Muhammad Zaki

News editor

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

Articles by Muhammad Zaki
  1. Advocaat quits Curacao ahead of WC

    Dick Advocaat has resigned from his role as head coach of Curacao with immediate effect. The 78-year-old veteran had led the Caribbean nation to a fairytale qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but he will not be in the dugout when the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. The legendary Dutch tactician has made the difficult decision to step away from the game to focus on his family during a challenging period.

  2. Redknapp slams 'horrendous' Spurs after Arsenal defeat

    Jamie Redknapp has launched a scathing attack on his former club Tottenham, branding them a "horrendous" outfit that has undergone a "personality bypass" following their humiliating 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Arsenal. The north London derby was less of a contest and more of a coronation for the Gunners, as Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres both bagged braces to leave Spurs languishing just four points above the Premier League trapdoor.

  3. Slot admits "worst" performance in lucky win at Forest

    Liverpool manager Arne Slot pulled no punches after his side snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest, admitting that his team delivered their poorest showing of the season. Despite Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute heroics, the Dutchman was visibly frustrated by a performance that was labelled a "horror show" by former Reds captain Jamie Carragher.

  4. Endrick gets a dressing down! Lyon boss will 'talk' to Brazil teen

    Endrick’s highly anticipated loan spell at Lyon hit a major stumbling block this weekend. After arriving from Real Madrid with immense expectations, the Brazilian prodigy initially took Ligue 1 by storm. However, Sunday's lacklustre display against Strasbourg caused some concern, leaving manager Paulo Fonseca thoroughly unimpressed as he searches for immediate tactical solutions to unlock the teenager.