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 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Arteta hails 'magical' Eze after Arsenal win

    Mikel Arteta was left beaming after Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a clinical 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, giving them a 3-1 aggregate win. The Gunners boss reserved special praise for summer signing Eberechi Eze, whose breakthrough goal paved the way for a dominant European display at the Emirates Stadium.

  4. Chukwuemeka receives Austria call-up after snubbing England

    Former Chelsea and England youth star Carney Chukwuemeka has officially switched his international allegiance to Austria. Thriving in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, the 22-year-old earned his first senior call-up from Ralf Rangnick and could play a key role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. He is now poised to make his senior international debut after being named in the 28-man squad for friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.

  5. USMNT striker Agyemang in demand as EPL duo eye summer transfer

    Crystal Palace have emerged as serious contenders to sign USMNT star Patrick Agyemang as they look to overhaul their attacking options. The Eagles are actively planning for life after Jean-Philippe Mateta, who nearly departed for AC Milan in January and is widely expected to find a new home this summer. Despite the presence of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah, Palace view Agyemang as a versatile profile that can bolster their front line.

  1. England legend claims Palmer will be 'very tempted' by Man Utd

    Chelsea star Cole Palmer could be tempted by a sensational return to north west to play for the club he supported as a boy, Manchester United, according to Chris Waddle. However, the former England star has raised concerns over whether the forward would even secure a guaranteed spot in the Red Devils' starting line-up, given the fierce creative competition at Old Trafford.

  2. Boost for Madrid as BOTH Mbappe & Bellingham return to squad

    Kylian Mbappe is officially back in the fold for Real Madrid after a knee injury kept him out of the first-leg victory at the Bernabeu. The French superstar has undergone a conservative treatment plan over the last three weeks to avoid surgery, and his progress at Valdebebas has been swift enough to warrant a place in the squad to face Manchester City alongside Jude Bellingham, who has also been out recently.

  3. Mbappe caught up in club-versus-country row

    Real Madrid face a dilemma over Kylian Mbappe's fitness ahead of their Champions League clash with Manchester City clash as France and Nike demand his presence for international friendlies. The World Cup winner may be called upon by his country despite sitting out matches at club level.

  4. Liverpool trigger 12-month contract extension for talisman

    Liverpool have reportedly triggered the 12-month option to extend Alisson's contract, ensuring the Brazilian remains on Merseyside for at least another season. The 33-year-old’s previous terms were set to expire this summer, which would have made him one of the most high-profile free agents on the market. Instead, he is now under contract through to the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

  5. Messi vs Yamal is off! Argentina & Spain Finalissima cancelled

    Football fans will be denied a dream showdown between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal after the 2026 Finalissima between Argentina and Spain was officially cancelled. Following the forced relocation of the fixture from Qatar due to geopolitical issues, a complete breakdown in negotiations saw the Argentinian FA reject multiple UEFA proposals - including a clash at the Bernabeu - leaving the highly anticipated meeting of champions scrapped over unresolvable scheduling conflicts.