Chris Burton Author Image

Chris Burton

Senior News Writer

Bio: If you can’t make a living from playing the game, then make one writing about it. I did my best to tick the first of those boxes, but it was not to be. I have been working hard at the latter for the best part of two decades and joined the collection of international stars that make up team GOAL in 2016. I am now Senior Staff Writer, which means my days are spent covering everything that the sometimes weird and often wonderful world of football has to offer. I have always been a fan of mercurial talents and love an underdog story, which goes some way to explaining why - alongside my East Midlands roots - Nottingham Forest are (for better or worse) my team of choice.

My Football Story: From the local playing field with friends, all through school, representing teams at various levels and facing a number of future professionals, to endless hours spent at the City Ground, a university degree and professional employment that has taken me to iconic venues across the country, football has always been the thread that ties my past, present and future together. I wouldn’t have it any other way and consider myself fortunate that I have been able to pass my passion for the game down to my son, who now finds himself heading down a similar path.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Nottingham Forest Football Club - with there always a lot going on there
  • News sourcing and writing - identifying what real fans want to talk about
  • Interviews - don’t believe those that say you shouldn’t interact with your heroes
  • Analysis & insight - not just explaining what happened, but how and why

Favourite Footballing Memory: I was too young to have witnessed Nottingham Forest’s European glory years and not yet old enough to have seen them add a third star to that famous Garibaldi shirt, being at Wembley as a 23-year wait for Premier League football came to a close will always be a special experience. I don’t remember much about the game itself, given the nerve-shredding nature of play-off finals, but the celebrations afterwards made enough memories to last several lifetimes.

Articles by Chris Burton
  1. 'Every medal is important' - Marmoush fires warning to Arsenal

    Omar Marmoush has fired a warning to Arsenal ahead of the Carabao Cup final, informing the Gunners that “every medal is important” to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have grown accustomed to picking up trophies on a regular basis in recent times, but those without a major honour at the Etihad Stadium are determined to open their collection in 2025-26.

  2. Beckham ‘the one’ to unite Messi & Ronaldo in MLS

    Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham is being billed as “the one” to make a union between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo possible. Two all-time greats have competed against one another down the years, but have never graced the same team. That ultimate pact may yet happen, with CR7 seeing a move to MLS mooted on the back of his strike action at Al-Nassr.

  3. Welcome to Wrexham clause! Stars sign special doc contract

    It has been revealed that new recruits drafted in by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac have to sign a special ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ contract as they agree to become documentary stars in North Wales. A couple of Hollywood stars continue to call the shots at SToK Racecourse, and they are making sure that a remarkable sporting adventure continues to play out on the small screen.

  4. Ex-Real Madrid star explains why Messi ranks above Ronaldo

    Ezequiel Garay forms part of an exclusive group of players. The former Real Madrid and Argentina defender has worked alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. That makes him well placed to pass judgement of which of the iconic forwards can be considered the GOAT. It comes as little surprise to find that the South American sides with his fellow countryman.

  5. Neville makes 'shot to pieces' claim about Garnacho at Chelsea

    Gary Neville believes Alejandro Garnacho’s confidence has been “shot to pieces” at Chelsea, with the former Manchester United winger putting in a “horrible” performance for the Blues against West Ham. He was dragged out of that contest at half-time, with Liam Rosenior’s side battling their way back to claim a 3-2 win. Questions are being asked of Garnacho’s contribution to the collective cause.

  6. 'That's not his job!' - Kane told to 'focus on his strengths'

    Harry Kane has been advised to “focus on his strengths” at Bayern Munich, with the prolific England international striker being reminded that it is “not his job” to track back and help out in defence. Kane has been eager to do his bit for the collective cause after seeing the runaway Bundesliga leaders surprisingly drop points across their last two domestic fixtures.

  7. Messi 'gives green light' for transfer with 'no away games'

    Lionel Messi has reportedly given the “green light” to a sensational transfer that would include a “no away games” stipulation. The Argentine GOAT has extended his contract at MLS Cup winners Inter Miami through 2028, but wants to ensure that he is ready for World Cup duty in 2026. That could mean returning to Europe on a short-term deal, with Galatasaray ready to throw open their doors.

  1. Mascherano appears to confirm Messi 2026 World Cup decision

    Lionel Messi is yet to officially confirm his participation at the 2026, but Inter Miami boss and fellow countryman Javier Mascherano appears to have revealed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will form part of Argentina’s plans. The expectation has always been that Messi, who captured a global crown in 2022, will grace at least one more major tournament as captain of his country.

  2. Yamal makes massive announcement on his Barcelona future

    Lamine Yamal has made a huge statement on his future at Barcelona, with the teenage wonderkid revealing that he hopes to be a one-club man as he stays at Camp Nou “forever”. There is every chance of that happening, having quickly achieved icon status, but Lionel Messi has shown that not everybody gets their wish when it comes to career-long stints in Catalunya.

  3. Gyokeres reveals inspiration behind epic goal celebration

    Viktor Gyokeres has explained how his iconic goal celebration came about, with a nod being offered to DC Comics star Bane, while discussing his start to life in the Premier League at Arsenal. The Sweden international striker admits that a stint in the Premier League has been challenging, but he is delighted to form part of a Premier League title bid at Emirates Stadium.

  4. Messi told he would still be a world beater in ANY league

    Lionel Messi is considered to be a “genius on our planet” and would, at 38 years of age, remain a world beater in any league across the globe. The Argentine GOAT has been starring in MLS with Inter Miami, helping them to historic titles, and Rob Earnshaw has told GOAL why the South American superstar could still do a job in Europe and on a Champions League stage.

  5. How disgruntled CR7 holds key to THREE high-profile transfers

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in the Saudi Pro League is reportedly impacting three high-profile deals that were being lined up late in the winter transfer window. Portuguese GOAT CR7 is frustrated at how things are playing out at Al-Nassr and is looking to flex his muscles when it comes to business being done by domestic rivals in the Middle East.

  6. Revealed: How long injured Bellingham will be out for

    Jude Bellingham left the field in tears after picking up an untimely injury in Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano. The England international crumpled to the turf clutching at his hamstring, with immediate fears being raised regarding how long he could be sidelined for. According to reports in Spain, the 22-year-old has avoided a serious setback and will only be out for around a month.

  7. Could Arsenal recall Nwaneri? Gunners' transfer plan revealed

    Arsenal may be ruing their decision to let Ethan Nwaneri leave on loan, with Mikel Merino picking up an untimely injury, but the Gunners academy graduate will not be beating a hasty retreat to Emirates Stadium from Marseille. Mikel Arteta has lost a midfield option, and is scouring the transfer market for cover, and would have found a place for Nwaneri in his plans had the youngster remained in north London.

  8. Man Utd failed in bid to hijack Liverpool's £60m Jacquet deal

    Manchester United reportedly failed in a late bid to hijack Liverpool’s proposed deal for highly-rated Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet. The France Under-21 international is seemingly heading to Anfield, with other Premier League suitors being left empty-handed. United form part of that pack, with the Red Devils eager to buy into the obvious potential that Jacquet possesses.