The Athletic FC Podcast

Referees are integral to football. But with every decision scrutinised, why would anyone want to be a referee? The Athletic has been given insider access to the life of Premier League referees. From a gruelling pre-season training camp to matchday, join Adam Leventhal as he finds out what it takes to take command of the football pitch. We'll explain the new laws you'll see this season and the refs will explain why they should benefit the game. You'll hear from PGMO chief, Howard Webb, current Premier League refs Andy Madeley and Peter Bankes, the latest VAR recruits, and many more. Join us as we take you inside the world of referees. Host: Adam Leventhal Exec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United have spent over £200m and counting. But after continuous false dawns, will they deliver this season? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Andy Mitten & Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re focusing on strikers today. In the latest twist to the transfer story of the summer - Benjamin Sesko looks to be on his way to Manchester United So what does this mean for Newcastle and their wantaway striker Alexander Isak? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Stavrou and Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15-year-old Max Dowman has been the talk of Arsenal’s pre-season and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has shone for Liverpool. But can either break into the first team and when is too soon to get excited? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Stuart James and Jacob Tanswell Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another chance to hear Anatomy of a Transfer, your one stop guide to how transfers happen. Join Adam Leventhal as he goes behind the scenes at training grounds, stadiums and offices to explain the anatomy of a transfer and to breakdown the complex process of what a player goes through when they move from club to club. Host: Adam Leventhal Exec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to July 2001, when Sol Campbell completed perhaps the most controversial move in Premier League history. More than 20 years on, why are feelings still so strong? And was Campbell vindicated in swapping Spurs for their bitter rivals Arsenal? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Amy Lawrence & Danny Kelly Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s new No.14. Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Cole Palmer have all switched to take the No.10 for their clubs. So, how significant is a squad number? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Lang, Stuart James, Pol Ballus Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson Producers: Jay Beale & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexander Isak has refused to go on tour with Newcastle United and wants to leave. So who could afford him and do Newcastle have any chance of keeping him? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Chris Waugh and Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to July 2000 - when Luís Figo did the unthinkable and made the move from Barcelona to Real Madrid… It was a transfer that sent shockwaves through La Liga and went down in footballing folklore - but a quarter of a century later, how is it viewed now? And how pivotal was it in shaping the modern day Real Madrid? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballús, José Antonio Espina & Andy Mitten Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Thomas Frank era has officially begun at Spurs and they are busy. After landing Mohammed Kudus, Morgan Gibbs-White is next on the list. But will their recruitment strategy get results? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris, Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford is set to sign for Barcelona in a loan deal, with an option to make it permanent, leaving his boyhood club Manchester United. So, is it a deal that suits everyone? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Carl Anka and Pol Ballus Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Football Architects - a summer series from our friends over at the Athletic FC Tactics podcast, telling the the unsung tales behind modern football success stories. Episode one is focused on Ajax’s rebirth and how the club was rebuilt in the image of legendary figure Johan Cruyff. On this episode, we hear from Ruben Jongkind, former head of talent development at Ajax, and the club’s former head of talent recruitment, Jasper van Leeuwen. Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, which we will link below. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6445365/2025/07/03/football-architects-rebuilding-ajax-johan-cruyff/ The first three episodes of the five-part series are available to listen to right now, check it out wherever you get your podcasts. Host: Michael Bailey With: Jacob Whitehead and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to the summer of 2006, and a saga that saw rival lines crossed from the North to West of London as Ashley Cole traded boyhood club Arsenal for rising force Chelsea. So why was the acrimonious move considered such a betrayal? And how did the deal signify a power shift in capital as the blue side of London rose to prominence? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Johnson & James McNicholas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday Liverpool made an approach to sign Alexander Isak. And now they have also made a move for Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, who is also being targeted by Newcastle United. So could Liverpool get both? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and James Pearce Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea are the new Club World Cup champions beating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Gianni Infantino says the competition has marked a new era for club football. But has the Club World Cup really been a success? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Adam Crafton and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to July 2009 when Carlos Tevez swapped the red half of Manchester for blue. So why was the move quite so controversial - and how symbolic was it in shifting the balance of power in the hunt for Premier League dominance? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Andy Mitten & Oli Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday July 4th, news broke that former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations relate to three different women who reported the incidents which took place between 2021 and 2022. Police began investigations in February 2022 but Partey carried on playing for Arsenal until his contract expired on June 30. He denies all the allegations, and will appear in court on August 5. Arsenal say the player’s contract ended in June and they are unable to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings. We’ll discuss why it took so long to get here? Was it right that Arsenal let Partey play on? And how do fans feel about the situation? Read Sarah Shepherd's column here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Rashford is one of five players Manchester United told didn’t need to report for the start of pre-season but showed up anyway. So where does his future lie - and how difficult will it be for United to move on their unwanted stars? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Mark Critchley and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres. So what could the Swede offer Mikel Arteta’s side? And is he the missing piece in the title puzzle for the Gunners? