Ritabrata Banerjee

Ritabrata Banerjee

News writer

📝Bio: Ritabrata has been living and breathing football for nearly two decades. Has a bachelor's degree in Business Management but took up sports journalism as a career path to live and breathe football. He joined GOAL in 2017 and has since made his mark covering the Indian Super League, I-League, and the Indian national team. He has also been part of Goal's coverage team at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017. Based in Kolkata, where football is a religion, he grew up idolising Bhaichung Bhutia and continues to support East Bengal FC. 

⚽My Football Story: My football journey began in 1999 with the Kolkata derby when I was a seven-year-old and watched a live football match for the first time. The 2002 World Cup solidified my love for the game. In a cricket-obsessed nation, football continues to remain my true passion.

🎯Areas of Expertise:

  • Social media-specific content
  • Premier League, Champions League, World Cup, Euros, European & Indian football coverage
  • Tactical analysis of the Indian national team, Indian Super League clubs and European teams
  • News & SEO content writing

🌟Favourite Footballing Memory: East Bengal winning the ASEAN Club Championship in 2003, beating then AFC Champions League runners-up BEC Tero Sasana of Thailand, remains my most cherished football memory alongside watching the 'little Argentine' lifting the 2022 World Cup in Doha.

📝My All-Time XI: Manuel Neuer; Philipp Lahm, Sergio Ramos, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Carlos; Sergio Busquets, Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Phenomenon, Lionel Messi.

Articles by Ritabrata Banerjee
  1. Wirtz backed to silence doubters like Madrid legend Modric

    Florian Wirtz has been compared to Luka Modric, with Liverpool's struggling £116m signing being backed to silence his doubters just as the former Real Madrid midfielder did. Wirtz was considered one of the brightest midfield talents in the world at Bayer Leverkusen, but the Germany international has experienced a major dip in form since moving to the Premier League.

  2. 'He has a gift' - Mbappe hails Cherki as a 'spectacular talent'

    Kylian Mbappe has hailed Rayan Cherki as a "spectacular talent" after seeing his France team-mate "integrate very well" into Manchester City's team. After starring for Lyon with 13 goals and 21 assists across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, Cherki was signed by City in the summer transfer window, while Didier Deschamps handed him his France debut in June.

  3. Ancelotti convinces Vinicius Jr to take up new Brazil role

    Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has convinced "very dangerous" Vinicius Junior to take up a surprise new role in the national team. With only a few months left until the 2026 World Cup kicks off in North America, the veteran Italian coach is trying to find the best possible attacking combination in the Selecao squad as he aims to deliver the country's record-extending sixth global crown.

  4. Nick Woltemade

    Shearer explains why Woltemade is a 'problem' for Newcastle

    Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has explained why new signing Nick Woltemade is a "problem" for the Magpies and delivered his verdict on Eddie Howe amid talk of the manager facing the sack. Newcastle have made a nightmare start to the 2025-26 campaign, falling to 14th in the Premier League table with only three wins from 11 matches, and now sit just two points above the relegation zone.

  5. Man Utd make shock transfer approach for Madrid outcast Endrick

    Manchester United have reportedly made a shock transfer approach for out-of-favour Real Madrid forward Endrick amid concern over Benamin Sesko's fitness. The Brazil international is eyeing a temporary move away from Santiago Bernabeu in the January transfer window after struggling for game time at Madrid under Xabi Alonso. With the World Cup fast approaching, the youngster is hoping to play as many matches as possible.

  6. Amorim 'canvassed opinion' from Man Utd stars on Malacia's reintegration

    Ruben Amorim reportedly "canvassed opinion" on Tyrell Malacia's reintegration from several Manchester United first-team players after the Dutch full-back became the only player from the club's 'bomb squad' who failed to secure a move away from Old Trafford during the summer transfer window. Other outcasts like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were shipped off as Amorim overhauled the squad.

  7. England call up two new players to November squad

    Thomas Tuchel has called up two new players to the November England squad after seeing Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope withdraw with injuries. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also a major doubt for the World Cup qualifying matches against Serbia and Albania, though he has reported to the camp. Gordon did not travel to Brentford for Newcastle's last Premier League game, while Pope had to be substituted in the second half.

  1. Man Utd teenager handed shock international call-up

    Manchester United youngster James Overy has been handed a shock call-up to the Australia senior national team ahead of their upcoming friendly matches this month. Socceroos boss Tony Popovic, who has been left "impressed" by the teenager, has even hinted that Overy could earn a role in his World Cup squad for next summer's tournament in North America.

  2. Eriksson's luxury lakeside mansion sold in cut-price deal

    Sven-Goran Eriksson's family has been forced to sell his lakeside mansion in a cut-price deal to help pay off the late England manager's massive debts. Eriksson, who was in charge of England for five years and took the team to two World Cups and a European Championship, bought the mansion in 2001 for a whopping £4.5 million, but his family has now accepted a total loss on the property of around £3m.

  3. Ruben Amorim Manchester United 2025

    Man Utd weighing up transfer for €60m-rated midfielder

    Manchester United are weighing up a move for Stuttgart and Germany international midfielder Angelo Stiller, who could be available for a fee in the region of €60 million ($53m). Stiller is one of a six-man shortlist of midfielders prepared by the Red Devils, as Ruben Amorim seems desperate to sign a new player for the central midfield role to strengthen the position.

  4. Martinez warned failed Man Utd transfer was 'chance of a lifetime'

    Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been warned that he has missed out on a 'chance of a lifetime' by a Premier League legend after his failed Manchester United transfer. Martinez was closely linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer window but the club eventually signed young Belgian custodian Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp instead, leaving the Argentina international to continue at Villa.

  5. Aston Villa tie key man to new contract to see off Chelsea interest

    Aston Villa have successfully tied down star attacker Morgan Rogers to a new contract as they ward off Chelsea's transfer interest. Rogers, who moved to Villa Park at the start of 2024 and won the PFA Young Player of the Season this August, has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal. Rogers had attracted interest from the Blues, while Spurs were also urged to sign the youngster at one point in the summer.