chirayuparmar

Chirayu Parmar

European football writer

📝 Bio: I’m a European football writer with a focus on La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and the stories shaping the continent’s biggest competitions. I began my journey in football media in 2020, contributing to outlets such as Barca Times and The Sports Mania. Beyond journalism, I’ve also worked with sports marketing agencies, managing the social media presence of Premier League clubs in India - an experience that blended content creation with fan engagement at scale. At GOAL, I cover everything from tactical shifts and transfer sagas to the cultural stories that define the modern game. A lifelong FC Barcelona fan, I try to bring the same mix of passion and perspective to my writing that the club bring to their football. I haven’t won any awards just yet, but if staying up until 2am for midweek games counted, I’d have a few medals by now.

My Football Story: Football has been part of my life for more than a decade, first with a ball at my feet during school days and later with countless hours on EA FC. I still play regularly, even if my first touch doesn’t always agree with me, and dream of one day watching a game at Camp Nou. My love for the sport grew quickly after 2014, with Barcelona becoming the team closest to my heart. Writing about football was the natural next step - if you can’t play alongside Messi, the least you can do is write about him.

🎯 Areas of Expertise:
• Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga coverage with a focus on tactical trends
• Transfer market dynamics and player scouting
• In-depth European football analysis & storytelling
• Fan engagement, digital culture and the global reach of the game

🌟 Favourite Footballing Memory: Barcelona’s incredible 6-1 comeback against PSG in the 2017 Champions League - a night that reminded the world that belief, energy and Camp Nou magic can turn the impossible into reality. Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, every neutral had written them off, but what followed was 90 minutes of pure chaos, drama and history. From Neymar’s free-kick to Sergi Roberto’s last-gasp winner, it was the perfect reminder of why we watch football in the first place.

🏆 My all-time XI: 4-3-3, of players I've seen - Manuel Neuer; Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos, Virgil van Dijk, Marcelo; Sergio Busquets, Luka Modric, Andres Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi.

Articles by Chirayu Parmar
  1. Revealed: Barca's plan to get Yamal fit for Real Madrid clash

    Barcelona have created a detailed recovery plan to ensure Lamine Yamal is fully fit for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid. The 18-year-old winger has been battling a groin injury but continues to train individually under strict supervision. The club aim to gradually reintroduce him to the team by limiting his playing time in the build up to the showdown against Madrid.

  2. Mbappe 'no longer human' as mother opens up on cost of fame

    Kylian Mbappe’s mother, Fayza Lamari, has opened up on the emotional cost of her son’s fame, revealing how life in Paris “no longer felt human” under the relentless spotlight. Speaking candidly about the pressures that came with superstardom, she reflected on the loneliness, media obsession and the moment she realised her son had “slipped away” during his Paris Saint-Germain years.

  3. Barca accused of €10m tax dodge amid investigation

    Barcelona have reportedly come under investigation for allegedly avoiding taxes linked to the signing of Brazilian winger Malcom in 2018. The club are accused of paying €10 million to intermediaries for “non-existent” services, with police also probing former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and several ex-executives for financial misconduct.

  4. fermin lopez barcellona como 2026

    Barca given good news as Fermin return scheduled

    Barcelona have been handed a major fitness boost as Fermin Lopez edges closer to a comeback. The 22-year-old midfielder, sidelined since late-September with a muscle injury, has resumed individual training on the pitch. His expected return after the international break against Girona will be a welcome lift for Hansi Flick, who has faced mounting injury concerns.

  5. Real Madrid stand alone as Barca abandon Super League project

    Barcelona have abandoned the European Super League project, leaving Real Madrid isolated in their push to challenge UEFA. The Catalan giants believe UEFA’s Champions League reforms now meet their demands, ending their pursuit of a breakaway competition. The move marks a dramatic shift in stance that leaves Florentino Perez as the last pillar keeping the project alive.

  6. Ten Hag tipped for surprise Eredivisie return in January

    Erik ten Hag could make a sensational return to Ajax in January following his failed stint at Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch giants are under increasing pressure after a poor start under John Heitinga, with fans calling for change. While Ajax’s board are reluctant to act immediately, Ten Hag remains the standout option to steady the ship long-term.

  1. Manuel Neuer Bayern 2025

    Neuer won't stop! Bayern legend leaning towards new contract

    Manuel Neuer is leaning towards extending his stay at Bayern Munich despite expectations he could retire in 2026. The 39-year-old goalkeeper, who has been the Bavarians’ No.1 since 2011, is still producing at the top level and has already kept three clean sheets this season. His decision could shape Bayern’s future plans between the posts.

  2. 'Really hungry' Inter striker will become 'great striker'

    Christian Vieri has tipped Inter’s 20-year-old striker Francesco Pio Esposito to become “a great striker,” stressing that the pressure of playing for a club like Inter will accelerate his growth. Esposito has already made his mark in Serie A with his first goal and is now being asked to step up in the absence of Marcus Thuram.

  3. Leroy Sane

    Sane 'doesn't want to be a top player'

    Leroy Sane’s surprise move to Galatasaray has drawn heavy criticism from Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn, who claimed the winger “doesn’t want to be a top player” despite having all the qualities to dominate at the highest level. The German international left Bayern this summer after five years, turning down a contract extension in favour of a new challenge in Turkey.

  4. Ex-Barca chief charged over €30m in commissions after Laporta complaint

    Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu will stand before a judge following allegations he oversaw €30 million in irregular commissions on transfers, including Antoine Griezmann’s move. The complaint, filed by current president Joan Laporta, accuses Bartomeu’s board of disloyal administration, misappropriation, and accounting fraud potentially deepening the shadow over his tenure.

  5. Barca tie teen star to new deal with huge release clause

    Barcelona have officially renewed the contract of teenage midfielder Marc Bernal until 2029, inserting a huge €500 million release clause. The youth academy product only just returned from a serious ACL injury but is still viewed as a cornerstone of the club’s future. His renewal signals Barca’s intent to protect their brightest young stars amid growing European interest.

  6. Huijsen 'politely declined' Liverpool, Chelsea & Arsenal for Madrid

    Dean Huijsen turned down Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich to secure a move to Real Madrid, his father has confirmed. The 20-year-old centre-back joined Los Blancos this summer after an impressive season at Bournemouth, where he featured in 30 Premier League games. His dad revealed how Huijsen waited patiently for the chance to join his "dream club" despite other lucrative offers coming in first.