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Neil Banerjee

European football writer

📝 Bio: I write about European football for GOAL, with a soft spot for transfer sagas, on-pitch stories and the tactical set-ups that decide games. Over six years I’ve covered South American leagues, Premier League, MLS and major European competitions, focusing on data-backed tactical analysis, transfer market dynamics and feature storytelling.

My Football Story: My journey into football started with Fernando Torres - a player I admired long before I picked a club. When he left Liverpool for Chelsea, I realised you don’t simply follow transfers, you follow identity, history and community, and that’s when Chelsea became mine. Hours spent on Football Manager opened my eyes to the tactical and business side of the game - budgets, squad harmony, transfers - the very details that now shape my reporting.

🎯 Areas of Expertise:

  • In-depth tactical analysis & transfer market coverage
  • Fan-first storytelling across European football
  • Insight on Premier League, Champions League & major European leagues
  • Coverage of football culture, dressing-room dynamics & club business
  • Feature writing & match analysis that connects fans to the game

🌟 Favourite Footballing Memory: Standing in the stands at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium during the 2018 World Cup, I watched England and Colombia trade blows under the lights. Yerry Mina’s towering stoppage-time header sent shockwaves through the crowd, and for a moment it felt like the whole stadium was shaking. That night wasn’t just about the result; it was about witnessing football’s power to unite strangers in pure, unfiltered emotion. And as if the drama wasn’t enough, I even managed to meet Harry Kane after England’s shootout win, a moment that made the night unforgettable.

Articles by Neil Banerjee
  1. Vini Jr explains how Ancelotti 'evolved' Brazil

    Vinicius Junior has urged Brazil to “switch into World Cup mode,” insisting the Selecao’s opportunity has finally arrived under coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Real Madrid star claims the Italian has transformed Brazil’s mentality, tactics and daily culture since taking charge by bringing calm, confidence and clarity to a team desperate to end a 24-year World Cup drought.

  2. French rapper breaks silence after Mbappe's 'broke' dig

    After days of silence, French rapper Orelsan has finally addressed his feud with Kylian Mbappe, following the Real Madrid star’s furious response to a lyric mocking his failed ownership of Caen. The rapper, who said he’d “rather think than react impulsively,” has decided to remain calm instead of charging into a confrontation, even as the feud keeps attracting more interest.

  3. Luis Enrique hints at PSG transfer stance ahead of January window

    After Paris Saint-Germain hard-fought 3-2 win over Lyon, manager Luis Enrique hinted at possible January transfer activity but admitted that “very few players” could actually improve the reigning European champions. While praising the team’s resilience and Warren Zaire-Emery’s growing influence, Enrique stressed the need for defensive refinement, even as PSG’s new wage model and sustainable transfer strategy redefine how the club operates.

  4. Ex-Ajax boss dismisses managerial return after failed spells

    After a career marked by both triumph and turmoil, Frank de Boer has ruled out a return to football management, saying he’s had “enough of all that misery.” Once hailed for leading Ajax to four straight Eredivisie titles, the Dutch tactician’s later stints at Inter, Crystal Palace, and the Netherlands national team left him disillusioned. Now, settled in Spain and content with family life, De Boer says he’s done chasing touchlines.

  1. 'Beauty needs to go to hell' - Inter win ugly but Di Canio sees greatness

    Inter's 2-0 win over Lazio may not have been pretty, but it was effective. Under coach Cristian Chivu, the Nerazzurri are learning to value substance over style, a shift Paolo Di Canio describes as “aesthetics going to hell”. Lautaro Martinez ended his goal drought while Inter returned to the top of Serie A as Di Canio insists that Chivu’s gritty new philosophy might just be the secret to long-term greatness.

  2. Mbappe fires back at 'broke' rapper after diss track

    Kylian Mbappe has hit back at French rapper Orelsan after being mocked in a new track over the Real Madrid star’s ownership of Caen. The French club now sit in the third tier of French football after facing relegation under Mbappe's ownership. The striker issued a fiery reply on social media, accusing the rapper of "begging" for a free stake in the club.

  3. Portugal boss calls on Dalot to replace injured 'irreplaceable' star

    Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez faces a major selection dilemma as Portugal heads into decisive 2026 World Cup qualifiers without injured star Nuno Mendes, a player the coach calls "the best in the world". With the Paris Saint-Germain full-back sidelined, Martinez admits there’s “no natural replacement” and turns to Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo to fill the void.

  4. Harry Kane

    Kompany dismisses Kane's concern over Bayern squad size

    Despite Harry Kane’s early-season concerns about Bayern Munich’s “smallest-ever squad,” Vincent Kompany remains unfazed. With Bayern on a record-breaking 16-game winning streak and key stars Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito nearing returns, the coach insists depth is not an issue further proving that form, fitness and flexibility might outweigh numbers.

  5. Barca flop Roque going through 'best phase' after Brazil call from Ancelotti

    Just months after being written off as a Barcelona flop, Vitor Roque has reignited his career in spectacular fashion. Now Palmeiras' top scorer and a key figure in their title chase, the 20-year-old has earned a Brazil call-up from Carlo Ancelotti - a moment he calls “the best phase of my life”. From struggling in Spain to thriving back home, Roque’s resurgence underscores how the right environment and consistent game time can revive a player’s career.

  6. Antony's 'great form' making him undroppable, admits Betis boss

    Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis continue their unbeaten Europa League run, powered by the resurgence of former Manchester United winger Antony. The Brazilian has been in exceptional form, scoring crucial goals and earning his manager’s full trust after their 2-0 win over Lyon. Pellegrini now sees Antony as undroppable, insisting his consistency and impact make rotation impossible as Betis eye the knockout stages.

  7. Everyone except Greenwood is useless at Marseille, says ex-France star

    Marseille’s Champions League campaign has unravelled under Roberto De Zerbi, with just one win in four games and mounting criticism over his tactics and squad choices. After a frustrating 1-0 home loss to Atalanta, former France international Jerome Rothen blasted the Italian coach’s approach, saying he “can’t find the ingredients” to make Marseille click - while labelling everyone but Mason Greenwood and goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli “useless.”

  8. Depay helps Corinthians crisis by giving up €2.5m hotel suite

    Corinthians’ financial troubles have reached a breaking point, with unpaid wages, heavy debts and over €2.5 million already drained from club accounts this season. In a gesture of solidarity, Dutch star Memphis Depay has offered to give up his €40,000-a-month hotel suite to help the club reduce expenses. This comes after there were reports that the club had asked the forward to cut-back on his finances and move to a cheaper accommodation.