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. Fermin admits Barca are wary of Newcastle's 'difficult stadium'

    Barcelona star Fermin Lopez has warned his team-mates to prepare for a battle as they shift their focus to a daunting Champions League trip to Newcastle's famous St James' Park stadium. The Catalan giants secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Athletic Club in La Liga on Saturday night, but the celebrations were short-lived as the squad immediately turned their attention to the looming challenge of facing Newcastle.

  2. Van Gaal accused of signing Man Utd player because of EA Sports' FIFA

    Manchester United’s historical transfer strategy has often been under the microscope, but a sensational new claim suggests that one of Louis van Gaal’s first signings was inspired by a video game. Former Red Devils midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have alleged that the Dutchman was alerted to the talents of Marcos Rojo by his grandson, who had been using the defender on EA Sports’ FIFA.

  3. Tudor destroyed by ex-Spurs boss over relegation fears

    Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has launched a blistering attack on Igor Tudor's tactics and his sudden change in rhetoric regarding the club's top-flight status. The Croatian's tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has bypassed any semblance of a honeymoon period and descended straight into an early post-mortem following a dismal run that has seen him lose his first three matches in charge.

  4. 'Like a dream' - Rob Mac thanks Wrexham and Chelsea

    Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has admitted that the club's incredible journey "feels like a dream" after the Red Dragons pushed Chelsea to the absolute limit in a pulsating FA Cup fifth-round encounter. Despite a heartbreaking 4-2 defeat after extra-time at the Racecourse Ground, the Hollywood star was overcome with emotion following a performance that saw the Championship outfit twice take the lead against their illustrious Premier League visitors.

  5. Vuskovic's agent breaks silence on Barcelona interest

    Barcelona have set their sights on Tottenham sensation Luka Vuskovic as a primary defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window, but the player's agent has cooled talk of a move. The 19-year-old Croatian, currently starring on loan at Hamburg, has caught the eye of Hansi Flick as the Blaugrana boss looks to overhaul his backline with elite young talent.

  6. Luis Enrique

    Enrique questions PSG mental strength before Chelsea clash

    Luis Enrique has admitted that Paris Saint-Germain are suffering from a mental "disconnect" after the Ligue 1 leaders slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against Monaco. The result marks a worrying turn in form for the European champions, coming just five days before hosting Chelsea in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League round-of-16 tie at Parc des Princes.

  7. Fabregas tips Como's 'animal' for France call-up

    Cesc Fabregas is convinced that Como goalkeeper Jean Butez is ready to make his France debut following a series of impressive performances. Following a gritty 2-1 victory away at Cagliari, the Spanish tactician heaped praise on his shot-stopper, describing his work ethic in remarkable terms as the Lariani continued their unlikely charge towards a potential Champions League spot.

  8. Man Utd eye surprise move for Bournemouth forward

    Manchester United have set their sights on a surprise summer addition as they look to rebuild their attacking ranks. Reports suggest that Bournemouth forward Marcus Tavernier has been added to a growing shortlist of targets designed to solve a specific problem area in the Red Devils' squad. The 26-year-old has caught the eye of scouts at Old Trafford following a series of impressive displays for the Cherries on the south coast.

  9. Real Madrid scouts Newcastle star during Man City clash

    Real Madrid have reportedly entered the transfer battle for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the Spanish giants dispatching scouts to St James' Park on Saturday evening for what was ostensibly a reconnaissance trip to study Manchester City ahead of their upcoming Champions League showdown. However, it has emerged that the delegation was actually on a "double mission", with the Italy international featuring on their summer shortlist.

  1. Pep jokes he could go on holiday during two-game ban

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will serve a two-match touchline suspension following a series of heated exchanges with officials during his side's 3-1 FA Cup victory over Newcastle United on Saturday. The Catalan tactician was shown his sixth yellow card of the domestic campaign after a confrontation with fourth official Lewis Smith, triggered by a challenge on Jeremy Doku that went unpunished.

  2. Anderson to City a 'done deal' as Forest demand £90m

    Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a massive summer reinforcement, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson now considered a "done deal" for the club. The 23-year-old showcased exactly why City are so keen to acquire his talents on Wednesday night, popping up with a stunning equaliser at the Etihad Stadium to earn the visitors a hard-fought draw. While his strike dented City's title hopes, it appears to have cemented his future in Manchester as the club's hierarchy looks to overhaul their engine room ahead of next season.

  3. Pedro Neto hit with FA charge

    Chelsea’s disciplinary nightmare has taken another turn for the worse following their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Winger Pedro Neto, who was already facing a standard suspension for his red card, has now been officially charged by the Football Association for his conduct following the dismissal. The Portuguese international was sent off during a frantic second half as the Blues lost to their London rivals.

  4. Yamal sends message to Barca fans after painful Atleti loss

    Lamine Yamal has long been heralded as the future of Barcelona, but his actions following Tuesday night’s Copa del Rey exit suggest the 18-year-old is already a definitive leader in the present. Despite a valiant 3-0 victory at the Spotify Camp Nou, the Blaugrana fell 4-3 on aggregate to a disciplined Atletico Madrid. While many would hide after such a painful elimination, Yamal took to social media to ensure the connection between the squad and the supporters remained intact.

  5. Championship play-offs to feature SIX teams from next season

    The Championship is set for a radical transformation next season after English Football League clubs officially agreed to expand the play-off format to include six teams. In a historic move designed to keep the promotion race alive for more clubs deep into the season, the traditional four-team lottery will be replaced by a more inclusive structure that will see teams finishing as low as eighth place retain a shot at reaching the Premier League.

  6. Wild stat shows Arsenal took over THIRTY MINUTES to restart play

    Arsenal consolidated their position at the top of the Premier League with a gritty 1-0 victory over Brighton on Wednesday, but the fallout from the Amex Stadium has been dominated by a staggering statistic. While Bukayo Saka’s strike secured the points, the Gunners are facing accusations of taking gamesmanship to a whole new level after data revealed they spent over half an hour simply waiting to restart the game.

  7. 📽️ | Laura Woods slams Pardew over 'disrespectful' comments

    Popular TV presenter Laura Woods has hit back at former Premier League manager Alan Pardew following his sensational claim that Arsenal deserve an "asterisk" next to their name should they win the title. The Gunners moved seven points clear at the top of the table after a gritty 1-0 win over Brighton, while rivals Manchester City dropped points against Nottingham Forest. Despite the north London side's commanding position, Pardew was left unimpressed by the pragmatic nature of Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach at the Amex Stadium.