Ritabrata Banerjee

Ritabrata Banerjee

News writer

📝Bio: Ritabrata has been living and breathing football for nearly two decades. Has a bachelor's degree in Business Management but took up sports journalism as a career path to live and breathe football. He joined GOAL in 2017 and has since made his mark covering the Indian Super League, I-League, and the Indian national team. He has also been part of Goal's coverage team at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017. Based in Kolkata, where football is a religion, he grew up idolising Bhaichung Bhutia and continues to support East Bengal FC. 

⚽My Football Story: My football journey began in 1999 with the Kolkata derby when I was a seven-year-old and watched a live football match for the first time. The 2002 World Cup solidified my love for the game. In a cricket-obsessed nation, football continues to remain my true passion.

🎯Areas of Expertise:

  • Social media-specific content
  • Premier League, Champions League, World Cup, Euros, European & Indian football coverage
  • Tactical analysis of the Indian national team, Indian Super League clubs and European teams
  • News & SEO content writing

🌟Favourite Footballing Memory: East Bengal winning the ASEAN Club Championship in 2003, beating then AFC Champions League runners-up BEC Tero Sasana of Thailand, remains my most cherished football memory alongside watching the 'little Argentine' lifting the 2022 World Cup in Doha.

📝My All-Time XI: Manuel Neuer; Philipp Lahm, Sergio Ramos, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Carlos; Sergio Busquets, Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Phenomenon, Lionel Messi.

Articles by Ritabrata Banerjee
  1. Mourinho talks up 'great potential' of Estevao Willian

    Jose Mourinho spoke about the "great potential" of Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian as his Benfica visited Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for a Champions League fixture. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Blues boss also revealed the truth about his links to the Brazil national team coaching job, a role that Carlo Ancelotti accepted in the summer.

  2. Kane on fire again as Bayern rip through Pafos

    Harry Kane increased his goals tally to 17 in the 2025-26 campaign with a brace, while Michael Olise starred with two assists as Bayern Munich thrashed Champions League newcomers Pafos 5-1 on Tuesday. Nicolas Jackson scored his maiden goal for the Bavarian side since moving to Germany from Chelsea on loan on deadline day and ex-Liverpool star Luis Diaz contributed with an assist.

  3. Saliba cites TAA as reason behind Real Madrid snub

    William Saliba has revealed why he chose to sign a new contract at Arsenal despite strong interest from Real Madrid, as he cited Trent Alexander-Arnold's move from Liverpool among his reasons. The French defender's previous deal at Emirates Stadium was due to expire in the summer of 2027. He has now penned a new long-term contract that will keep him at the club until 2030.

  1. Spurs reject national team bid to call up injured player

    Tottenham have rejected Romania's bid to call up injured defender Radu Dragusin national team for their fixtures next month. Dragusin sustained an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear during an Europa League match in January and has not played competitive football since then. Romania are scheduled to face Moldova in a friendly match, before taking on Austria in a World Cup qualifier.

  2. Strand Larsen insists he could still leave Wolves

    Jorgen Strand Larsen has admitted to being affected by Wolves' stance on a transfer away this summer as the club blocked his proposed move to Newcastle. At the end of the window, Strand Larsen stayed at Molineux and earlier this month he signed a new long-term contract. However, despite committing his future to Wolves, the Norwegian striker hinted that he could move on in future.

  3. 'F***ing crybaby' - Koke fires Mbappe taunt at Vini Jr

    Vinicius Junior was involved in an angry clash with Atletico Madrid star Koke during Real Madrid's 5-2 derby defeat away from home. Julian Alvarez starred for Diego Simeone's side with a brace as Atletico picked up a crucial La Liga victory over their rivals. For Los Blancos, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target but it was not enough as they slipped to defeat..

  4. Slot reveals why in-form Chiesa was left out of UCL squad

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed why star winger Federico Chiesa was left out of the Reds squad for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Galatasaray this week. The Italian displayed impressive performances in the club's last couple of matches. After starring with two assists in the win over Southampton, he scored the Reds' solitary goal against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

  5. Wrexham icon announces retirement in heartfelt post

    Wrexham icon Steven Fletcher has announced his retirement from professional football after being released by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned side at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. The 38-year-old, who has played for several clubs across England, Scotland and France in his two-decade-long career, finally decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious journey.

  6. Injury blow for Tottenham as striker undergoes surgery

    Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a fresh injury blow as manager Thomas Frank confirmed that star striker Dominic Solanke has undergone surgery on his ankle injury. Solanke has not featured for Spurs since their 2-0 win over Manchester City in August. Solanke came on as a substitute in place of Richarlison and spent the final 12 minutes of the game on the pitch.

  7. Payday for Saka! Arsenal ready blockbuster new contract

    Arsenal are preparing a blockbuster new contract for Bukayo Saka that will make the England international one of the top earners at the North London club. Saka has entered the final two years of his existing deal with the Gunners and the club now want their star player to put pen to paper on a new deal and commit his future to them on a long-term basis.