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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. Wilshere claims Spain would call Dowman up for World Cup

    Jack Wilshere has made a passionate case for Arsenal’s teenage sensation Max Dowman to be included in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, insisting that rivals like Spain would not hesitate to cap such a precocious talent. The former Gunners midfielder, who now manages Luton Town, believes the 16-year-old possesses a level of natural ability that even exceeds his own breakthrough years at the Emirates.

  2. Pogba's shockingly low Monaco salary revealed

    Paul Pogba may have once been the most expensive footballer on the planet, but his current financial standing at Monaco tells a very different story. The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder is reportedly earning a salary that doesn't even place him among the top 10 earners in the principality.

  1. Barcelona fume over Raphinha injury on international duty

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has launched a scathing attack on FIFA's international calendar after star winger Raphinha was sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Brazilian attacker suffered the blow during a friendly against France, leaving the Catalan giants without one of their most influential players for a season-defining run of fixtures.

  2. Gerrard's reveals exit advice for Salah after bombshell interview

    Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has opened up about the private counsel he offered Mohamed Salah following the forward’s public falling out with head coach Arne Slot. The attacker caused shockwaves across Merseyside earlier this season when he hit out at his manager’s selection decisions, but a text exchange with the club's greatest-ever captain helped steady the ship before his final farewell.

  3. Chelsea players turn on Fernandez amid Real Madrid transfer hints

    Enzo Fernandez has seen his popularity at Stamford Bridge plummet as the Argentine midfielder flirts with a move away from west London and is vocal in his frustrations with team-mates during a difficult run of results.. The World Cup winner's public comments regarding a move to Madrid have reportedly sparked friction in the Chelsea dressing room during a difficult period for the club.

  4. Tuchel compares Kane to Messi & Ronaldo

    Thomas Tuchel has leaped to the defence of his England side’s perceived over-reliance on Harry Kane, comparing the striker’s impact to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The Three Lions fell to a 1-0 friendly defeat against Japan at Wembley on Tuesday, with the captain forced to watch from the sidelines after picking up a minor injury in training.