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. 'Shrinking' Van de Ven warned over Spurs form

    Micky van de Ven has been accused of "shrinking" just when Tottenham Hotspur need him most, with warnings that his lack of leadership could scupper a dream move to a European heavyweight. The Dutchman, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Liverpool, has seen his performances come under intense scrutiny as Spurs continue their dismal slide down the Premier League table.

  2. Will Arsenal bottle it? Wright nervous over 'jittery' Gunners

    Arsenal legend Ian Wright has admitted he is feeling "nervous" about the Gunners' title credentials following a "jittery" performance in their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea. Despite moving five points clear at the Premier League summit, the iconic former striker was left concerned by how Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to finish off a 10-man Blues team at the Emirates Stadium. Wright believes the north Londoners are developing a worrying habit of fading in the second half, a trend that could prove fatal as they enter the business end of the season.

  3. Michael Carrick

    Carrick reveals true feelings on Man Utd fans singing his name

    Michael Carrick’s audition for the permanent Manchester United job received a further boost on Sunday as the Old Trafford faithful made their feelings clear during a gritty 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace. Since stepping in as interim boss, the former midfield maestro has overseen a remarkable transformation in fortunes, with the Red Devils now climbing into third place in the Premier League table. Supporters serenaded their former captain towards full-time of the contest, with United having extended his unbeaten run to seven matches.

  4. Infantino wants red cards for mouth-covering after Vini racism row

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed that players who cover their mouths during verbal altercations that are racist in nature should be shown a straight red card. The proposal comes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni allegedly subjected Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior to racial abuse. Infantino believes there should be a "presumption" of guilt, arguing that the act of hiding one's lips should be considered sufficient evidence of offensive intent.

  5. Endrick stars again but Aubameyang masterclass steals the show

    The Endrick show continues to captivate Ligue 1, but even a masterclass from the Real Madrid loanee wasn't enough to stop a resurgent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from snatching the headlines. In a pulsating clash at the Stade Velodrome, the Brazilian starlet showcased exactly why Los Blancos were so desperate to secure his signature, providing a pair of sublime assists. However, the night ultimately belonged to the veteran Aubameyang, whose late brace turned the game on its head to secure a 3-2 victory for Marseille.

  6. Man Utd provide Martinez update after defender misses Palace clash

    Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has provided a positive fitness update on Lisandro Martinez, suggesting the defensive linchpin will not be sidelined for a significant period. The Argentina international was a notable absentee from the matchday squad that travelled to Everton last Monday, sparking fears of another long-term layoff for a player who has already endured a difficult run with injuries over the past two seasons. However, Carrick has moved to ease those concerns ahead of a busy schedule for the Red Devils.

  7. Arbeloa sends Rodrygo message amid Real Madrid exit talk

    Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has issued a defiant stance regarding the future of Rodrygo, insisting the Brazilian forward remains a fundamental part of his plans despite swirling transfer rumours. With Kylian Mbappe currently sidelined through injury, the spotlight has turned back to the 25-year-old winger, who is returning to the fold for the upcoming La Liga clash against Getafe.

  8. Ekitike 'not happy' despite hitting 16 goals for Liverpool

    Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has sent a chilling warning to Premier League defenders by claiming he is "not that happy" with his goalscoring return this season, despite having already reached 16 goals in all competitions. The Frenchman was the star of the show as the Reds dismantled West Ham 5-2 at Anfield on Saturday, but the summer signing remains convinced that there is significant room for improvement in his game as the season reaches its climax.

  9. Man Utd players in agreement over next permanent manager

    Manchester United’s senior stars have reportedly delivered their verdict on the club's managerial future, with the majority of the squad throwing their weight behind Michael Carrick. The former Red Devils midfielder has enjoyed a sensational start to life in the Old Trafford dugout since taking over on an interim basis following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. After a period of significant instability, the 44-year-old has seemingly unified a fractured dressing room, leading the side to five wins from his first six Premier League matches in charge.

