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. Wrexham receive HUGE cash injection from Reynolds & Mac

    Wrexham have received a huge cash injection from Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac ahead of the January transfer deadline. A further £48 million ($66m) is being pumped into the Championship club. That should allow manager Phil Parkinson to bolster his ranks before the latest window shuts, with the Red Dragons reported to be in the market for a new striker and a couple of wing-backs.

  2. Liverpool warned they could be making huge Alisson error

    Liverpool have been warned that allowing Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson to leave Anfield would be a huge mistake. Former Reds custodian Brad Friedel has told GOAL why the South American shot-stopper would take years to replace - with Manchester United being used as an example of why “every ounce” must be squeezed out of reliable No.1s.

  3. Fermin expresses desire for Messi to seal Barca homecoming

    Fermin Lopez would love to see Lionel Messi welcomed back to Barcelona, even if that means dropping down to the bench. The 22-year-old has become one of the Blaugrana’s most consistent performers this season, but he would happily give up a playmaking post at Camp Nou if an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could be returned to Catalunya for an emotional farewell tour.

  4. 🎥 | 'Shameless' CR7 told he 'needs to retire' after trolling

    Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that he “needs to retire” after indulging in “cringe” trolling of rival defenders during Al-Nassr’s latest Saudi Pro League fixture. A 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun was secured in that contest, but CR7 was unable to find the back of the net. The Portuguese GOAT did, however, clash with opponents on a regular basis over the course of 90 minutes.

  5. 'Coming soon' - Positive update on Neymar after knee surgery

    A positive update has been delivered on Neymar’s recovery from knee surgery, with a return date for the Brazil international said to be “coming soon”. The 33-year-old was forced under the knife after playing through pain towards the end of the 2025 campaign. He has committed to a one-year contract extension at Santos and is hoping to be back in action shortly.

  6. 'So much power' - Why Pulisic in MLS would be a bad idea

    USMNT legend Brad Friedel has explained to GOAL why Christian Pulisic returning to the United States would be a terrible idea for MLS at this stage of the talented forward’s career. ‘Captain America’ has stated that he would like to grace domestic competition in his homeland at some point, but is currently enhancing his superstar status with Serie A giants AC Milan.

  7. Wardrobe mishap! Rooney watched Kai at Old Trafford in pyjamas

    Wayne Rooney has revealed how a hilarious wardrobe mishap left him watching Kai at Old Trafford while wearing a set of pyjamas. The Manchester United legend was back in familiar surroundings as his son took to the field at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ with the Red Devils’ Under-18 side. Rooney was a proud parent, but admits to being left red-faced by his fashion choices.

  1. Guardiola quotes 'idol' Cruyff in bizarre dig at Man City players

    Pep Guardiola has taken a bizarre dig at his own Manchester City players while quoting his “idol”, Johan Cruyff. The demanding Catalan coach worked under the iconic Dutchman during his playing days at Barcelona. Many of the lessons he took back then have been implemented into his own coaching career. Guardiola is now renowned for demanding nothing but the best, and absolute commitment, from all of those working alongside him.

  2. How hotshot Kane can achieve GOAT status in 2026

    Harry Kane can achieve GOAT status in 2026, former England striker Teddy Sheringham has told GOAL. The prolific Bayern Munich striker is chasing down more major honours with club and country. If he were to capture the ultimate prize at the 2026 World Cup, then he would undoubtedly go down in history as the greatest player that the Three Lions have ever seen.

  3. Chelsea legend Terry trolls Arsenal as Mourinho record remains

    Chelsea legend John Terry has brutally trolled Arsenal after seeing the Gunners’ defensive failings against Manchester United ensure that a stunning record posted by Jose Mourinho during his first spell at Stamford Bridge remains intact. The Portuguese tactician pieced together the meanest defence that the Premier League has ever seen, and that remains the case in 2026.

  4. Marseille president asked for mother's advice on Greenwood

    Marseille president Pablo Longoria admits to having sought the advice of his mother before completing a controversial transfer for ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. The one-cap England international made his way to Stade Velodrome during the summer of 2024, having seen headlines made off the field bring an end to his spell at Old Trafford.

  5. Ramos takes huge step towards takeover of former club

    Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos has taken a huge step towards completing a takeover of his boyhood club. The World Cup-winning defender has not announced his retirement from playing, with a new team being sought at 39 years of age, but he does form part of a consortium that are bidding to take control of La Liga heavyweights at Sevilla, where he began his career.

  6. Man Utd star Amad openly mocks Arteta's Arsenal tactics

    Amad Diallo openly mocked Mikel Arteta’s tactics after seeing Manchester United claim a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. The Red Devils inflicted a costly defeat on the Premier League leaders, with more questions being asked of the Gunners’ reliance on set-pieces. Amad has savagely reminded them that “your only hope is a corner”.

  7. 📽️ | ‘From another galaxy’ - Yamal scores acrobatic wondergoal

    Lamine Yamal added another stunning goal to his collection when netting an acrobatic volley for Barcelona in their La Liga victory over Real Oviedo. The teenage wonderkid was left frustrated for long periods of that contest, but ended up making a telling contribution. Yamal put the finishing touches on a 3-0 victory that has taken the Blaugrana back to the top of the table in Spain.

  8. Real Madrid loanee Endrick scores stunning hat-trick for Lyon

    Real Madrid loanee Endrick, who has enjoyed an impressive start to life in France on the back of his loan transfer during the winter window, struck a stunning hat-trick for Lyon in their 5-2 victory over Metz. The Brazil international is playing with a smile again, having endured a tough time in Spain, and has already fully endeared himself to an excited new fan base.