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. Blow for Barcelona as Balde to miss BOTH legs of Newcastle UCL tie

    Barcelona’s season has been rocked by a devastating double injury blow following their exit from the Copa del Rey. Despite a 3-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in the semi-final second leg, the Catalans went out 4-3 on aggregate and, more importantly, lost two vital components of their backline. The club has now confirmed that both Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde sustained significant hamstring injuries during the high-stakes encounter, leaving manager Hansi Flick with a major selection headache ahead of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Newcastle.

  2. Rosenior defends Garnacho amid 'very difficult' personal struggles

    Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has jumped to the defence of Alejandro Garnacho, revealing that the young winger is currently navigating a "very difficult thing" in his personal life. The 21-year-old Argentina international has become a frequent target for opposition supporters, with jeers following him across the Premier League. Despite the noise from the stands, the former Manchester United forward is poised for a major role in the Blues' upcoming clash against Aston Villa as Rosenior deals with a mounting availability crisis in his attacking ranks.

  3. Explained: Why Galatasaray fans banned from UCL game at Liverpool

    Galatasaray face a daunting trip to Anfield without their vocal support after UEFA's Appeals Body confirmed a ticket ban for their upcoming Champions League last-16 clash against Liverpool. The Turkish giants are set to travel to Merseyside for the second leg of the tie, but the legendary atmosphere they usually bring on the road will be silenced following a disciplinary crackdown from European football's governing body.

  4. Ex-Barca star claims VAR was invented so Real 'wouldn't rob us anymore'

    Former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal has launched a sensational attack on Real Madrid, suggesting that the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was specifically designed to curb the alleged refereeing bias enjoyed by the Spanish giants. The Chilean international, known for his combative style and outspoken nature, has a long-standing rivalry with Los Blancos dating back to high-profile clashes in the Champions League.

  5. Real Madrid eye Serie A manager to replace Arbeloa

    The pressure is mounting on Alvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabeu, and reports in Italy suggest that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is already looking at alternatives. Los Blancos have endured a difficult period following the departure of Xabi Alonso, and despite Arbeloa stepping into the breach, the hierarchy is reportedly unconvinced by the current trajectory. Consequently, the Spanish giants are said to be weighing up a move for AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri to take the reins for the 2026-27 campaign.

  6. Jimenez ranks himself above Messi, CR7 & Kane in key area

    The debate over who is the greatest player of all time usually begins and ends with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Fulham striker Raul Jimenez believes there is one specific department where he stands head and shoulders above the legendary duo. The Mexico international has established himself as one of the most reliable figures in world football from the penalty spot, and he isn’t afraid to let the world know about his clinical edge when the pressure is at its highest, also ranking himself above Harry Kane.

  7. Carrick sets Man Utd transfer priority after Amorim clear-out

    Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has dropped a significant hint that the Red Devils will prioritise the signing of a new left winger this summer. The admission comes after a period of radical upheaval under former manager Ruben Amorim, whose tactical shifts led to a mass exodus of wide talent from Old Trafford. Despite the club previously spending over £170 million on the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho, the current squad finds itself remarkably thin on the flanks as they transition back to a more traditional 4-2-3-1 system.

  8. Carrick 'can't rule out' late Man Utd title tilt

    Michael Carrick is refusing to wave the white flag in the Premier League title race, insisting that Manchester United could still mount a sensational late charge to catch leaders Arsenal. Since taking the reins as interim head coach in mid-January, the former Red Devils midfielder has overseen a remarkable transformation at Old Trafford, steering the club from seventh place into a commanding position within the top three. The momentum gathered under his leadership has turned a season of damage limitation into one filled with unexpected ambition.

  9. Neymar consoles 'little brother' Rodrygo after World Cup heartbreak

    Real Madrid star Rodrygo has suffered a devastating knee injury that will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. In a cruel twist of fate, the diagnosis also confirms that the forward will miss the 2026 World Cup, a tournament he was expected to light up for Brazil. Following the confirmation of the injury sustained during the La Liga clash against Getafe, Brazil legend Neymar led the tributes with a deeply personal message for his young compatriot.

  1. Griezmann rubs salt in Barca wounds with savage social media post

    Antoine Griezmann just couldn't resist a cheeky dig at his former employers. Despite a nerve-wracking night at the Camp Nou, Atletico Madrid have officially punched their ticket to the Copa del Rey final, and the French superstar was quick to ensure the Barcelona faithful felt every bit of the sting with a savage post on social media. It was a night of high drama in Catalonia as Hansi Flick’s side attempted a monumental comeback, but ultimately fell short of the miracle they required to overturn a heavy first-leg deficit.

