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. Ronaldo retirement tease as Saudi Pro League line up 50 stars

    A retirement plan for Cristiano Ronaldo has been teased as Saudi Pro League officials reportedly line up 50 big-name players to join CR7 in the Middle East before the day comes for him to hang up his boots. More high-profile additions, such as Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes, will help the division to retain interest heading towards the 2034 World Cup.

  2. USMNT star Pepi told why Premier League transfer makes sense

    USMNT star Ricardo Pepi has been told that a move to Fulham, allowing him to take on a Premier League challenge, could make perfect sense. The 23-year-old striker has endured unfortunate timing on the injury front at PSV, but Brad Friedel has told GOAL why he should be keeping the door open when it comes to reported interest in his services from Craven Cottage.

  3. Another record for Rob & Ryan! Wrexham table £19m striker bid

    Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are reportedly ready to set another new transfer record at Wrexham, with the Red Dragons tabling a £19 million ($26m) bid for Angers striker Sidiki Cherif. The 19-year-old is considered to be a long-term addition in North Wales that can make an immediate impact in the present - with Phil Parkinson’s side taking aim at promotion into the Premier League.

  4. Explained: Why Palmer missed Chelsea’s Champions League win

    Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has explained why Cole Palmer played no part in the Blues’ Champions League win over Pafos. The England international was left out of the matchday squad as the Premier League heavyweights returned to European action at Stamford Bridge. It has been revealed that the talented playmaker was an injury concern, leading to no risks being taken on his fitness.

  5. Liverpool legend Gerrard reacts to Slot’s ‘low blocks’ excuse

    Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has urged Reds boss Arne Slot to “stop mentioning” low blocks as uncharacteristic struggles for consistency in 2025-26 are explained. The Dutch tactician at Anfield has claimed his team suffer against opponents that sit in, but Gerrard has pointed out “that’s the way it is” and has urged those on Merseyside to come up with a solution.

  6. ‘Not good news’ - Barca boss delivers injury update on Pedri

    Barcelona have confirmed influential midfielder Pedri is set to be ruled out of action for around a month after he was forced out of a Champions League clash with Slavia Prague. Boss Hansi Flick delivered a worrying update after the game on the Spain international, who completed just over an hour of that continental contest before picking up an injury. His manager admitted “it is not good news” on the fitness front, with the La Liga leaders now without one of their most important players.

  1. Tuchel told he MUST include PL midfielder in World Cup squad

    Thomas Tuchel has been told that he must find space in his World Cup plans for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. Reds legend and former England international Stan Collymore has explained to GOAL why a proven Premier League performer at the City Ground should be handed tickets on the plane to a major tournament in North America.

  2. Szoboszlai reveals ‘homework' secrets of Liverpool free-kick

    Dominik Szoboszlai struck a cheeky free-kick goal for Liverpool in their Champions League victory over Marseille, with the Reds seeing pre-match “homework” pay off. Hungarian midfielder Szoboszlai fired a set-piece along the ground and under a jumping wall as Arne Slot’s side took the lead in a contest that they would go on to win 3-0 at Stade Velodrome.

  3. ‘The Oscars? One day’ - Ronaldo earns Hollywood prediction

    Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to complete a successful transition from football player to movie star once record-shattering boots are hung up for the final time. The Portuguese GOAT has already dabbled in the film industry and is - as a “billionaire” superstar - expected to head down that path on a permanent basis, allowing Oscar recognition to be pursued.

  4. Trophy for Ted Lasso? Star wants ‘revenge arc’ in Season 4

    Ted Lasso star Toheeb Jimoh, who plays Sam Obisanya in the hit Apple TV+ show, is hoping to see a “revenge arc” delivered in Season 4 that allows the title character to land a much-deserved trophy. Jason Sudeikis and Co are working through production of more escapades in the world of AFC Richmond, with an affable American coach preparing to return to the small screen.

  5. Ballon d'Or 2026: How Messi could guarantee ninth Golden Ball

    World Cup winner Kleberson, who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United and in MLS, has explained to GOAL how Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi can land himself a record-extending ninth Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Argentine superstar is readying himself for another shot at global glory, which could put him in contention for Golden Ball recognition.

  6. Free agent Dele receives offers from FOUR La Liga clubs

    Dele Alli has been a free agent since being released by Serie A side Como in September 2025, but he reportedly has four offers from La Liga clubs on the table. The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder has been working on keeping himself in shape and may decide to take on a Spanish adventure after seeing a troubled Italian job cut short.

  7. Martinez suggests Ronaldo will not be undroppable at World Cup

    Roberto Martinez has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be undroppable when Portugal open their quest for 2026 World Cup glory. The evergreen 40-year-old forward remains captain of his country, and an inspiration to millions across the globe, but he is not immune to a spot of bench duty and will be replaced if remarkable individual standards are allowed to dip.