Chris Burton Author Image

Chris Burton

Senior News Writer

Bio: If you can’t make a living from playing the game, then make one writing about it. I did my best to tick the first of those boxes, but it was not to be. I have been working hard at the latter for the best part of two decades and joined the collection of international stars that make up team GOAL in 2016. I am now Senior Staff Writer, which means my days are spent covering everything that the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of football has to offer. I have always been a fan of mercurial talents and love an underdog story, which goes some way to explaining why - alongside my East Midlands roots - Nottingham Forest are (for better or worse) my team of choice.

My Football Story: From the local playing field with friends, all through school, representing teams at various levels and facing a number of future professionals, to endless hours spent at the City Ground, a university degree and professional employment that has taken me to iconic venues across the country, football has always been the thread that ties my past, present and future together. I wouldn’t have it any other way and consider myself fortunate that I have been able to pass my passion for the game down to my son, who now finds himself heading down a similar path.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Nottingham Forest Football Club - with there always a lot going on there
  • News sourcing and writing - identifying what real fans want to talk about
  • Interviews - don’t believe those that say you shouldn’t interact with your heroes
  • Analysis & insight - not just explaining what happened, but how and why

Favourite Footballing Memory: I was too young to have witnessed Nottingham Forest’s European glory years and not yet old enough to have seen them add a third star to that famous Garibaldi shirt, being at Wembley as a 23-year wait for Premier League football came to a close will always be a special experience. I don’t remember much about the game itself, given the nerve-shredding nature of play-off finals, but the celebrations afterwards made enough memories to last several lifetimes.

Articles by Chris Burton
  1. Five Premier League stars endure flight chaos on cracked plane

    Five Premier League players - including Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey - were among those to endure flight chaos after jetting out of Nigeria's latest 2026 World Cup qualifier. There was midair mayhem during that journey as a cracked windscreen forced the plane that the Super Eagles were travelling on to make an emergency landing. Said trip was eventually completed some 12 hours later than initially planned.

  2. 'Doesn't have to apologise' - CR7 spared penalty miss criticism

    Cristiano Ronaldo remains untouchable in his homeland as the Portuguese GOAT, with the all-time great being told that he has nothing to apologise for after missing a penalty against the Republic of Ireland. The Al-Nassr superstar fluffed his lines from 12 yards during a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher keeping out his spot-kick before Ruben Neves snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

  3. 'From Wrexham motherf*cker!' - How Rob & Ryan changed mindset

    Ryan Reynolds has explained how he and Rob Mac have changed the mindset of a football club and community in North Wales, with people now proud to say: “I’m from Wrexham motherf*cker!” That was not the case when two Hollywood stars completed a stunning takeover of then National League Red Dragons in 2021, with a record-shattering rise to prominence having been enjoyed since then.

  4. Messi makes more history in MLS by pulling clear of Zlatan!

    Lionel Messi has made more history in MLS, with the Argentine GOAT pulling clear of legendary Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was at his brilliant best for Inter Miami when helping them to a 4-0 victory over Atlanta United. He bagged a brace in that contest, registering his ninth multi-goal performance of the season - a new record in MLS competition.

  5. 'We do miss Jude!' - Rice hits back at Bellingham critics

    Declan Rice has hit back at anybody questioning whether Jude Bellingham should be in the England squad, with the Arsenal star saying that the Three Lions "do miss" his fellow midfielder. Thomas Tuchel took to leaving the Real Madrid 'Galactico' out of his plans for a friendly date with Wales and a World Cup qualifier against Latvia, leading some to ponder when or if a recall will be earned.

  6. Man Utd's takeover is on! Former bidder plots fresh approach

    Thomas Zilliacus, a former interested party when it comes to takeovers at Manchester United, claims that he would be happy to return to the negotiating table if the Glazer family opened themselves up to a sale. He is prepared to work alongside another investor, be that Sir Jim Ratcliffe or somebody else, with the Finnish entrepreneur stating that he wants to look after the best interests of Premier League heavyweights.

  7. 'Tough times don't last' - Kane & Russo team up on mental health

    England superstars Harry Kane and Alessia Russo have teamed up on World Mental Health Day, with inspiring messages being passed out to those who are struggling. Kane and Russo have experienced tough times themselves on and off the pitch and want to use their voice, as prominent figures in society, to help spread the word of never being afraid to speak up and ask for help.

