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. Man Utd add Ronaldo's coach to managerial shortlist

    Manchester United are ramping up their search for a permanent managerial appointment to lead the club into the 2026-27 campaign, and a familiar face from the Premier League has emerged as a serious contender. Roberto Martinez, currently at the helm of the Portugal national team, has reportedly been identified by the Old Trafford hierarchy as a potential candidate to take over the reigns.

  2. Rashford told there's 'something wrong' if he can't enjoy Man Utd

    Marcus Rashford is currently thriving on loan at Barcelona, helping to propel the Catalan giants to the top of La Liga and into the Champions League knockout stages. However, his resurgence away from Old Trafford has prompted fierce criticism from Manchester United legend Bryan Robson. Rashford is expected to stay at Barcelona past the end of the season, with the Catalans keen to keep hold of the forward.

  3. Arsenal on track to celebrate earliest ever St Totteringham's Day

    Arsenal are on the verge of making north London history this weekend as they look to secure the earliest St Totteringham's Day on record. For the uninitiated, this is the celebration held by Gunners fans on the exact date it becomes mathematically impossible for bitter rivals Tottenham to finish above them in the Premier League table. With Mikel Arteta’s men currently flying at the summit and Spurs languishing near the foot of the division, the traditional shift in power is set to be confirmed before the clocks even go back.

  4. Rosenior admits Chelsea can't play the way he wants

    Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has dropped a significant bombshell ahead of his side’s highly-anticipated Premier League encounter with Arsenal, admitting that he has been forced to compromise on his tactical vision. Since taking the reins at Stamford Bridge in January, the 41-year-old has sought to implement a more expansive style of play, but he has now conceded that the physical demands of his philosophy are currently beyond the reach of his squad.

  5. Kane admits he's gunning for Lewandowski's Bundesliga record

    England star Harry Kane has confirmed he is officially targeting Robert Lewandowski's historic Bundesliga single-season scoring record after a match-winning performance against Borussia Dortmund. The England captain was the star of the show at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, netting twice as Bayern Munich edged out their rivals in a pulsating 3-2 victory.

  6. 'I wish he'd come back' - Pep provides Haaland injury update

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he is in the dark regarding a return date for Erling Haaland after the talismanic striker was forced to sit out Saturday’s narrow victory over Leeds United. The Norwegian sensation was the headline omission from the City squad at Elland Road, leaving the defending Premier League champions to rely on a solitary Antoine Semenyo strike to secure all three points in a tense encounter in Yorkshire.

  7. Harry Kane

    Kane breaks THREE records in Bayern win over Dortmund

    Harry Kane continues to rewrite the history books in Germany, shattering three separate goalscoring records by firing in twice for Bayern Munich in their dramatic 3-2 Der Klassiker victory. The England captain took his tally to a staggering 45 goals in all competitions this season with a double in Saturday's five-goal thriller away at rivals Borussia Dortmund.

  8. Al-Nassr provide Ronaldo injury update after star limps off

    Al-Nassr boss Jorge Jesus has moved to allay fears regarding the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese forward was forced off during his side’s hard-fought victory on Saturday. The Saudi Pro League title race took a dramatic turn as the Riyadh giants secured a 3-1 win over Al-Fayha, but the sight of their captain limping off injured late in the second half left fans concerned. Despite the scare, the victory allowed Al-Nassr to leapfrog Al-Ahli and reclaim their spot at the top of the table.

  9. Arbeloa highlights 'game-changer' Mbappe's key strength

    Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has heaped praise on Kylian Mbappe, describing the Frenchman as a "game-changer" ahead of Tuesday's pivotal Champions League showdown with Benfica. Despite lingering concerns over a knee injury that has hampered the forward since December, Arbeloa was quick to dismiss any doubts regarding the player's fitness or his suitability in a central role.

  10. Arbeloa urges UEFA action over Vinicius abuse

    Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has thrown down the gauntlet to UEFA, demanding that European football’s governing body takes decisive action following the alleged racial abuse of Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian superstar was reportedly targeted by Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni during last week’s Champions League play-off first leg, a match that was halted for ten minutes after the incident. Ahead of the return leg at the Bernabeu, Arbeloa insisted that the time for empty gestures has passed and called for a meaningful investigation into the clash.

