📝Bio: Soham has been living and breathing football stories for almost a decade, carving his path as a news and SEO writer with an instinct for the big moments. Armed with an MA (Honours) in Sports Journalism from Symbiosis International University, he knew early on that his future wouldn’t be on the pitch but behind the pen, shaping narratives about the game he adores. He joined GOAL in 2017 and has since made his mark covering the Indian Super League, I-League, and the Indian national team. Based in Kolkata, where football is a religion, he grew up watching Bhaichung Bhutia scoring goals for fun in India, before falling head over heels for Real Madrid, a club that now dictates the rhythm of his everyday life.⚽My Football Story: It all began back in 2002. A cricket bat in hand, ready to step out, but then the skies opened up. The rain kept me indoors, and that twist of fate led me to the sofa, beside my father, who had a football match on TV. Little did I know at the time but it was the World Cup final: Brazil vs Germany. Forget the goals – what grabbed my imagination was Ronaldo’s haircut and his iconic celebration. From there, cricket slowly faded and football fever took over. By my teenage years, I was sneaking out of bed at 1am to watch the Champions League - fair to say I was hooked for life.
🎯Areas of Expertise:
Social media-specific content
Premier League, Champions League, European & Indian football coverage
Tactical analysis on the Indian national team
World Cup & European Championship tournaments
🌟Favourite Footballing Memory: The day Mohun Bagan demolished East Bengal 5-3 in the Kolkata Derby, with Chidi Edeh scoring four - a moment when the city turned maroon and green. But nothing beats the spine-tingling sight of Sergio Ramos’ 93rd-minute header in Lisbon, the goal that crowned Real Madrid’s La Decima and etched itself into footballing history.📝My All-Time XI: Iker Casillas; Phillip Lahm, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Cannavaro, Roberto Carlos; Claude Makélélé, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane; Cristiano Ronaldo, Raúl, Lionel Messi.
England's hopes of progressing to the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 took a major hit after a nightmare first half saw them go two goals down to a sharp and clinical Sweden side. Supporters were left stunned as the reigning champions struggled to deal with the early intensity from the Scandinavians, who capitalised on two defensive errors from Jess Carter to establish control.
West Ham United have reportedly stepped into the mix to secure the services of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish. The midfielder's future with City appears to be over and his exclusion from the Club World Cup squad served as a reminder that his services are no longer required at the Etihad.
Manchester United icon David May has offered unwavering support to manager Ruben Amorim as the Portuguese tactician takes bold steps to reshape the club’s culture. The Red Devils boss has taken a no-nonsense approach ahead of the 2025-26 season by barring five superstars, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia, from rejoining the squad for pre-season training.
Manchester City have announced the arrival of highly rated Norwegian midfielder Sverre Nypan, completing a long-anticipated transfer from Eliteserien side Rosenborg for £12.5 million ($17m). City's scouting and recruitment staff were able to fend off interest from several top clubs across Europe, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa, who had also dispatched representatives to Norway in a bid to lure the midfielder.
Anthony Elanga, Newcastle United's new £55 million ($74m) recruit from Nottingham Forest, has expressed his admiration for international team-mate Alexander Isak, labelling the striker among the world’s elite. However, Elanga also made it clear that speculation surrounding Isak’s future at St James Park is part and parcel of being a top player, referring to the transfer chatter as little more than “noise.”
Chelsea's stunning victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup shocked much of the football world, as few expected them to overcome the reigning European champions in such emphatic fashion. Now, Italian legend Christian Vieri has backed them to build on that momentum and, under Enzo Maresca's inspiring guidance, win the Premier League in the 2025-26 campaign.
Manchester United supporters were responsible for the highest number of football-related arrests in England and Wales during the 2024–25 season, according to the latest data published by the UK Home Office. Over the 10-month reporting period, 121 arrests were linked to fans of the Old Trafford club, more than any other team in the top flight, as revealed by The Athletic.
Barcelona's long-serving goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is reportedly considering going under the knife, which could have huge transfer implications for Manchester City. With the new season approaching, the 33-year-old German shot-stopper has been informed he will start the campaign as Barcelona’s third-choice goalkeeper behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny. Hence, the keeper has been advised to seek a fresh challenge.
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again proven that age is just a number, sweeping major honours at the Saudi Pro League's end-of-season awards ceremony following a record-breaking campaign with Al-Nassr. At 40, the Portuguese icon was officially named the 2025-26 Fans' Player of the Season, a title awarded to the player who earns the most man-of-the-match selections across the campaign.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer found himself in the spotlight with his recent heroics in the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain making waves far beyond the pitch. The 23-year-old Englishman was filmed snapping a selfie with a New York Police Department officer outside the Peninsula Hotel on Monday, a day after Chelsea’s emphatic victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
Fulham have reportedly initiated formal discussions with Arsenal over the prospect of bringing Reiss Nelson back to Craven Cottage for the upcoming season. The 24-year-old winger, who progressed through the Gunners’ youth ranks, could rejoin Marco Silva’s side on a temporary deal, with the precise structure of the proposed move still under negotiation.
After enduring a difficult start to their Euro 2025 campaign, Sarina Wiegman's England bounced back strongly and are now preparing for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Sweden. The Lionesses boss remains confident in her squad’s trajectory and believes the team is ready to take on the Group C winners.
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a high-profile player exchange this summer, involving outcast Alejandro Garnacho and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson. Both clubs are eager to reshape their squads and balance the books, with player sales seen as critical in complying with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Wrexham are reportedly set to seal a permanent transfer for New Zealand international Liberato Cacace from relegated Serie A side Empoli. The versatile defender is expected to move to the Welsh side for a base fee of €2.5 million (£2m/$3m), with additional bonuses attached, as revealed by Gianluca di Marzio.
Jude Bellingham has taken a decisive step in his ongoing battle with a shoulder injury by undergoing surgery to correct a recurring dislocation. The Real Madrid midfielder had been dealing with the issue since late 2023, often seen with heavy strapping on his shoulder as he played through discomfort.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer had a taste of American food while starring at the Club World Cup, but the forward found it "disgusting". The 23-year-old England international delivered a masterclass in the final, netting twice and setting up another goal in a 3-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain that left the football world stunned.
Kylian Mbappe has marked the first anniversary of his arrival at Real Madrid with a heartfelt message to the club, expressing appreciation for the continued support since his unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar completed his long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and made an immediate impact in Spain.
David Beckham had a special message for Fernando Torres as the Liverpool legend linked up with Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi and reunited with Luis Suarez and Javier Mascherano during his visit to Florida. The former Spanish striker dropped in at the Herons' training facility for a rendezvous with his old friends.
Liverpool have entered the fray to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, potentially disrupting Newcastle United's long-standing pursuit of the 22-year-old striker having made their interest known in the Magpies' Alexander Isak. The Merseyside giants have initiated contact with the Bundesliga club, seeking to open negotiations.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has reportedly rejected a lucrative proposal from the Saudi Pro League, reaffirming his intention to continue his career in European football. The 26-year-old centre-back remains focused on playing at the highest level, which he believes is only possible by staying in Europe as he wants to compete regularly in the UEFA Champions League.