Chris Burton Author Image

Chris Burton

Senior News Writer

Bio: If you can’t make a living from playing the game, then make one writing about it. I did my best to tick the first of those boxes, but it was not to be. I have been working hard at the latter for the best part of two decades and joined the collection of international stars that make up team GOAL in 2016. I am now Senior Staff Writer, which means my days are spent covering everything that the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of football has to offer. I have always been a fan of mercurial talents and love an underdog story, which goes some way to explaining why - alongside my East Midlands roots - Nottingham Forest are (for better or worse) my team of choice.

My Football Story: From the local playing field with friends, all through school, representing teams at various levels and facing a number of future professionals, to endless hours spent at the City Ground, a university degree and professional employment that has taken me to iconic venues across the country, football has always been the thread that ties my past, present and future together. I wouldn’t have it any other way and consider myself fortunate that I have been able to pass my passion for the game down to my son, who now finds himself heading down a similar path.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Nottingham Forest Football Club - with there always a lot going on there
  • News sourcing and writing - identifying what real fans want to talk about
  • Interviews - don’t believe those that say you shouldn’t interact with your heroes
  • Analysis & insight - not just explaining what happened, but how and why

Favourite Footballing Memory: I was too young to have witnessed Nottingham Forest’s European glory years and not yet old enough to have seen them add a third star to that famous Garibaldi shirt, being at Wembley as a 23-year wait for Premier League football came to a close will always be a special experience. I don’t remember much about the game itself, given the nerve-shredding nature of play-off finals, but the celebrations afterwards made enough memories to last several lifetimes.

Articles by Chris Burton
  1. Kobe chat & ‘crazy’ transfer: When things got ‘real’ for Adu

    Freddy Adu has explained to GOAL when - amid chats with NBA legend Kobe Bryant and completing a “crazy” transfer - things felt “real” for him and as though he had bucked the trend by cracking Europe as an American soccer player. Having burst onto the scene as a 14-year-old wonderkid, Adu helped to pave the way for the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to follow in his footsteps.

  2. Golden Glove leader Raya snubbed on top three PL keepers list

    Golden Glove leader David Raya and Emi Martinez have been snubbed as Mark Crossley draws up his list of the top three Premier League goalkeepers for GOAL. The former Nottingham Forest and Wales shot-stopper has explained the skill set that an “ideal” No.1 must possess, with superstar performers at Manchester City and Liverpool considered to boast those qualities.

  3. ‘Maybe Chelsea’ - Fabregas backed for Blues or Barcelona jobs

    Cesc Fabregas has been told why his career path could lead back to Chelsea or Barcelona, with the World Cup winner doing a “remarkable” job as manager of Como. The former Spain international stepped into the dugout after hanging up his boots in Italy. He is now chasing down Champions League qualification, with Massimo Ambrosini telling GOAL why a return to familiar surroundings could be agreed at some stage.

  4. ‘Strange’ Kane snub surprises England legend Rooney

    England legend Wayne Rooney considers it to be “strange” that Harry Kane has never received greater recognition on the Ballon d’Or front. The prolific Bayern Munich striker, who is the all-time leading scorer for Tottenham and the Three Lions, has never finished higher than 10th in any Golden Ball vote. That situation could change in 2026, with Kane considered to be a leading contender for the most prestigious of prizes.

  5. ‘Fantastic captain’ picked as Messi successor with Argentina

    Javier Saviola has named the “fantastic captain” that should replace Lionel Messi as Argentina skipper when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner walks away from international football. That could happen after this summer’s World Cup in North America, with Messi yet to confirm whether he will be chasing down a second global title with the Albiceleste.

  6. Leeds star part of Reynolds & Mac’s transfer plans at Wrexham

    Wrexham continue to set their sights on reaching the Premier League, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac reportedly working on the identification of transfer targets ahead of a potential step up into the top-flight. More big money would need to be spent if the Red Dragons were to secure a fourth successive promotion, with Leeds forward Mateo Joseph said to be in their sights.

  7. Tudor SACKED by Tottenham after just seven games in 44 days

    Igor Tudor has been sacked by Tottenham after just seven games across 44 days at the helm, with his forgettable spell as interim boss being brought to a close. The former Juventus and Marseille manager was appointed by Spurs on February 13 as successor to Thomas Frank, but has been moved on with the threat of Premier League relegation continuing to loom over the north London outfit.

  1. Ex-Barca president reveals who was to blame for Messi exit

    Former Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has explained who was to blame for Lionel Messi’s stunning departure in 2021, with a new contract for the Argentine GOAT considered to have been “possible”. Messi bid a teary farewell to Camp Nou when heading to Paris Saint-Germain, with financial struggles in Catalunya leading to him leaving as a free agent.

  2. Martinez reveals what will 'retire' Ronaldo - and it's not age

    Portugal manager Roberto Martinez has revealed what will “retire” Cristiano Ronaldo, with the evergreen Al-Nassr forward still going strong at 41 years of age. Remarkable individual standards at club level have been maintained by the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus superstar. He is preparing to grace a sixth World Cup finals this summer and has been showing no sign of slowing down.

  3. Is Salah in talks to join Messi at Inter Miami? Transfer update

    Mohamed Salah is leaving Liverpool, with the Reds prepared to let the Egyptian superstar go as a free agent in the summer of 2026, but does a move to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami beckon? A switch to MLS for Salah has been mooted, amid links to big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League, and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on that transfer speculation.

  4. 'Can't happen' - USMNT star Pulisic shocked by 'strange' events

    Christian Pulisic has reacted to “strange” goings on in the United States’ international friendly date with Belgium, admitting that scenes that left the USMNT camp shocked “can’t happen”. Mauricio Pochettino’s side suffered a 5-2 defeat at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with a surprising kit clash that was signed off by the match officials making life difficult for everyone.

  5. Adu explains why Reyna's unique skillset is crucial to USMNT

    Freddy Adu has told GOAL why Gio Reyna’s unique skillset could be crucial to the USMNT cause at a home World Cup. The United States is, alongside Mexico and Canada, preparing to play host to FIFA’s flagship event in 2026. Reyna is hoping to play a prominent role at that event but, having endured form and fitness issues at club level, has been informed of what he needs to bring to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in order to make the cut.

  6. ‘Exciting’ Isak backed to justify £125m Liverpool price tag

    Michael Owen has told GOAL why he remains confident that Alexander Isak will justify his record-shattering £125 million ($166m) price tag at Liverpool. The Swedish striker became the most expensive player in British football during the summer transfer window of 2025. He has endured an injury-hit debut campaign at Anfield, but is being backed to prove his worth.

  7. ‘Everybody loves him’ but Pulisic told why Milan may sell

    Christian Pulisic has been informed that “everybody loves him” at AC Milan, but Rossoneri legend Massimo Ambrosini has told GOAL why the USMNT star may still end up being sold in the next transfer window. Despite having the offer of fresh terms on the table for some time, Pulisic is yet to sign a new contract. That is keeping the rumour mill ticking over, with a return to England for the former Chelsea forward being mooted.