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. Mourinho identifies four Madrid transfer priorities

    Jose Mourinho is already drawing up a ruthless recruitment plan as he prepares to take the reins at Real Madrid for a second time. The Portuguese tactician has reportedly identified four key areas of the squad that require immediate investment to end the club's two-year trophy drought, informing the club hierarchy that any title charge must begin with upgrades at centre-back, right-back, left-back, and across the midfield.

  2. Upgrade on Gyokeres? Arsenal tipped to strengthen in two areas after CL final defeat

    Arsenal legend Martin Keown has urged Mikel Arteta to be ruthless in the transfer market following the club's heartbreaking Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite clinching the Premier League title, a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to the French giants in Budapest has sparked predictions of fresh reinforcements, with questions raised over whether the Gunners need an upgrade on new signing Viktor Gyokeres.

  3. Chelsea ‘deserve another red card’ for brutal Arsenal jibe

    Chelsea have jokingly claimed they "deserve another red card" after brutally mocking Arsenal following their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Blues waste no time in reminding their north London rivals of the continental hierarchy shortly after Mikel Arteta's side fell at the final hurdle in Budapest.

  4. Arteta vows Arsenal will reach 'another level' after PSG loss

    Mikel Arteta has called on the Arsenal board to be "very ambitious" in the upcoming transfer window as the Gunners look to move past the heartbreak of their Champions League final defeat. Despite securing a historic Premier League title this season, the north London side fell just short in Budapest, losing 4-3 on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain - a team the Arsenal boss conceded are the "best in the world."

  5. Joao Pedro: Palmer would be Neymar’s successor in Brazil

    Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has made a sensational claim regarding his club team-mate Cole Palmer, suggesting the England playmaker would be the perfect fit to inherit Neymar's iconic No.10 shirt for Brazil. Both players are facing a summer away from the international spotlight after being left out of their respective final squads for the 2026 World Cup.

  1. Ederson 'agrees personal terms' with Man Utd

    Manchester United are moving at speed to secure their first major signing of the summer transfer window after reportedly agreeing to personal terms with Atalanta star Ederson. The Brazilian midfielder has set his heart on a move to the Theatre of Dreams, pausing talks with other interested suitors to prioritize the Red Devils.

  2. Real star Valverde reveals how Tchouameni fight affected him

    Real Madrid star Federico Valverde has opened up about the explosive training-ground incident involving team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni, admitting that the physical confrontation was a difficult learning experience. The Uruguay international, who is now preparing for the 2026 World Cup, expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he received from the Bernabeu faithful during the fallout.