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. USMNT striker Agyemang in demand as EPL duo eye summer transfer

    Crystal Palace have emerged as serious contenders to sign USMNT star Patrick Agyemang as they look to overhaul their attacking options. The Eagles are actively planning for life after Jean-Philippe Mateta, who nearly departed for AC Milan in January and is widely expected to find a new home this summer. Despite the presence of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah, Palace view Agyemang as a versatile profile that can bolster their front line.

  2. England legend claims Palmer will be 'very tempted' by Man Utd

    Chelsea star Cole Palmer could be tempted by a sensational return to north west to play for the club he supported as a boy, Manchester United, according to Chris Waddle. However, the former England star has raised concerns over whether the forward would even secure a guaranteed spot in the Red Devils' starting line-up, given the fierce creative competition at Old Trafford.

  3. Boost for Madrid as BOTH Mbappe & Bellingham return to squad

    Kylian Mbappe is officially back in the fold for Real Madrid after a knee injury kept him out of the first-leg victory at the Bernabeu. The French superstar has undergone a conservative treatment plan over the last three weeks to avoid surgery, and his progress at Valdebebas has been swift enough to warrant a place in the squad to face Manchester City alongside Jude Bellingham, who has also been out recently.

  4. Mbappe caught up in club-versus-country row

    Real Madrid face a dilemma over Kylian Mbappe's fitness ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City clash as France and Nike demand his presence for international friendlies. The World Cup winner may be called upon by his country despite sitting out matches at club level.

  5. Liverpool trigger 12-month contract extension for talisman

    Liverpool have reportedly triggered the 12-month option to extend Alisson's contract, ensuring the Brazilian remains on Merseyside for at least another season. The 33-year-old’s previous terms were set to expire this summer, which would have made him one of the most high-profile free agents on the market. Instead, he is now under contract through to the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

  1. Messi vs Yamal is off! Argentina & Spain Finalissima cancelled

    Football fans will be denied a dream showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal after the 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain was officially cancelled. Following the forced relocation of the fixture from Qatar due to geopolitical issues, a complete breakdown in negotiations saw the Argentinian FA reject multiple UEFA proposals - including a clash at the Bernabeu - leaving the highly anticipated meeting of champions scrapped over unresolvable scheduling conflicts.

  2. Revealed: The role Mbappe will play for Real against Man City

    Kylian Mbappe will reportedly board the plane with the Real Madrid squad this Monday as they travel to England. Desperate to avoid just watching from the sidelines, the forward is pushing to be available for Alvaro Arbeloa in this decisive Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City. After missing recent action, the Frenchman is eager to help his side navigate the Etihad cauldron and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

  3. Why Thompson expected four-month goal drought at 'scary' Chelsea

    USWNT sensation Alyssa Thompson has lifted the lid on her daunting transition from Angel City FC to the relentless spotlight of the Women's Super League. Trading the sunny comforts of her Los Angeles hometown for a blockbuster move to Chelsea, the 20-year-old forward revealed the leap was so intimidating that she braced herself to go four months without finding the back of the net in a star-studded Blues squad.

  4. Rodri admits Man City title hopes may be over

    Manchester City’s pursuit of another Premier League crown took a devastating hit on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United. Despite dominating possession, the Blues failed to secure the three points needed to keep pace with a relentless Arsenal side who sit comfortably at the summit.

  5. 📽️ | 'Don't try this at home!' - Guler scores from OWN HALF

    Arda Guler produced a moment of pure magic to cap off Real Madrid's resounding 4-1 victory over Elche, launching a breathtaking 68-metre lob from inside his own half. The audacious strike left the Bernabeu in awe and perfectly encapsulated a dominant night for Los Blancos, with the 21-year-old playmaker proudly taking to Instagram to share the spectacular footage.

  6. Tudor explains why he ignored tearful Kinsky after shock subbing

    Tottenham Hotspur interim boss Igor Tudor has stood by his brutal 17th-minute substitution of Antonin Kinsky during a chaotic defeat to Atletico Madrid. Despite facing intense scrutiny for ignoring the tearful goalkeeper as he left the pitch, Tudor remains adamant that his touchline reaction was a deliberate strategy to prevent a bad situation from spiraling out of control.

  7. Gordon hits back at Rooney and Shearer's 'complete nonsense'

    The drama began when Anthony Gordon was omitted from Newcastle’s starting line-up for their massive Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona last Tuesday. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, the winger was only fit enough for a place on the bench, sparking a wave of criticism from high-profile pundits who questioned his commitment and professional conduct on the night, claims to which the Magpies' man has now emphatically responded.

  8. Arteta reveals Dowman instructions in dramatic Arsenal win

    Arsenal moved nine points clear at the Premier League summit following a late 2-0 win over Everton, but the talk of north London remains Max Dowman's sensational cameo. Given the freedom by Mikel Arteta to provide a game-winning spark, the 16-year-old bypassed title-race nerves to break down a stubborn Toffees side, forcing a mistake for Viktor Gyokeres' opener before adding a second himself.