📝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.
Liverpool are accelerating their efforts to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, in what could become one of the marquee deals of the 2025 summer transfer window. The Anfield outfit have formally expressed their interest in acquiring the Swedish forward, with reports confirming that a deal in the region of £120 million ($161m) has been discussed with the Magpies.
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals have set the stage for a thrilling encounter as England are set to lock horns with a formidable Sweden side on Thursday evening in Zurich. And the Lionesses, captained by Leah Williamson, know they will be facing one of the most consistent and dangerous teams in football.
Napoli are reportedly closing in on signing Lorenzo Lucca in a €35 million (£30.5m/$41m) deal following the blockbuster addition of Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne. The 24-year-old striker, who enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 season with Udinese, is expected to sign a five-year contract with the reigning Serie A champions later this week.
Crystal Palace supporters have erupted in anger following UEFA’s contentious decision to remove the club from next season’s Europa League. The ruling, announced on Friday, sparked outrage as Palace, who qualified by winning the FA Cup, were downgraded to the UEFA Europa Conference League instead. This comes in the wake of Lyon’s reinstatement in Ligue 1 after initially facing relegation due to financial issues.
After playing a pivotal role in Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph, Cole Palmer has used his time off to reconnect with his heritage as he travelled to the island of St Kitts in the Caribbean. The island is the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry Palmer, and it marks the Chelsea star’s first-ever trip to the country.
Manchester United have reportedly made a move for Emi Martinez as the Red Devils have opened talks with Aston Villa for the Argentina goalkeeper. Andre Onana endured a torrid campaign full of mistakes that proved costly in key moments. His performances have raised serious questions about whether he is the right long-term fit for the club, especially given the expectations that come with playing between the sticks at Old Trafford.
Roy Hodgson made headlines earlier this month, not for his tactical insights or football coaching, but for a viral photo from the prestigious Wimbledon tennis tournament. The 77-year-old was seated in the exclusive Royal Box at the All England Club, enjoying day three of the Grand Slam sat near to music star Olivia Rodrigo.
Juventus are reportedly on the verge of reaching an agreement with FC Porto to sign Francisco Conceicao on a permanent basis, which has cast doubt over Manchester United star Jadon Sancho's switch to the Allianz Stadium. The 21-year-old impressed Juventus’ hierarchy during his loan spell and his familiarity with the squad have prompted the Serie A giants to prioritise his acquisition instead of Sancho's.
Arsenal fans are fuming as Liverpool eye a £120m deal for Alexander Isak to cap off the "greatest transfer window of all time". The 25‑year‑old Sweden international is a top target as the Reds seek a new frontman to boost their attack ahead of Darwin Nunez’s expected departure this summer.
Rodrigo De Paul has lifted the lid on the powerful influence Lionel Messi exerts on those around him, praising the Argentina captain’s ability to lead through action rather than words. The Atletico Madrid midfielder offered rare insight into Messi’s understated authority while also hinting that their on-field chemistry might soon be rekindled, this time in the MLS with Inter Miami.
Santi Cazorla has committed to another season with Real Oviedo, signing a new one-year contract that will see the Spanish legend return to La Liga after nearly half a decade away. The 40-year-old midfielder, whose previous contract had expired earlier this summer, will continue playing for his boyhood club as they prepare for top-flight football for the first time since 2001.
In one of the most surprising transfer stories of the summer, former England international Andy Carroll has officially joined Dagenham & Redbridge, a club competing in the sixth tier of English football. He has signed on as both a player and a shareholder following the club’s recent takeover by a Qatari investment consortium.
Sweden thrashed Germany 4-1 to top Group C as Stina Blackstenius and Smilla Holmberg stole the show in an one-sided affair in Zurich on Saturday evening.
With Chelsea gearing up for their much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup final clash against Paris Saint-Germain, star forward Cole Palmer was seen unwinding in an unexpected way. The 22-year-old Blues standout was spotted cruising through New York City’s vibrant Times Square on a scooter, soaking in the atmosphere ahead of what is arguably the most significant match of his club career.
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has confirmed that Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres will be subjected to disciplinary action after missing his scheduled return to pre-season training. The forward, who had been granted an extended break, was expected to report back to the club on Saturday, July 12, but was absent without any prior notification.
Legendary Dutch football figure Louis van Gaal has revealed that he is no longer affected by cancer following a period of successful medical treatment. The 73-year-old, known for his outspoken personality and managerial excellence across Europe, gave an optimistic health update during his appearance on Dutch television.
As Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal prepares to celebrate his 18th birthday on Sunday, July 13, the streets of Catalonia have welcomed a striking tribute to the young footballer. Renowned urban artist TVBoy, known for his graffiti portraits of iconic figures like Lionel Messi, Alexia Putellas, and singer Rosalía, has now turned his attention to Yamal, casting him in the light of a superhero.
Viktor Gyokeres has escalated his transfer standoff with Sporting CP by not appearing for the club’s pre-season training, further fuelling speculation of an imminent move to Arsenal. The 27-year-old forward was expected to report to camp by 5pm local time on Saturday but failed to meet the deadline, prompting Sporting to consider disciplinary repercussions.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has begun the festivities for his milestone 18th birthday with a blend of family warmth and star-studded anticipation. Although the official date of his birthday falls on Sunday, July 13, the young forward chose to begin the celebrations a day early, gathering close relatives and friends for an intimate dinner.
Newcastle United have reportedly reignited their pursuit of young French forward Hugo Ekitike, as they hope to strengthen their attacking lineup alongside Alexander Isak. The Magpies were disappointed when Joao Pedro opted for Chelsea over them this month, but remain determined to add another frontline threat during this transfer window as they gear up for Champions League football next season.