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. De la Fuente claims Yamal has been 'touched by magic'

    Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has hailed Lamine Yamal as a singular talent who has been "touched by magic", reinforcing the 18-year-old's status as the crown jewel of the national team. De la Fuente spoke glowingly of the Barcelona winger’s character and development, highlighting the RFEF's long-standing commitment to securing his international future.

  2. Everton roast Garnacho with 'not nice' TikTok video

    Everton have rubbed salt into Chelsea's wounds by mocking Alejandro Garnacho on social media following the Toffees' dominant 3-0 victory over the Blues. The Merseyside club's official TikTok account shared a compilation of the Argentine winger struggling to make an impact, captioned with a pointed remark about the atmosphere at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

  1. Van de Ven: Every Spurs player is devastated

    Micky van de Ven has painted a stark picture of the mood inside the Tottenham Hotspur dressing room, admitting that every player is "devastated" by the club's current freefall. With the north London side embroiled in an unlikely relegation scrap and facing a massive mountain to climb in the Champions League, the Dutch defender insisted the squad is desperate to stop the rot.

  2. Stones to MISS World Cup? Tuchel urged to drop Man City star

    John Stones is facing a fight to save his international career after former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand sensationally called for the Manchester City man to be axed from England's World Cup squad. The treble-winner has endured a nightmare period with fitness, leading to questions over whether he can still be trusted on the biggest stage.

  3. Fernandez asking price revealed amid Chelsea exit talk

    Chelsea's devastating Champions League exit has ignited a firestorm at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernandez dropping a bombshell regarding his future. As the frustrated midfield catalyst hints at a summer departure, prising him away will require an astronomical fee, setting a staggering financial barrier that will test the absolute limits of Europe's wealthiest giants.

  4. Man Utd eye £100m Tonali raid

    Manchester United are reportedly ready to test Newcastle’s resolve with a stunning move for Italian international Sandro Tonali. The Red Devils have identified the former AC Milan star as a priority target as they prepare for a massive overhaul of their midfield options this summer.

  5. Morocco react to CAF AFCON bombshell

    The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has broken its silence after a landmark ruling by the CAF Appeal Board officially crowned the Atlas Lions as the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The sensational decision comes months after the final whistle, effectively stripping Senegal of the trophy following a chaotic night in Rabat.