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. ‘Run 1,000 marathons!’ - Ronaldo may have another WC one in him

    Cristiano Ronaldo has already run “1,000 marathons” over the course of his career, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that the Portuguese GOAT may have another left in him at the 2030 World Cup. At 41 years of age, the evergreen frontman is currently gracing FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time. Said tournament will be heading to his homeland in four years’ time.

  2. Why Kane becoming Messi-esque for England is a good thing

    Harry Kane has become Lionel Messi-esque for England in terms of his value to the collective cause, with Stan Collymore explaining to GOAL why that is a good thing and how the Three Lions’ record goalscorer is benefitting from a mindset that others have lacked. The prolific Bayern Munich frontman is leading another bid for World Cup glory at present, with a star-studded squad often being carried on his back.

  3. Explained: Why Ronaldo gets more criticism than Messi

    Cristiano Ronaldo retains the ability to make “people shut their mouth”, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with a former Manchester United team-mate of CR7 explaining why the Portuguese superstar attracts more criticism than fellow GOAT Lionel Messi. Both men are currently on 2026 World Cup duty, with more questions being put to an evergreen European frontman than his eternal South American rival is facing.

  4. ‘Not a classy attacker’ but Gyokeres backed to produce ‘best’

    Former Arsenal and Sweden midfielder Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL that while Viktor Gyokeres may not be a “classy attacker”, he is finding his feet in the Premier League - as a title winner - and should be closer to his “best” during the 2026-27 campaign. The powerful frontman enjoyed a productive debut campaign at Emirates Stadium, but continues to see more forwards linked with big-money moves to north London.

  5. Why Cherki vs Deschamps is ‘not drama’ in France WC squad

    The France national team are no strangers to World Cup soap operas, with some bizarre headlines being made down the years, but Louis Saha has told GOAL that Rayan Cherki’s apparent snubbing of head coach Didier Deschamps is “not drama”. The enigmatic Manchester City playmaker has seemingly not taken kindly to the lack of game time being passed his way at FIFA’s flagship event.

  6. World Cup, Golden Boot, Ballon d’Or! Can Mbappe clean up?

    Kylian Mbappe is capable of completing a clean sweep on the trophy front in 2026, Louis Saha has told GOAL, with the France international in contention for World Cup, Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Ballon d’Hor honours. The Real Madrid forward has been starring on the grandest of stages, with the perfect response being delivered to some “strange criticism”.

  7. ‘Big players always moved’ - Rogers to Arsenal annoys ex-Villan

    Tony Cascarino has admitted to GOAL that “big players have always moved”, but the former Aston Villa striker is still annoyed at the slightly baffling situation that sees Morgan Rogers generating intense transfer talk. The England international is seeing a big-money move to Arsenal speculated on, with the Villans needing to sanction sales in order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

  1. ‘World-class already’ - Rice’s special quality highlighted

    Declan Rice is “world-class” already, former Arsenal midfielder Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL, with the Gunners star considered to boast a special quality that makes him a potential Ballon d’Or contender of the future. England international Rice is hoping to come into contention for that prize while chasing down more major honours with club and country.

  2. Why Postecoglou will find it ‘hard’ to land another PL job

    Ange Postecoglou will find it “hard” to land another Premier League job following his issues at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, former Celtic striker Tony Cascarino has told GOAL. The Australian tactician, who delivered title glory during his time at Parkhead, is among those said to be in the frame to take over as Scotland boss following Steve Clarke’s departure.

  3. Will Shankland get 20 goals a season? Rangers striker warning

    Lawrence Shankland has finally secured his dream move to Rangers, but Kenny Miller has told GOAL why the Scotland international may find it difficult to maintain his prolific strike rate at Ibrox. He is expected to be a “strong signing” for the Gers, but will face an entirely different set of career challenges when operating under the brightest of Old Firm spotlights.

  4. £40m Garnacho likened to Gordon amid Chelsea exit talk

    Alejandro Garnacho has been likened to Anthony Gordon, with both wingers considered to be limited, with former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino telling GOAL why the Blues may listen to offers for a £40 million ($53m) flop during the summer transfer window of 2026. Argentina international Garnacho only moved to Stamford Bridge 12 months ago, but uncomfortable questions are already being asked of his future.

  5. Rogers in, Odegaard out? Ex-Arsenal star reacts to transfer talk

    Arsenal are being heavily linked with Morgan Rogers so could it be a case of one in, one out at Emirates Stadium as the Aston Villa playmaker replaces Martin Odegaard in Mikel Arteta’s plans? Stefan Schwarz has reacted to that surprising transfer talk during an exclusive interview with GOAL, with the former Gunners midfielder expecting the club’s Premier League title-winning captain to stick around for now.

  6. ‘He’s a magical player’ - What Isak needs in order to prove that

    Alexander Isak remains a “magical player”, former Sweden international Stefan Schwarz has told GOAL, with the Liverpool striker being told what he needs in order to prove as much at Anfield. With a record-breaking price tag hanging around his neck, the former Newcastle frontman endured an injury-ravaged debut campaign on Merseyside that delivered just four goals.

  7. ‘Like Messi!’ - Leeds advised against inviting Aaronson offers

    Leeds United have been advised against inviting offers for USMNT star Brenden Aaronson, with Matt Kilgallon explaining to GOAL why the American forward was “like Lionel Messi” at times last season after finding his feet in English football. The all-action playmaker has finally won over a sceptical fan base at Elland Road, but is entering the final year of his contract.