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. 'Very humble' De Bruyne catches Napoli by surprise

    New Napoli signing Sam Beukema heaped praise on team-mate Kevin De Bruyne as the defender claimed that he was left "surprised" by the Manchester City legend's humility. De Bruyne, who left City after 10 years this summer to join Napoli on a free transfer, has made a bright start to his life in Italy as he has already scored two goals in five appearances for his club, across all competitions.

  2. What an impact, Lamine Yamal! Barca sub inspires vital win

    Lamine Yamal returned to the Barcelona matchday squad and had an instant impact as he his assist led to Robert Lewandowski scoring the winning goal in the second half. Yamal started on the bench against Real Sociedad and was introduced in the game just a minute before the hour mark. He came on and within a few seconds played a perfect cross for the Polish forward to score.

  3. Van Dijk slams Liverpool team-mates for Palace loss

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk slammed his team-mates after a frustrating loss to Crystal Palace but the Dutchman thanked Alisson for keeping the score down, while hailing the Brazilian as the "best goalkeeper in the world". Liverpool suffered their first defeat across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign as Eddie Nketiah's late winner helped Palace secure a crucial win.

  4. Nketiah receives 'thank you messages' from Arsenal

    Crystal Palace hero Eddie Nketiah received "thank you messages" from his former club Arsenal after he scored a last-gasp winner against the Gunners' title rivals Liverpool on Saturday. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring for Palace before Federico Chiesa equalised in the 87th minute. Nketiah, however, stole the limelight in the end by scoring a crucial late goal.

  1. 'Never felt like a genius' - Mourinho a 'much better' coach now

    Jose Mourinho claims that he feels that he is a 'much better coach than before' as the Benfica boss prepares for a reunion with his former club Chelsea in the Champions League. After losing his job at Fenerbahce last month, Mourinho returned to his homeland to take charge of Benfica. Under the veteran coach, the Liga Portugal side have registered two wins and a draw thus far.

  2. Maresca explains reason for Chelsea owners' dressing room visit

    Enzo Maresca explained why Chelsea's owners visited the Blues' dressing after a humiliating loss in the Premier League against Brighton on Saturday. After the disappointing home defeat, Chelsea's co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, along with several club officials marched straight into the dressing room. Maresca, however, played down the incident by claiming it is a regular occurrence.

  3. Dembele reveals Messi message 'really struck' PSG star

    Ousmane Dembele revealed that Lionel Messi's 'direct message' after Ballon d'Or win 'really struck' him as the Frenchman claimed that his former Barcelona colleagues and coach congratulated him. Dembele beat Blaugrana sensation Lamine Yamal to win the Golden Ball earlier this week after starring for PSG in the 2024-25 campaign, where the French giants won the treble.

  4. Arteta bites back at Arsenal's critics after 'handbrake off' message

    Mikel Arteta has hit back at Arsenal's critics after being send a "handbrake off" message by pundits following their draw against Manchester City last Sunday. Arteta's side dominated possession against City and stole a point after a last-gasp equaliser from Gabriel Martinelli at Emirates Stadium, but the Spaniard's tactics have been called into question.

  5. Al-Nassr boss explains why Ronaldo was left on bench vs Jeddah

    Jorge Jesus has explained why he decided to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench during Al-Nassr's Saudi King Cup of Champions round of 32 clash with Jeddah on Tuesday. In Ronaldo's absence, his compatriot Joao Felix starred for Al-Nassr as the Saudi giants beat Jeddah 4-0. Felix contributed with a goal and an assist to continue his dream start to life in Saudi Arabia.