  2. Raphinha 'proud' of Barca despite failed comeback against Atletico

    Barcelona fell agonizingly short of a historic Copa del Rey comeback at the Spotify Camp Nou on Tuesday night, winning 3-0 on the night but bowing out 4-3 on aggregate against a resilient Atletico Madrid. Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the final, Brazilian star Raphinha struck an optimistic chord, insisting that the performance serves as a blueprint for the months ahead. The winger, who captained the side, believes that if Hansi Flick’s men maintain this level of intensity, they can still secure major silverware before the campaign concludes.

  3. Rosenior addresses Sanchez errors and Neto red

    Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has leapt to the defence of Robert Sanchez despite a shaky performance from the goalkeeper in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. The Spaniard found himself under intense scrutiny at the Emirates Stadium after misjudging a cross for the Gunners' winning goal, but his manager insists the blame should not rest on one man's shoulders.

  4. Liverpool eye sensational transfer U-turn

    Liverpool are sensationally considering a massive transfer U-turn that could see Jarell Quansah return to Anfield just one year after his departure, according to reports. The 23-year-old England international made the move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal worth £35 million, but his meteoric rise in the Bundesliga has forced the Reds' hierarchy to rethink their long-term defensive strategy.

  5. Dalot warns Man Utd stars: Don't take UCL for granted

    Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates, warning them never to take European football for granted again. As the Red Devils endure their shortest competitive season in over a century, the Portuguese full-back believes the emptiness of missing out on the Champions League must serve as a permanent lesson for the squad. While domestic rivals prepare for the business end of continental competition, United find themselves observers after a 2024-25 campaign that was well below the standards expected at Old Trafford.

  6. 'Not a joy to watch' - Slot alarmed by PL's set-piece obsession

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot has admitted his "football heart" is struggling to adjust to the ways of a modern Premier League, claiming the division’s growing obsession with set-piece routines is making matches a chore to watch. The Dutchman, who won the title in his first season at Anfield, believes the tactical shift toward crowded goalmouths and physical dead-ball plays has turned the English top flight into an outlier compared to its European counterparts. Despite Liverpool’s own recent success from corners, Slot warned that this "new reality" is set to dominate the landscape for the foreseeable future.

  7. Revealed: Jover gets bonus for Arsenal set-piece goals

    Arsenal's rise to becoming the Premier League’s undisputed masters of the dead ball has been no accident, and it has now been revealed that the Gunners’ highly-rated set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, has a unique incentive written into his contract. The 44-year-old specialist is reportedly receiving a specific bonus payment every time Mikel Arteta’s side finds the back of the net from a set-piece situation, rewarding the Frenchman for the marginal gains that have kept the north London side at the summit of the table.

  8. Shearer defends Arsenal over set-piece goals in Chelsea win

    Alan Shearer has thrown his weight behind Arsenal’s title charge, insisting that Mikel Arteta’s side have what it takes to fend off Manchester City and claim the Premier League crown. The Gunners maintained their five-point cushion at the summit with a gritty 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, though the nature of the win sparked fresh debate over their reliance on dead-ball situations. Despite the external noise, the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer believes the north Londoners can get over the line.

  9. Slot issues Wirtz injury update ahead of Wolves double-header

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that the club's marquee summer signing Florian Wirtz is set for a further spell on the sidelines. The Germany international, who has become a pivotal figure at Anfield since his high-profile arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, is battling a back injury that has already seen him miss key victories over Nottingham Forest and West Ham. With the Reds preparing for a double-header against Wolves at Molineux, Slot suggested the playmaker remains a major doubt for both the Premier League and FA Cup fixtures.

  10. Leon Goretzka

    Transfer boost for Arsenal as Goretzka wants PL move

    Arsenal have been handed a significant advantage in the race to secure one of Europe’s most decorated midfielders. Leon Goretzka, who is set to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the current campaign, has reportedly set his sights on a move to the Premier League. The news comes as a major blow to Serie A giants Inter, who had been hoping to lure the Germany international to San Siro as part of a midfield overhaul. With the 31-year-old’s contract expiring, his availability on a free transfer has alerted several top-tier clubs across the continent.