  1. Juve eye Alisson despite talks with Vicario

    Juventus are preparing for a massive shake-up between the sticks this summer after losing faith in Michele Di Gregorio. The Bianconeri are reportedly scouring the Premier League for a high-profile replacement, with Liverpool’s Alisson Becker emerging as a shock target alongside Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario. While Di Gregorio arrived from Monza with high expectations, a nightmare run of form has left the Old Lady’s hierarchy convinced that a world-class upgrade is required to restore the club's traditional defensive solidity.

  2. Torres & Pedri reveal brutal Flick punishment

    Barcelona stars Pedri and Ferran Torres have pulled back the curtain on the iron-fisted discipline currently ruling the dressing room at Camp Nou. Under the stewardship of German tactician Hansi Flick, the Catalan giants have undergone a significant cultural shift where every second counts. Flick, known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering standards, has reportedly made punctuality an unnegotiable requirement for his squad, viewing any delay as a slight against the entire collective effort.

  3. Benfica president slams 'unfair' Prestianni ban

    Benfica president Rui Costa has launched a passionate defence of Gianluca Prestianni, labelling UEFA’s decision to suspend the winger for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid as 'unfair'. The Argentine youngster has found himself at the centre of a firestorm following allegations of racial abuse directed at Blancos star Vinicius Junior during a heated first-leg encounter at the Estadio da Luz. Despite the gravity of the accusations, the Portuguese giants are standing firmly behind their man as they prepare for a daunting trip to the Bernabeu.

  4. Carrick gives Martinez update after Man Utd win

    Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has moved to clarify the fitness status of Lisandro Martinez after the defensive kingpin was a shock omission from the squad that travelled to face Everton on Monday. The Red Devils continued their resurgence under Carrick’s leadership, securing a 1-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the absence of the World Cup-winning Argentine caused concern.

  5. Laporta confirms Barca snubbed €250m Yamal bid

    Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that the club turned down a staggering world-record transfer offer for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Speaking at the launch of his new book, titled 'This Is How We Saved Barca), Laporta revealed that Paris Saint-Germain were prepared to pay €250 million to lure the youngster to the Parc des Princes.

  6. Neville tells Man Utd to 'pursue another manager' despite Carrick resurgence

    Manchester United legend Gary Neville has issued a blunt warning to the Old Trafford hierarchy, insisting they must look past Michael Carrick for the permanent managerial role. Despite a stunning resurgence under the former midfielder since he took the reins following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January, Neville believes the club cannot afford to gamble on another inexperienced appointment.

  7. Spurs survive shootout drama to book Chelsea clash

    Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals in the most dramatic fashion possible, overcoming a stubborn London City Lionesses side in a marathon penalty shootout on Monday night. After a 2-2 draw at Hayes Lane that saw Spurs rescue themselves with a 95th-minute penalty, the north London outfit eventually triumphed 9-8 in a shootout that saw 17 consecutive successful spot-kicks before a final hero emerged.

  8. Barca make final decision on Rashford transfer

    The Marcus Rashford saga at Barcelona is finally reaching its final act. After arriving as a calculated gamble in the summer, the Manchester United academy graduate has done more than enough to convince the hierarchy at Camp Nou, and now the Blaugrana have reportedly decided that making Rashford’s stay permanent is the most sensible move for the club's sporting project.

  9. Barcelona fend off competition to sign Norwich wonderkid

    Barcelona have majorly bolstered their youth ranks after winning a high-stakes race to secure the signature of Norwich City starlet Ajay Tavares. The 16-year-old winger, who has been widely regarded as one of the most clinical prospects in the English academy system, has officially traded Carrow Road for Catalonia. Despite intense interest from a plethora of top-tier clubs across the continent, late administrative hurdles were finally cleared to allow the Blaugrana to formalise their latest coup.

  10. Senne Lammens

    Moyes hails 'brilliant' Lammens after Man Utd win

    Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick reached a new milestone on Monday night as they climbed back into the Premier League top four following a gritty 1-0 victory over Everton. While Benjamin Sesko provided the decisive spark off the bench, the headlines were stolen by young goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose commanding presence at the Hill Dickinson Stadium drew high praise from both dugouts.