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
Mikel Arteta has lauded Xabi Alonso and Chelsea for their shrewd acquisition of Emiliano Martinez as Arsenal prepare to host their London rivals in a blockbuster early-season clash. The Spanish tactician believes the World Cup-winning goalkeeper is exactly what the Blues needed to solidify their defence and significantly enhance their Premier League title credentials this term.
Enzo Fernandez has been handed an immediate reality check at Manchester City after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the midfielder has been excluded from the club’s official leadership group. Despite his record-breaking arrival and previous experience as a skipper at Chelsea, the Argentine will have to wait for his chance to lead the Etihad giants.
Emiliano Martinez has changed in his Chelsea squad number just days after inheriting John Terry's famous No.26 jersey. Following Robert Sanchez’s deadline-day departure to Como, the Argentina international has swiftly claimed the vacant No.1 shirt despite previously declaring he would wear the legendary defender's number with immense 'pride'.
Julian Alvarez is set to make his return to the Atletico Madrid matchday squad this weekend following a turbulent period defined by a failed attempt to force a move to Barcelona. The Argentine forward has been reintegrated into Diego Simeone's plans after missing significant training time and the club's recent league fixture against Sevilla.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to dive back into the transfer market this January to secure a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Following the Argentine's high-profile departure to Manchester City, manager Xabi Alonso has identified a Atletico Madrid star to restore balance to his midfield engine room.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery has left new £25 million signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis out of his 25-man Champions League squad. The 24-year-old defender, who is the son-in-law of Manchester United legend Roy Keane, joined from Southampton on deadline day but faces a waiting game for top-tier European action despite expressing his eagerness to perform on the continent's biggest stage.
Anthony Gordon has enjoyed a truly spectacular start to life at Barcelona following his blockbuster summer transfer from Newcastle United. The England international winger has not only dazzled supporters with his immediate impact on the pitch, but he has also rapidly earned the deep respect of his new team-mates behind the scenes through his grounded approach.
Barcelona's pursuit of World Cup-winning defender Aymeric Laporte broke down after Athletic Club demanded a massive transfer fee. The Catalan giants hoped to secure the 32-year-old for under €15 million to solve their defensive problems. However, strained relations between the two Spanish clubs ultimately scuppered the late summer deal.
Jose Mourinho has finalised his Real Madrid squad for the new Champions League campaign, making a ruthless call to exclude experienced defender Ferland Mendy. The French left-back continues to recover from a long-term muscle injury and has subsequently lost his place in the European squad to a highly rated teenage midfielder.
Gabriel Martinelli has completed a £60 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after being frozen out of the Arsenal squad. The Brazilian winger posted a heartfelt farewell message to the Gunners, but conspicuously omitted manager Mikel Arteta following a reported rift between the pair.
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has given his full backing to the club's acquisition of Rodri, believing the Spanish midfielder will bring essential experience and leadership to Hansi Flick's squad. The Polish veteran, who recently swapped Europe for Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire, also reflected on his memorable four-year spell in Catalonia.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has opened up on his decision to reject a summer transfer, with the highly rated youngster reportedly attracting strong interest from Real Madrid. Despite speculation over a blockbuster move to bolster Los Blancos midfield, Smit ultimately opted to remain in the Eredivisie following crucial behind-the-scenes talks with his current club.
Jamie Carragher has warned that Liverpool duo Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo face bleak futures at Anfield after being excluded from Andoni Iraola’s Champions League squad. The former Reds defender claimed the pair are effectively frozen out of the new manager's plans and suggested they should have been sold.
Rasmus Hojlund has not held back in his assessment of Ruben Amorim’s disastrous tenure at Manchester United, claiming that the entire squad "suffered" under the Portuguese tactician. The Danish international recently completed a permanent move to Napoli, ending a difficult spell at Old Trafford that saw the club take a significant financial hit on his initial investment.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
AC Milan veteran Luka Modric has opened up on his admiration for Real Madrid’s current crop of superstars, admitting he saw something special in Jude Bellingham from the moment he arrived. The Croatian maestro, who enjoyed a trophy-laden decade at the Bernabeu, remains a keen observer of the talent currently lighting up the Spanish capital.
Bosnia and Herzegovina legend Edin Dzeko has officially confirmed his intention to retire from international football, bringing the curtain down on a historic career. The Schalke forward, who has remained a talismanic figure for his country well into his veteran years, will bow out following a final appearance next month.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed that marquee signing Bradley Barcola is in contention to make his debut against Ipswich Town. The £123 million winger arrived from Paris Saint-Germain late in the transfer window but lacked pre-season minutes in France. Despite this, his new manager is thrilled with his fitness levels and mentality ahead of Friday's upcoming fixture.
Chelsea wonderkid Estevao is already considering his future at Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian prodigy, who arrived in west London with a massive reputation, is said to be concerned that his first-team opportunities will be severely limited this season and could look to force a January transfer if his situation does not drastically improve.
Barcelona reportedly turned down the chance to sign Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade during the final days of the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants opted against rescuing the struggling German international, opting instead to finalise a cut-price move for Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus. Woltemade subsequently secured a season-long loan switch to Juventus.
