Muhammad Zaki

News editor

His love for football was rooted in Chelsea, specifically when he was captivated by Gianfranco Zola—not only for his magic on the field but also because the legend's name sounded so pleasant to his ears. A few years later, the 2002 World Cup introduced him to Oliver Kahn, the goalkeeper who became Zaki's second love in football, even though Germany went home empty-handed at that time.

The most memorable moment for Zaki happened much closer to home: standing in the south stands of Maguwoharjo, witnessing PSS Sleman lift the 2013 First Division trophy. The euphoria of victory turned bitter as dualism prevented Si Elang Jawa from being promoted.

Zaki's areas of expertise at GOAL include:

  • Analysis of European football tactics, including the Premier League and Champions League
  • Coverage of player transfer news & club financial regulation dynamics
  • International football editorials: player biographies, legend stories, and hidden young talents
  • Player rating & performance assessment with both analytical and narrative approaches

Zaki's All-Time XI (4-2-3-1)

Oliver Kahn; Cafu, John Terry, Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Maldini; Xavi Hernandez, Claude Makelele; Lionel Messi, Eric Cantona, Eden Hazard; Marco van Basten

Articles by Muhammad Zaki
  1. Thiago snubs Messi & Salah in top three team-mates list

    Thiago Alcantara has raised eyebrows by omitting Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah when naming the three best players he ever shared a pitch with. Despite playing alongside some of the greatest icons in modern football history, the former midfield maestro opted for a trio of stars that prioritised tactical intelligence and selflessness above raw goalscoring numbers.

  2. Revealed: When Lukaku will end Napoli exile amid ban threat

    Romelu Lukaku is finally set to return to Napoli training following a high-profile rift with the club that has seen the striker fined for an unauthorised absence. The Belgium international has been away from the squad since March, preferring to conduct his injury rehabilitation in his homeland despite direct orders to return to Italy.

  1. Aguero: Only one player ranks above Yamal

    Sergio Aguero has heaped massive praise on Lamine Yamal, sensationally claiming that the Barcelona sensation is already performing at a level that puts him above almost every other player in world football with the exception of a certain superstar. The Manchester City and Blaugrana legend also believes the teenager possesses a rare talent that has not been seen at Camp Nou since the departure of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

  2. Spurs slam ‘abhorrent’ racist abuse of Danso

    Tottenham Hotspur have expressed their absolute disgust following the racist abuse directed at defender Kevin Danso in the wake of their recent draw with Brighton. The club has officially reported the "vile" comments to the authorities and vowed to push for the strongest possible criminal sanctions.

  3. Salah x CR7 remains possible! Al-Nassr ‘firmly in the race’

    Mohamed Salah's legendary stint at Liverpool is entering its final weeks, and a blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League is looking increasingly likely for the departing free agent. While several wealthy clubs are scrambling for the Egyptian icon's signature, Al-Nassr has firmly entered the race, raising the tantalizing prospect of Salah joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo to form an unstoppable frontline in Riyadh.

  4. Chelsea & Strasbourg fans unite in protest against BlueCo

    Chelsea supporters were joined by fans from French sister club RC Strasbourg in a massive protest against the BlueCo ownership group prior to Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United. The joint march represents a significant escalation in fan unrest as the multi-club ownership model comes under fire from both sides of the English Channel.

  5. Estevao 'crying' as Rosenior reveals injury fears

    Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has revealed the heartbreaking scene in the dressing room after Estevao Willian was forced off during the Blues' narrow defeat to Manchester United. The Brazilian wonderkid was left in tears after suffering what appears to be a serious muscle injury on a miserable night for the west London club.