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
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly taken the lead in the pursuit of Vinicius Junior by holding direct talks with the Real Madrid superstar. A contract standoff at the Bernabeu has opened the door for a Premier League switch, but the Gunners will have to meet a record-breaking asking price to pull off the monumental move.
UEFA has reportedly launched a scathing legal offensive against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning the embattled chief not to destroy any documents related to his failed plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup. The European governing body has issued formal notice that it is considering lawsuits and regulatory complaints following the collapse of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme.
Alejandro Garnacho appears to have aimed a pointed dig at parent club Chelsea after making his debut for Aston Villa during their pre-season tour in Jakarta. The Argentine winger, who completed a loan move to Villa Park this summer, suggested he is finally finding happiness again away from west London.
New Chelsea Xabi Alonso has broken his silence on the "scars" left by his brutal departure from Real Madrid as he begins a fresh chapter in the Premier League. The Spaniard, now tasked with reviving The Blues' fortunes, admitted that his decision to move to Stamford Bridge was driven by a deep emotional and professional connection.
Tottenham Hotspur are showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market as they prepare a sensational move for Galatasaray talisman Victor Osimhen. After already establishing themselves as one of the biggest spenders in Europe this summer, the north London side have now identified the Nigerian international as the missing piece in their attacking puzzle.
Mohamed Salah is reportedly on the verge of a sensational move to Turkey as Trabzonspor look to pull off one of the biggest hijacks of the summer transfer window. The Egyptian superstar remains a free agent after his historic spell at Liverpool came to an end, sparking a frantic scramble for his signature across Europe and the Middle East.
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly given the green light to join Juventus on loan as Michael Carrick’s squad reshuffle gathers significant pace. The Dutch international is keen on a return to Serie A, but the financially restricted Italian giants are also lining up two Chelsea alternatives should a deal fall through.
New Tottenham signing Mateus Fernandes has opened up on the personal touches that led him to reject Manchester United in favour of a move to north London. The Portuguese midfielder joined Spurs in a blockbuster deal earlier this summer, marking a significant victory for the club in the transfer market.
Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign highly-rated Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini as Xabi Alonso looks to reshape his backline at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have already initiated contact with the Italian's representatives to determine the financial requirements of a potential summer switch to west London.
Gianni Infantino is facing the most significant threat to his decade-long reign as FIFA president after a botched attempt to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup sparked a global backlash. European governing body UEFA is now reportedly moving at pace to find a way to remove the Swiss official from power following a policy collapse.
Galatasaray are reportedly weighing up a sensational swoop for Kevin De Bruyne as the veteran playmaker grows increasingly disillusioned with life at Napoli. The Belgian international, who arrived in Italy as a high-profile free agent from Manchester City, has endured a turbulent spell at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has hailed new manager Enzo Maresca as the "perfect" successor to Pep Guardiola as the Premier League champions begin a new era. The Italian coach has big shoes to fill after the legendary Catalan departed the Etihad Stadium following a trophy-laden decade in charge of the club.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has offered a surprisingly blunt assessment of Karim Adeyemi's first appearance in a Blaugrana shirt following a 2-2 draw with Birmingham City. The German tactician admitted the debut was underwhelming but remains confident that the former Borussia Dortmund man has significantly more to offer.
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Arsenal starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly as the Red Devils look to exploit potential financial pressures at the Emirates. With Mikel Arteta closing in on several high-profile arrivals, the Gunners may be forced into difficult decisions regarding their squad depth.
Endrick is reportedly considering a loan move away from Real Madrid after the club completed the signing of Carlos Espi from Levante. The Brazilian starlet had hoped to establish himself in the first team following a productive spell at Lyon, but the arrival of another striker has cast fresh doubt over his prospects under Jose Mourinho.
Mikel Arteta has addressed the growing speculation amid Arsenal's interest in Vinicius Junior, insisting the club will be 'very ambitious' in the upcoming transfer market. The Gunners are reportedly monitoring the Brazilian's contract situation at Real Madrid as they look to add world-class quality to their attacking ranks.
Manchester United have confirmed the permanent departure of homegrown defender Tyler Fredricson, who has completed a surprise move to Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport. The 21-year-old, who rose through the academy ranks at Old Trafford, joins a club notably under the same INEOS ownership umbrella as the Red Devils.
Fulham have successfully negotiated a stunning double swoop for Real Madrid starlets Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios in a deal worth a combined €50 million. The move sees two of La Fabrica’s brightest talents head to West London to reunite with former Madrid youth coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who has prioritised the duo for his new project in the Premier League.
Roberto De Zerbi has warned the rest of the Premier League that Tottenham Hotspur are far from finished in the transfer market, despite already spending a staggering £237 million this summer. The Italian tactician is eager to continue his ruthless overhaul of the squad as he looks to bring more attacking flair to north London ahead of the new campaign.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has expressed his deep shock following the news that Eddie Howe is set to leave St James' Park. The former England striker admitted he was baffled by the timing of the decision, which comes just weeks before the new Premier League campaign begins.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
(1).jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