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's been two football tournaments in the United States this summer, the Club World Cup and the Gold Cup. Both with an ostensible Saudi feel, all part of grand plan to invest heavily in sport backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Adam Leventhal has travelled to Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas to witness this soft power at play. Hear from Saudi players and fans who celebrate the exposure afforded by these tournaments, but also, crucially, those who fear its impact. All with an eye on the future when Saudi Arabia will be hosting the 2034 Men's World Cup. Host: Adam Leventhal Producer: Jesse Howard Exec Producer: Abi Paterson Featuring footage from: DAZN, Fox News, CBS News, France 24 News, FIFA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea wanted to get the majority of their transfer business done by the end of June and they have been busy! Coming up we’ll break down the signings so far and find out who else could arrive at Stamford Bridge before the window closes. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Simon Johnson Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace are battling to keep their Europa League place, while Lyon have been relegated to French football’s second tier. John Textor and his Eagle Football Group had stakes in both clubs last season. So is his multi-club ownership model to blame? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Slater, Tom Williams and Matt Woosnam Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to August 2012, when Arsenal captain Robin van Persie crossed a divide that had defined a Premier League era… So why was van Persie determined to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford - and did the move ultimately prove to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final masterstroke at Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Amy Lawrence, Oli Kay & Andy Mitten Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s still only June but Liverpool have already been busy in the transfer market, having signed both Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong and closing in on a deal for Milos Kerez. Today, we break down Arne Slot’s summer rebuild and ask is there even more to come? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein and James Pearce Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona have agreed terms to sign Nico Williams - but with their ongoing financial troubles, how can they realistically afford the Athletic Bilbao winger? We also take a look at the other names on their summer wishlist, and the financial levers Barca may need to pull to make those deals happen. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballus, Phil Hay and Conor O'Neill Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to January 2011 when Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Liverpool’s No.9, Fernando Torres. So why was Torres’ move from Liverpool to Chelsea so controversial and was he a success at Stamford Bridge? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes and Dom Fifield Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nico Williams has attracted attention from all over Europe but now looks likely to end up at either Barcelona or Bayern Munich. Matt Davies Adams is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor to discuss the latest on Williams, the futures of Xavi Simons and Hugo Ekitike and find out why nobody in the Premier League seems to want Victor Osimhen. Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: David Ornstein, Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City are back on the big stage this week, at the Club World Cup in the USA. And, with a revamped squad and no trophies to show from last season, can Pep Guardiola’s side make a statement in the States? Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Adam Crafton, Jordan Campbell, Thom Harris Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, is world football's most powerful man. His presidency has been marked by the controversial men's World Cups in Russia and Qatar, as well as the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia. But it is the newly-expanded Club World Cup that he hopes to leave as his legacy. So, who is Gianni Infantino, where did he come from, where is he taking the game, and has he fulfilled his promises? Join Adam Leventhal as he tracks Infantino's journey from son of migrants to rubbing shoulders with the world's leaders. Featuring footage from: FIFA, Sky News, ABC News, AFP, iShowSpeed, Eurosport, Channel Four, Reuters, China Global Television Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when the best clubs in world football collide? We're about to find out in as the Club World Cup kicks off in the USA. Big names like Lionel Messi, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich will all be there. But what about the teams you don't know so well? The Athletic was granted Access All Areas to South Africa's super club: Mamelodi Sundowns, one of the four African teams taking part in the tournament. Winners of the last eight Premierships, 15 in all, Sundowns are unstoppable. So what makes up this club, what are their values and who are the names to look out for? Listen as The Athletic head to South Africa to meet the Sundowns... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s been a lot of noise around Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi, but the North London club regard the deal as done. Ayo Akinwolere is joined by David Ornstein and Duncan Alexander to discuss Arsenal's summer business including the potential arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga and their ongoing hunt for a striker. Plus, David reveals the latest on Manchester United and Liverpool's recruitment after the mini transfer window came to a close on Tuesday night. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: David Ornstein, Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham Hotspur have sacked the manager who delivered a first trophy in 17 years. So, why have they sacked Ange Postecoglou and why do they want Thomas Frank to replace him? Host: Adam Leventhal With: Jay Harris and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After signing Wolves’ Matheus Cunha for £62.5million, Manchester United have made an opening bid of £55m to sign Bryan Mbuemo from Brentford. So, with no European football, how are United still drawing the big names - and are they at risk of breaching PSR after their lowest top flight league finish since 1974? Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6 Host: Adam Leventhal With: Carl Anka, Mark Critchley, Conor O'Neill Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Guy Clarke Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The transfer window is open and Liverpool are after one European football’s brightest talents as they look to complete a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. And it’s not just the champions who are active, Man City are making moves of their own with a fee agreed for AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders is on his way, who will be next? Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6 Host: Adam Leventhal With: David Ornstein, Phil Hay and James Pearce Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSG have finally got their hands on the Champions League trophy after beating Inter 5-0 in the final in Munich on Saturday night. So, how did they do it and are they set to dominate European football? Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6 Host: Adam Leventhal With: James Horncastle, Adam Crafton and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, PSG will face Inter in the 24/25 Champions League final in Munich. It will be the meeting of the oldest versus the youngest team from the knockout stage, will experience or youthful exuberance prevail? The Athletic’s Italian football correspondent James Horncastle and French football specialist Tom Williams join Ayo Akinwolere to preview the game. Can Luis Enrique’s decision to ditch the ‘superstars’ and change the culture at PSG be validated with the clubs first Champions League trophy or will Inter and Inzaghi achieve the respect they have perhaps deserved more of over the last few years? Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: James Horncastle, Tom Williams Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea have won a trophy and have Champions League football next season. So, has Enzo Maresca proven the doubters wrong? Listener feedback survey: https://forms.gle/3Ecby2zfysRaTfFZ6 Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Johnson and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston Villa narrowly missed out on a crucial top-five finish in the Premier League—falling short after a moment of controversy at Old Trafford. So, why couldn’t Unai Emery’s side get over the line this season? And what does failing to qualify for the Champions League mean for Villa’s summer transfer ambitions? Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell and Villa expert Dan Bardell to unpack the highs, lows, and looming decisions facing the club this summer. Host: Ayo Akinwolere Guests: Jacob Tanswell, Dan Bardell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 25 May 2025, Liverpool will receive their 20th top flight crown, equaling the record set by Manchester United. This season's victory will be defined by Mohamed Salah's goals, Arne Slot's career-defining debut, and the measured manner with which the Reds marched on. But five years ago, when Liverpool last won English football's most prestigious trophy for the first time in 30 years, this was not the scene. Simon Hughes has spoken to families in Liverpool to find out how this title sits five years on from the Covid-19 pandemic. You'll hear the story of the content creator who feels a disconnect with Anfield now. The former steward who never got to savour a title win. And the Hillsborough survivor for whom the Atletico match was his last. Please note this episode includes strong language, and content some listeners may find upsetting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Athletic’s end-of-season awards, for the 2024-25 season. A time to celebrate the best of the best across the Premier League, WSL and Europe. The Athletic's Data & Tactic’s Editor Duncan Alexander, Women’s Football Writer Megan Feringa & Football Writer Jacob Whitehead join Adam Leventhal to name our Player, Young Player, Manager and team of the season in our respective categories. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Duncan Alexander, Megan Feringa, Jacob Whitehead Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham Hotspur got the job done in Bilbao with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal in the Europa League Final win over Manchester United. So what does the trophy mean for Spurs & Postecoglou and where does defeat leave Ruben Amorim & Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Laurie Whitwell Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tonight - Spurs or Manchester United will be crowned Europa League champions So… will it be Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim that rescues a disastrous season? Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Spurs writer Jay Harris and Manchester United writer Carl Anka. We also hear from The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke & Laurie Whitwell who attended the press conferences of Postecoglou and Amorim ahead of the pivotal game. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris & Carl Anka Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs’ Europa League run has been the shining light in an otherwise disappointing season. They have a chance to end a 17-year wait for a major trophy on Wednesday night. So what would it mean for the club and manager Ange Postecoglou if they win the Europa League? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Danny Kelly & Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou and Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, it’s all eyes on Bilbao as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur meet in the Europa League final. Today, we’re focusing on Ruben Amorim’s side and asking what would success mean for Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Laurie Whitwell and Mark Critchley Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 18th May 2025, Everton will play their final Premier League game at Goodison Park against Southampton. For the men’s team, it will no longer be their home. In this special episode allow yourself to be transported to the stadium, as The Athletic FC captures the iconic sound that only Goodison could bring. You will hear from fans about their memories of the stadium, what it will mean to move on from the place they have called home for 133 years, and a surprising amount of love for the restricted view. So sit back and relax, and join us at Everton Football Club… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace have the chance to win their first major trophy on Saturday as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. So how has Oliver Glasner transformed Palace and would silverware take the Eagles to the next level? Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Matt Woosnam, Reuben Pinder, Sam Lee Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harry Kane’s trophy drought is over having helped Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga in his second season in Germany. But is one Bundesliga trophy enough for the England captain - and is silverware the only marker of success? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Seb Stafford-Bloor and Art De Roche Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday afternoon Trent Alexander-Arnold was booed at Anfield. So why do supporters boo their own players and is it ever acceptable? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Pearce, Oli Kay, Carl Anka Featuring: Art de Roché, Simon Johnson, Chris Waugh Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brentford’s dynamic duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have lit up the Premier League once again this season. But with Thomas Frank admitting Mbeumo could be sold this summer - what does the future hold for him and strike partner Wissa? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris & Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Real Madrid are in chaos following the latest El Clasico, throwing away at 2-0 lead before falling to a 4-3 defeat. Knocked out of the Champions League and defeat to Barcelona makes another league title unlikely. So where has it all gone wrong for Real Madrid and is Xabi Alonso the man to fix them? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Dermot Corrigan, Guillermo Rai and Seb Stafford-Bloor Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.