenoord’s chaotic 3-3 draw with NAC Breda after a reporter appeared to laugh while questioning the winger about a missed scoring opportunity. Making his first start for the Eredivisie giants, Sterling was taken off after 64 minutes and was left baffled when his interviewer asked if he'd rather have stayed on the pitch.

  2. arsenal

    Micah Richards warns Arsenal: You haven't won anything yet!

    Micah Richards has warned Arsenal that 'you haven't won anything yet' despite their dominant form, though he still considers Mikel Arteta’s side the primary candidates to lift the Champions League trophy. The Gunners are currently chasing silverware on multiple fronts, leading the Premier League while preparing for a definitive European knockout run, but Richards believes a reality check is necessary before the red ribbons are ordered at the Emirates.

  3. Howe: Barca clash is biggest in Newcastle's history

    Eddie Howe has turned up the heat ahead of Newcastle United's monumental Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona, describing it as the "biggest game in the club’s history". Following a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City, the Magpies boss is determined to ensure his squad does not dwell on domestic setbacks with the eyes of the footballing world turning to St. James' Park on Tuesday.

  4. 📽️ | Barca stars wowed by 'Hogwarts' hotel as they arrive in England

    Barcelona’s superstars have swapped the sunshine of Catalonia for the historic charm of Northumberland, and it seems they have found themselves in a wizarding wonderland. Ahead of their massive Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Newcastle United, Hansi Flick’s squad checked into Matfen Hall, a stunning 200-year-old mansion that left the players convinced they had accidentally boarded the Hogwarts Express rather than a private jet.

  5. 📽️ | 'Wild horse' Calafiori mocked by Mansfield Town

    Mansfield Town have taken a cheeky swipe at Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori following their valiant defeat in the FA Cup fifth round. The Stags pushed their Premier League opponents all the way at the One Call Stadium before ultimately falling to a narrow 2-1 loss. The League One club then targeted the Italian international on social media, poking fun at his distinctive running style before insisting the post was "banter".

  6. Fermin admits Barca are wary of Newcastle's 'difficult stadium'

    Barcelona star Fermin Lopez has warned his team-mates to prepare for a battle as they shift their focus to a daunting Champions League trip to Newcastle's famous St James' Park stadium. The Catalan giants secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Athletic Club in La Liga on Saturday night, but the celebrations were short-lived as the squad immediately turned their attention to the looming challenge of facing Newcastle.

  7. Van Gaal accused of signing Man Utd player because of EA Sports' FIFA

    Manchester United’s historical transfer strategy has often been under the microscope, but a sensational new claim suggests that one of Louis van Gaal’s first signings was inspired by a video game. Former Red Devils midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have alleged that the Dutchman was alerted to the talents of Marcos Rojo by his grandson, who had been using the defender on EA Sports’ FIFA.

  8. Tudor destroyed by ex-Spurs boss over relegation fears

    Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has launched a blistering attack on Igor Tudor's tactics and his sudden change in rhetoric regarding the club's top-flight status. The Croatian's tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has bypassed any semblance of a honeymoon period and descended straight into an early post-mortem following a dismal run that has seen him lose his first three matches in charge.

  9. 'Like a dream' - Rob Mac thanks Wrexham and Chelsea

    Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has admitted that the club's incredible journey "feels like a dream" after the Red Dragons pushed Chelsea to the absolute limit in a pulsating FA Cup fifth-round encounter. Despite a heartbreaking 4-2 defeat after extra-time at the Racecourse Ground, the Hollywood star was overcome with emotion following a performance that saw the Championship outfit twice take the lead against their illustrious Premier League visitors.

  10. Vuskovic's agent breaks silence on Barcelona interest

    Barcelona have set their sights on Tottenham sensation Luka Vuskovic as a primary defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window, but the player's agent has cooled talk of a move. The 19-year-old Croatian, currently starring on loan at Hamburg, has caught the eye of Hansi Flick as the Blaugrana boss looks to overhaul his backline with elite young talent.