  1. Man Utd add Ronaldo's coach to managerial shortlist

    Manchester United are ramping up their search for a permanent managerial appointment to lead the club into the 2026-27 campaign, and a familiar face from the Premier League has emerged as a serious contender. Roberto Martinez, currently at the helm of the Portugal national team, has reportedly been identified by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a potential candidate to take over the reigns.

  2. Rashford told there's 'something wrong' if he can't enjoy Man Utd

    Marcus Rashford is currently thriving on loan at Barcelona, helping to propel the Catalan giants to the top of La Liga and into the Champions League knockout stages. However, his resurgence away from Old Trafford has prompted fierce criticism from Manchester United legend Bryan Robson. Rashford is expected to stay at Barcelona past the end of the season, with the Catalans keen to keep hold of the forward.

  3. Arsenal on track to celebrate earliest ever St Totteringham's Day

    Arsenal are on the verge of making north London history this weekend as they look to secure the earliest St Totteringham's Day on record. For the uninitiated, this is the celebration held by Gunners fans on the exact date it becomes mathematically impossible for bitter rivals Tottenham to finish above them in the Premier League table. With Mikel Arteta’s men currently flying at the summit and Spurs languishing near the foot of the division, the traditional shift in power is set to be confirmed before the clocks even go back.

  4. Rosenior admits Chelsea can't play the way he wants

    Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has dropped a significant bombshell ahead of his side’s highly-anticipated Premier League encounter with Arsenal, admitting that he has been forced to compromise on his tactical vision. Since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge in January, the 41-year-old has sought to implement a more expansive style of play, but he has now conceded that the physical demands of his philosophy are currently beyond the reach of his squad.

  5. Kane admits he's gunning for Lewandowski's Bundesliga record

    England star Harry Kane has confirmed he is officially targeting Robert Lewandowski's historic Bundesliga single-season scoring record after a match-winning performance against Borussia Dortmund. The England captain was the star of the show at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, netting twice as Bayern Munich edged out their rivals in a pulsating 3-2 victory.

  6. 'I wish he'd come back' - Pep provides Haaland injury update

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he is in the dark regarding a return date for Erling Haaland after the talismanic striker was forced to sit out Saturday’s narrow victory over Leeds United. The Norwegian sensation was the headline omission from the City squad at Elland Road, leaving the defending Premier League champions to rely on a solitary Antoine Semenyo strike to secure all three points in a tense encounter in Yorkshire.

  7. Harry Kane

    Kane breaks THREE records in Bayern win over Dortmund

    Harry Kane continues to rewrite the history books in Germany, shattering three separate goalscoring records by firing in twice for Bayern Munich in their dramatic 3-2 Der Klassiker victory. The England captain took his tally to a staggering 45 goals in all competitions this season with a double in Saturday's five-goal thriller away at rivals Borussia Dortmund.

  8. Al-Nassr provide Ronaldo injury update after star limps off

    Al-Nassr boss Jorge Jesus has moved to allay fears regarding the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese forward was forced off during his side’s hard-fought victory on Saturday. The Saudi Pro League title race took a dramatic turn as the Riyadh giants secured a 3-1 win over Al-Fayha, but the sight of their captain limping off injured late in the second half left fans concerned. Despite the scare, the victory allowed Al-Nassr to leapfrog Al-Ahli and reclaim their spot at the top of the table.

  9. Arbeloa highlights 'game-changer' Mbappe's key strength

    Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has heaped praise on Kylian Mbappe, describing the Frenchman as a "game-changer" ahead of Tuesday's pivotal Champions League showdown with Benfica. Despite lingering concerns over a knee injury that has hampered the forward since December, Arbeloa was quick to dismiss any doubts regarding the player's fitness or his suitability in a central role.

  10. Arbeloa urges UEFA action over Vinicius abuse

    Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has thrown down the gauntlet to UEFA, demanding that European football’s governing body takes decisive action following the alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian superstar was reportedly targeted by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni during last week’s Champions League play-off first leg, a match that was halted for ten minutes after the incident. Ahead of the return leg at the Bernabeu, Arbeloa insisted that the time for empty gestures has passed and called for a meaningful investigation into the clash.