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. Van de Ven: Every Spurs player is devastated

    Micky van de Ven has painted a stark picture of the mood inside the Tottenham Hotspur dressing room, admitting that every player is "devastated" by the club's current freefall. With the north London side embroiled in an unlikely relegation scrap and facing a massive mountain to climb in the Champions League, the Dutch defender insisted the squad is desperate to stop the rot.

  2. Stones to MISS World Cup? Tuchel urged to drop Man City star

    John Stones is facing a fight to save his international career after former Premier League defender Anton Ferdinand sensationally called for the Manchester City man to be axed from England's World Cup squad. The treble-winner has endured a nightmare period with fitness, leading to questions over whether he can still be trusted on the biggest stage.

  3. Fernandez asking price revealed amid Chelsea exit talk

    Chelsea's devastating Champions League exit has ignited a firestorm at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernandez dropping a bombshell regarding his future. As the frustrated midfield catalyst hints at a summer departure, prising him away will require an astronomical fee, setting a staggering financial barrier that will test the absolute limits of Europe's wealthiest giants.

  1. Man Utd eye £100m Tonali raid

    Manchester United are reportedly ready to test Newcastle’s resolve with a stunning move for Italian international Sandro Tonali. The Red Devils have identified the former AC Milan star as a priority target as they prepare for a massive overhaul of their midfield options this summer.

  2. Morocco react to CAF AFCON bombshell

    The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has broken its silence after a landmark ruling by the CAF Appeal Board officially crowned the Atlas Lions as the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The sensational decision comes months after the final whistle, effectively stripping Senegal of the trophy following a chaotic night in Rabat.

  3. Arteta hails 'magical' Eze after Arsenal win

    Mikel Arteta was left beaming after Arsenal secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a clinical 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, giving them a 3-1 aggregate win. The Gunners boss reserved special praise for summer signing Eberechi Eze, whose breakthrough goal paved the way for a dominant European display at the Emirates Stadium.

  4. Chukwuemeka receives Austria call-up after snubbing England

    Former Chelsea and England youth star Carney Chukwuemeka has officially switched his international allegiance to Austria. Thriving in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, the 22-year-old earned his first senior call-up from Ralf Rangnick and could play a key role in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. He is now poised to make his senior international debut after being named in the 28-man squad for friendlies against Ghana and South Korea.