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. '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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. '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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.