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. Szoboszlai makes worrying Liverpool contract admission

    Dominik Szoboszlai has admitted that his long-term future at Liverpool is "not really in my hands anymore" as talks over a contract extension hit a standstill. The Hungarian midfielder has been one of the standout performers in an otherwise taxing season for the Reds, but his latest comments suggest that the club has yet to table a formal offer that reflects his importance.

  1. Thiago snubs Messi & Salah in top three team-mates list

    Thiago Alcantara has raised eyebrows by omitting Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah when naming the three best players he ever shared a pitch with. Despite playing alongside some of the greatest icons in modern football history, the former midfield maestro opted for a trio of stars that prioritised tactical intelligence and selflessness above raw goalscoring numbers.

  2. Revealed: When Lukaku will end Napoli exile amid ban threat

    Romelu Lukaku is finally set to return to Napoli training following a high-profile rift with the club that has seen the striker fined for an unauthorised absence. The Belgium international has been away from the squad since March, preferring to conduct his injury rehabilitation in his homeland despite direct orders to return to Italy.