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. Sterling snaps back at laughing reporter after first Feyenoord start

    Raheem Sterling was left visibly unimpressed following Feyenoord’s chaotic 3-3 draw with NAC Breda after a reporter appeared to laugh while questioning the winger about a missed scoring opportunity. Making his first start for the Eredivisie giants, Sterling was taken off after 64 minutes and was left baffled when his interviewer asked if he'd rather have stayed on the pitch.

  2. arsenal

    Micah Richards warns Arsenal: You haven't won anything yet!

    Micah Richards has warned Arsenal that 'you haven't won anything yet' despite their dominant form, though he still considers Mikel Arteta’s side the primary candidates to lift the Champions League trophy. The Gunners are currently chasing silverware on multiple fronts, leading the Premier League while preparing for a definitive European knockout run, but Richards believes a reality check is necessary before the red ribbons are ordered at the Emirates.

  3. Howe: Barca clash is biggest in Newcastle's history

    Eddie Howe has turned up the heat ahead of Newcastle United's monumental Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona, describing it as the "biggest game in the club’s history". Following a disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City, the Magpies boss is determined to ensure his squad does not dwell on domestic setbacks with the eyes of the footballing world turning to St. James' Park on Tuesday.

  4. 📽️ | Barca stars wowed by 'Hogwarts' hotel as they arrive in England

    Barcelona’s superstars have swapped the sunshine of Catalonia for the historic charm of Northumberland, and it seems they have found themselves in a wizarding wonderland. Ahead of their massive Champions League last-16 first-leg tie against Newcastle United, Hansi Flick’s squad checked into Matfen Hall, a stunning 200-year-old mansion that left the players convinced they had accidentally boarded the Hogwarts Express rather than a private jet.

  5. 📽️ | 'Wild horse' Calafiori mocked by Mansfield Town

    Mansfield Town have taken a cheeky swipe at Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori following their valiant defeat in the FA Cup fifth round. The Stags pushed their Premier League opponents all the way at the One Call Stadium before ultimately falling to a narrow 2-1 loss. The League One club then targeted the Italian international on social media, poking fun at his distinctive running style before insisting the post was "banter".

  6. Fermin admits Barca are wary of Newcastle's 'difficult stadium'

    Barcelona star Fermin Lopez has warned his team-mates to prepare for a battle as they shift their focus to a daunting Champions League trip to Newcastle's famous St James' Park stadium. The Catalan giants secured a gritty 1-0 victory over Athletic Club in La Liga on Saturday night, but the celebrations were short-lived as the squad immediately turned their attention to the looming challenge of facing Newcastle.

  7. Van Gaal accused of signing Man Utd player because of EA Sports' FIFA

    Manchester United’s historical transfer strategy has often been under the microscope, but a sensational new claim suggests that one of Louis van Gaal’s first signings was inspired by a video game. Former Red Devils midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have alleged that the Dutchman was alerted to the talents of Marcos Rojo by his grandson, who had been using the defender on EA Sports’ FIFA.

  8. Tudor destroyed by ex-Spurs boss over relegation fears

    Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood has launched a blistering attack on Igor Tudor's tactics and his sudden change in rhetoric regarding the club's top-flight status. The Croatian's tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has bypassed any semblance of a honeymoon period and descended straight into an early post-mortem following a dismal run that has seen him lose his first three matches in charge.

  9. 'Like a dream' - Rob Mac thanks Wrexham and Chelsea

    Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has admitted that the club's incredible journey "feels like a dream" after the Red Dragons pushed Chelsea to the absolute limit in a pulsating FA Cup fifth-round encounter. Despite a heartbreaking 4-2 defeat after extra-time at the Racecourse Ground, the Hollywood star was overcome with emotion following a performance that saw the Championship outfit twice take the lead against their illustrious Premier League visitors.

  10. Vuskovic's agent breaks silence on Barcelona interest

    Barcelona have set their sights on Tottenham sensation Luka Vuskovic as a primary defensive target for the upcoming summer transfer window, but the player's agent has cooled talk of a move. The 19-year-old Croatian, currently starring on loan at Hamburg, has caught the eye of Hansi Flick as the Blaugrana boss looks to overhaul his backline with elite young talent.

  1. Luis Enrique

    Enrique questions PSG mental strength before Chelsea clash

    Luis Enrique has admitted that Paris Saint-Germain are suffering from a mental "disconnect" after the Ligue 1 leaders slumped to a 3-1 home defeat against Monaco. The result marks a worrying turn in form for the European champions, coming just five days before hosting Chelsea in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League round-of-16 tie at Parc des Princes.

  2. Fabregas tips Como's 'animal' for France call-up

    Cesc Fabregas is convinced that Como goalkeeper Jean Butez is ready to make his France debut following a series of impressive performances. Following a gritty 2-1 victory away at Cagliari, the Spanish tactician heaped praise on his shot-stopper, describing his work ethic in remarkable terms as the Lariani continued their unlikely charge towards a potential Champions League spot.

  3. Man Utd eye surprise move for Bournemouth forward

    Manchester United have set their sights on a surprise summer addition as they look to rebuild their attacking ranks. Reports suggest that Bournemouth forward Marcus Tavernier has been added to a growing shortlist of targets designed to solve a specific problem area in the Red Devils' squad. The 26-year-old has caught the eye of scouts at Old Trafford following a series of impressive displays for the Cherries on the south coast.

  4. Real Madrid scouts Newcastle star during Man City clash

    Real Madrid have reportedly entered the transfer battle for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, with the Spanish giants dispatching scouts to St James' Park on Saturday evening for what was ostensibly a reconnaissance trip to study Manchester City ahead of their upcoming Champions League showdown. However, it has emerged that the delegation was actually on a "double mission", with the Italy international featuring on their summer shortlist.

  5. Pep jokes he could go on holiday during two-game ban

    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed he will serve a two-match touchline suspension following a series of heated exchanges with officials during his side's 3-1 FA Cup victory over Newcastle United on Saturday. The Catalan tactician was shown his sixth yellow card of the domestic campaign after a confrontation with fourth official Lewis Smith, triggered by a challenge on Jeremy Doku that went unpunished.

  6. Anderson to City a 'done deal' as Forest demand £90m

    Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a massive summer reinforcement, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson now considered a "done deal" for the club. The 23-year-old showcased exactly why City are so keen to acquire his talents on Wednesday night, popping up with a stunning equaliser at the Etihad Stadium to earn the visitors a hard-fought draw. While his strike dented City's title hopes, it appears to have cemented his future in Manchester as the club's hierarchy looks to overhaul their engine room ahead of next season.

  7. Pedro Neto hit with FA charge

    Chelsea’s disciplinary nightmare has taken another turn for the worse following their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Winger Pedro Neto, who was already facing a standard suspension for his red card, has now been officially charged by the Football Association for his conduct following the dismissal. The Portuguese international was sent off during a frantic second half as the Blues lost to their London rivals.

  8. Yamal sends message to Barca fans after painful Atleti loss

    Lamine Yamal has long been heralded as the future of Barcelona, but his actions following Tuesday night’s Copa del Rey exit suggest the 18-year-old is already a definitive leader in the present. Despite a valiant 3-0 victory at the Spotify Camp Nou, the Blaugrana fell 4-3 on aggregate to a disciplined Atletico Madrid. While many would hide after such a painful elimination, Yamal took to social media to ensure the connection between the squad and the supporters remained intact.