Jack McRae

Jack McRae

Writer

Bio: I am a freelance sports journalist and first began writing about football regularly for my university’s student paper. Despite then going viral and suffering humiliation for an article on why Turkey were the 'dark horses' at Euro 2020, my obsession with watching and covering the beautiful game remained strong. I wrote my History degree dissertation on the rise of xenophobia in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup before moving to north London, a stone’s throw away from both Highbury and the Emirates Stadium, to complete a Master’s in International Journalism. I have been lucky enough to interview a number of professional sportsmen and women and, since starting as a freelance writer for GOAL in November 2023, have been able to cover some of the biggest games and events in the all-consuming world of football and sport.

My Football Story: Before I could walk or talk, I was put into an Arsenal shirt and I went to my first ever game shortly after my fifth birthday. Yet, ever since that 3-0 win over Watford in 2006, the Gunners have never quite been able to replicate the golden years of the early 2000s. For each season I have lived by the Emirates, the club have tortured me with a run of consecutive second-placed finishes, but maybe this could be the year. Fortunately, we can always rely on the women’s team to produce some magic.

Areas of Expertise:
  • Inside the joys and many frustrations of Arsenal Football Club
  • Coverage of the Premier League, Women’s Super League and major European clubs
  • Match reports from major tournaments, both domestic and international
  • The impact of football on political and social attitudes – and vice-versa
  • The spate of ACL injuries in women’s, and increasingly men’s, football

Favourite Footballing Memory: It is impossible to split being behind the goal as Reiss Nelson fired in his 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth and standing in the Clock End as Declan Rice scored his second stunning free-kick in the 3-0 win against Real Madrid. Two moments in which I thought we would win it all, even if they ultimately led to nothing.

 

Articles by Jack McRae
  1. FBL-ENG-PR-BRENTFORD-MAN UTDAFP
    N. CollinsManchester United

    Explained: Why Collins escaped a red card for Man Utd penalty

    The Premier League have explained why Nathan Collins was not given his marching orders by referee Craig Pawson in Brentford's 3-1 victory over Manchester United. The Irish defender looked set to be shown a red card when he hauled down Bryan Mbeumo in the penalty area and denied what appeared to be an obvious goalscoring opportunity. However, the Premier League have explained why it was not a red card.

  4. Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2025Getty
    K. MbappeReal Madrid

    📽️ | Mbappe fumes after Real Madrid suffer Atletico thrashing

    Kylian Mbappe was seen storming down the tunnel after Real Madrid suffered a shock thumping at the hands of city rivals Atletico Madrid. The Frenchman did not wish to shake hands with his opponents, nor clap Los Blancos' travelling fans, opting to make a beeline straight to the dressing room. Keen to avoid interacting with anyone, Mbappe was visibly unhappy with the performance and result.

  6. FBL-ENG-PR-CRYSTAL PALACE-LIVERPOOLAFP
    I. KonateLiverpool

    Liverpool star Konate blasted for Palace horror show

    Michael Owen has taken aim at Ibrahima Konate for the French defender's role in Liverpool's first defeat of the season away at Selhurst Park. Up until Saturday afternoon, the Reds had been unassailable in the Premier League, winning five of their opening five games and opening up a five-point gap at the top of the table. With Palace taking the three points, they climb to second in the table.

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