Ritabrata Banerjee

Ritabrata Banerjee

News writer

📝Bio: Ritabrata has been living and breathing football for nearly two decades. Has a bachelor's degree in Business Management but took up sports journalism as a career path to live and breathe football. He joined GOAL in 2017 and has since made his mark covering the Indian Super League, I-League, and the Indian national team. He has also been part of Goal's coverage team at the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017. Based in Kolkata, where football is a religion, he grew up idolising Bhaichung Bhutia and continues to support East Bengal FC. 

⚽My Football Story: My football journey began in 1999 with the Kolkata derby when I was a seven-year-old and watched a live football match for the first time. The 2002 World Cup solidified my love for the game. In a cricket-obsessed nation, football continues to remain my true passion.

🎯Areas of Expertise:

  • Social media-specific content
  • Premier League, Champions League, World Cup, Euros, European & Indian football coverage
  • Tactical analysis of the Indian national team, Indian Super League clubs and European teams
  • News & SEO content writing

🌟Favourite Footballing Memory: East Bengal winning the ASEAN Club Championship in 2003, beating then AFC Champions League runners-up BEC Tero Sasana of Thailand, remains my most cherished football memory alongside watching the 'little Argentine' lifting the 2022 World Cup in Doha.

📝My All-Time XI: Manuel Neuer; Philipp Lahm, Sergio Ramos, Paolo Maldini, Roberto Carlos; Sergio Busquets, Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta; Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Phenomenon, Lionel Messi.

Articles by Ritabrata Banerjee
  1. Why Arsenal are yet to move for Eze as Spurs reignite interest

    Arsenal are yet to make progress in their transfer pursuit of Eberechi Eze, while Tottenham Hotspur have reignited their interest in the Crystal Palace talisman. Eze reportedly has a release clause in his current contract worth £68 million ($92m/€79m), which is active until August 15. The Gunners have added firepower to their attack this summer by signing Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres.

  2. 📽️ | Van Dijk scores outrageous training ground goal

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored an outrageous goal during a training session, while claiming he 'likes a challenge'. The Reds skipper's recent performances have come under scrutiny after the club conceded in five of their six pre-season friendlies. At the same time, the English champions also squandered their lead twice and lost to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

  3. Gravenberch opens up on mental turmoil at Bayern

    Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has opened up on his tough experience of playing at Bayern Munich under then-manager Julian Nagelsmann, as the Dutchman struggled for game time at Allianz Arena after completing a dream move from Ajax. Gravenberch lasted just one season in Munich before being sold to Liverpool, where the Netherlands international started to grow in stature.

  4. Chelsea's stance on replacing Jackson revealed

    Chelsea have revealed their stance on Nicolas Jackson's transfer this summer, as the Senegalese continues to be linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge. The Blues have signed Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to strengthen their attack in this transfer window and both forwards have shown early promise by performing fairly well in the Club World Cup, where Enzo Maresca's side emerged victorious.

  5. Why Guehi is set to STAY at Palace despite Liverpool interest

    Marc Guehi is set to stay at Crystal Palace for the 2025-26 campaign despite strong interest from Premier League champions Liverpool. The Reds have been linked with a move for the English defender for a long time now, however, they are far from reaching an agreement with the Eagles over a fee for Guehi, who is into the final year of his current contract.

  6. Haaland shows off fresh look ahead of new campaign

    Erling Haaland showed off a new look in a Manchester City training session as he returned to his old centre-parting hairstyle. After a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, which was affected by injuries, the Norwegian goal machine is raring to take the field as the new season approaches. The Cityzens had a fruitful summer transfer window and will aim to regain their long-lost form this year.

  1. Luis Enrique confirms he was offered Spurs job

    Champions League-winning Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has revealed that he was offered Tottenham Hotspur's managerial position in 2023. After missing out on the Spanish coach, Spurs eventually appointed Ange Postecoglou as Antonio Conte's permanent replacement. The Australian coach guided the team to Europa League glory, but lost his job soon after that victory.

  2. Antonio admits being 'shocked to my core' over Jota's death

    Former West Ham star Michail Antonio admitted that he was left shell-shocked after hearing about Liverpool forward Diogo Jota's death last month. The Portuguese forward, along with his brother Andre Silva, was on his way back to England to join the Reds' pre-season camp when their car crashed, killing the siblings tragically. Just months before Jota's incident, Antonio was himself involved in an accident.

  3. Hojlund x Kane?! Bayern Munich offered Man Utd flop

    Manchester United have reportedly offered their out-of-favour striker Rasmus Hojlund on loan to German champions Bayern Munich as they look to offload the £72m flop this summer. Hojlund has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford to end his nightmare spell with the Red Devils. It was earlier reported that Serie A giants AC Milan are also keen on signing the Danish forward.

  4. Everton announce loan signing of Grealish

    Everton have secured a season-long loan move for Manchester City outcast Jack Grealish. The England international, who fell out of favour at City under Pep Guardiola, will now get an opportunity to redeem his career with regular game time under David Moyes. Grealish's loan deal to the Toffees will also include a purchase option set at round £50 million ($67m).