  1. 'Hasn't got knighthood yet!' - Becks takes stray from Victoria

    David Beckham has caught a stray from wife Victoria, with the Manchester United and England legend seeing it pointed out to him that he "hasn't got his knighthood yet". The former Three Lions captain, who is now a co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, is preparing to become a Sir. His partner, in a new documentary series for Netflix, has explained why she is not being referred to as 'Lady Victoria'.

  2. Rooney bites back at Gerrard's 'egotistical losers' claim

    Wayne Rooney has hit back at Steven Gerrard's claim that England's 'Golden Generation' were "egotistical losers". The Liverpool legend has attempted to explain why a star-studded group of players failed to savour international success. Manchester United icon Rooney also formed part of that squad for a while, and he is not convinced that fierce club divisions were to blame for the Three Lions struggling to roar when it mattered most.

  3. Mourinho blasted by PL ref Taylor for inciting abuse

    Jose Mourinho has been accused of inciting abuse, with Premier League referee Anthony Taylor now wary of allowing his family to travel with him across the world after becoming an unfortunate target for the 'Special One' in 2023. While Taylor admits that scrutiny of match officials has gotten a little out of control, he still considers his role as a man in the middle to be "one of the best jobs in the world".

  4. Inside David Beckham's £111m mansions as Victoria opens doors

    Victoria Beckham has opened doors to the property empire that she owns alongside husband David. The former Spice Girls singer is starring in a new Netflix documentary. David featured in his own back in 2023, on the same streaming service, with the Beckhams welcoming cameras into their world once again. Fans are being given a look inside some luxurious mansions and penthouses, which are said to come with a combined price tag of £111 million ($147m).

  5. Saka presents England with 'problem' in Madueke’s absence

    Thomas Tuchel admits that Bukayo Saka has given him a nice "problem", with the Arsenal winger starring for England against Wales after seeing club colleague Noni Madueke miss out through injury. Saka, making his first appearance for the Three Lions since facing Senegal in June, scored a stunning goal for the Three Lions as they eased to a 3-0 victory over geographical neighbours at Wembley Stadium.

  6. 'People take your role!' - Rogers challenge with no Bellingham

    Morgan Rogers was delighted to make the most of his opportunity to impress for England against Wales, with the Aston Villa playmaker aware that "people will take your role" if the demands of head coach Thomas Tuchel are not met. Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is among those to have missed out on a place in the latest Three Lions squad, with competition for places now fierce across all areas of the field.

  7. Snoop Dogg set to attend first Swansea against Rob & Ryan

    Snoop Dogg is reportedly set to make his first appearance at a Swansea game when a derby date with Welsh rivals Wrexham is taken in. The Red Dragons are co-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynold and Rob Mac, who have made a habit of inviting celebrity guests to EFL fixtures down the years. Rap icon Snoop is now poised to make his bow with the Swans, having become a minority stakeholder.

  8. ‘Could play at most clubs’ - USMNT star Reyna transfer prediction

    Gio Reyna “could play at most clubs”, USMNT legend Brad Friedel has told GOAL in an exclusive interview, with it possible that a move away from Borussia Dortmund could act as a “stepping stone” back towards another top team. Reyna has ended his six-year association with BVB in order to make a fresh start at Borussia Monchengladbach, with it up to him to prove that undoubted potential can be fully unlocked.

  9. How Wrexham captain McClean responded to ‘too old’ teasing

    Former Republic of Ireland international Jeff Hendrick has revealed how Wrexham captain James Wrexham responded to an “are you getting too old” question, with the veteran winger being teased over his age after seeing game time limited in 2025-26. McClean still has an important role to play for the Red Dragons, but is no longer a guaranteed starter at Championship level.

  10. Revealed: Fernandes transfer stance amid Saudi interest

    Bruno Fernandes continues to see a move to the Saudi Pro League speculated on, but the Manchester United captain reportedly has “no interest” in completing such a switch at this stage of his career. That will be music to the ears of those at Old Trafford, with the Portuguese playmaker a talismanic presence for the Red Devils while continuing to fill their armband.