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
Gabriel Martinelli has completed a £60 million move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal after being frozen out of the Arsenal squad. The Brazilian winger posted a heartfelt farewell message to the Gunners, but conspicuously omitted manager Mikel Arteta following a reported rift between the pair.
Former Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has given his full backing to the club's acquisition of Rodri, believing the Spanish midfielder will bring essential experience and leadership to Hansi Flick's squad. The Polish veteran, who recently swapped Europe for Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire, also reflected on his memorable four-year spell in Catalonia.
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has opened up on his decision to reject a summer transfer, with the highly rated youngster reportedly attracting strong interest from Real Madrid. Despite speculation over a blockbuster move to bolster Los Blancos midfield, Smit ultimately opted to remain in the Eredivisie following crucial behind-the-scenes talks with his current club.
Jamie Carragher has warned that Liverpool duo Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo face bleak futures at Anfield after being excluded from Andoni Iraola’s Champions League squad. The former Reds defender claimed the pair are effectively frozen out of the new manager's plans and suggested they should have been sold.
Rasmus Hojlund has not held back in his assessment of Ruben Amorim’s disastrous tenure at Manchester United, claiming that the entire squad "suffered" under the Portuguese tactician. The Danish international recently completed a permanent move to Napoli, ending a difficult spell at Old Trafford that saw the club take a significant financial hit on his initial investment.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
AC Milan veteran Luka Modric has opened up on his admiration for Real Madrid’s current crop of superstars, admitting he saw something special in Jude Bellingham from the moment he arrived. The Croatian maestro, who enjoyed a trophy-laden decade at the Bernabeu, remains a keen observer of the talent currently lighting up the Spanish capital.
Bosnia and Herzegovina legend Edin Dzeko has officially confirmed his intention to retire from international football, bringing the curtain down on a historic career. The Schalke forward, who has remained a talismanic figure for his country well into his veteran years, will bow out following a final appearance next month.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has confirmed that marquee signing Bradley Barcola is in contention to make his debut against Ipswich Town. The £123 million winger arrived from Paris Saint-Germain late in the transfer window but lacked pre-season minutes in France. Despite this, his new manager is thrilled with his fitness levels and mentality ahead of Friday's upcoming fixture.
Chelsea wonderkid Estevao is already considering his future at Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian prodigy, who arrived in west London with a massive reputation, is said to be concerned that his first-team opportunities will be severely limited this season and could look to force a January transfer if his situation does not drastically improve.
Barcelona reportedly turned down the chance to sign Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade during the final days of the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants opted against rescuing the struggling German international, opting instead to finalise a cut-price move for Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus. Woltemade subsequently secured a season-long loan switch to Juventus.
Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta will be deeply frustrated by Arsenal's summer transfer business after missing out on their priority attacking targets. The Premier League champions failed to land Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez, while long-term target Morgan Rogers ultimately opted to join London rivals Chelsea in a massive £117m deal.
Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz has thrown his support behind Harry Kane to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Colombian international praised his formidable attacking partner after the pair helped Vincent Kompany's side avoid a shock defeat in the DFB-Pokal. Following a spectacular individual campaign, Kane is now being tipped for football's ultimate individual prize.
Mohamed Salah’s new life in Turkey has been plunged into uncertainty following the sudden departure of head coach Fatih Tekke. The former Liverpool icon now finds himself in the middle of a managerial search just five games into his tenure at the Super Lig club.
Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements took a dramatic turn on transfer deadline day as the Gunners ultimately passed on the opportunity to sign Belgian starlet Malick Fofana. Despite being offered the chance to land the highly-rated Lyon winger, Mikel Arteta opted to pull the plug on the deal during the final hours of the window.
Enzo Fernandez has completed a sensational move by joining Manchester City in a joint-British record £125 million deal, and he didn't waste any time before sending a pointed message back to Chelsea. The 2022 World Cup winner, who spent just two years at Stamford Bridge, appears to have suggested his former employers didn't quite match the stature he was looking for in a career-defining move.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced an unprecedented nationwide tribute to honor Lionel Messi following his emotional retirement from international football. Every domestic match across the country will come to a synchronised pause this weekend to celebrate the legacy of the greatest player to ever wear the Albiceleste shirt.
Arsenal’s late-window scramble for a new talisman led them directly to the door of Inter captain Lautaro Martinez. Following the departure of Gabriel Jesus and a failed pursuit of Julian Alvarez, the Gunners turned their attention to the prolific Argentine in the final days of August.
Manchester United's transfer window could see one final departure, with teenage striker Chido Obi reportedly in discussions over a loan move to Willem II. The Eredivisie deadline remains open until late Wednesday evening, giving the Dutch outfit a narrow window to secure the highly rated forward's signature for the remainder of the campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur have completed a double transfer raid on London rivals Chelsea on deadline day, signing Mykhailo Mudryk on loan and defender Tosin Adarabioyo permanently. The Ukrainian winger expressed his delight at linking up with manager Roberto De Zerbi once again as Spurs wrapped up a spending spree approaching £400 million.
