Football History

The World Cup is defined by memorable moments. Counting down to the top 100 of all-time.

Scottish football doesn't normally need an excuse to kick back and reminisce.

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was: man is but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream.” – William Shakespeare Let me ask you something: A Brazilian talent, born in the favelas, who managed to rise from deep poverty and reach the… The post Ronaldinho – A Midsummer Night’s Dream first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest player to ever grace the Premier League? How did he transform his game from a flashy, unpredictable winger into one of football’s most lethal number nines? And to what extent did his iconic rivalry with Lionel Messi drive him to reach unprecedented heights? Gary, Alan & Micah look back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s short but unforgettable Premier League career. From his early days as a skinny winger, to becoming a relentless, goal-per-game machine across Europe, and one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football Join The Players Lounge for FREE for access to our FPL, tips from Fantasy Football Hub, AI-powered team ratings and our private Slack community. Sign up today at: therestisfootball.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ✅ Subscribe Here: https://www.youtube.com/@therestisfootball?sub_confirmation=1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🎙️ Listen To The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/therestisfootball ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🗞️ Sign Up To The Newsletter Here: https://mailchi.mp/therestisfootball/trif ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 📱 Follow Us On Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRestIsFootball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therestisfootball/ Snapchat: https://story.snapchat.com/p/8c729650-9d54-407d-8c62-c658546eee44 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@restisfootball Twitter: https://twitter.com/RestIsFootball ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was: man is but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream.” – William Shakespeare Let me ask you something: A Brazilian talent, born in the favelas, who managed to rise from deep poverty and reach the… The post Ronaldinho – A Midsummer Night’s Dream first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: https://theathletic.com/tifofootball 📗 Tifo's new book, "How to Watch Football" is now available internationally: https://linktr.ee/tifobook Damian Mori scored the quickest goal in football history when he scored in under 4 seconds for Adelaide City in 1995. Join the Tifo Discord Server - https://discord.gg/6nMGtSyyNM Follow Tifo Football by The Athletic: Facebook: http://facebook.com/TifoFootball Instagram: http://instagram.com/TifoFootball_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tifofootball_ X: https://x.com/TifoFootball_ Listen to the Tifo Football podcast: The Athletic UK: http://bit.ly/TifoPodChannel Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TifoFootPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06QIGhqK31Qw1UvfHzRIDA YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYJXDKS21OHj085qILmy-O2-yZqFIcuM&si=1tSREkvPh3Gps5NR Watch more Tifo: Tifo Football Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYJXDKS21OHj085qILmy-O2-yZqFIcuM&si=1tSREkvPh3Gps5NR Tifo Sports by The Athletic: https://www.youtube.com/@TifoSports About Tifo Football by The Athletic: Tifo loves football. We create In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. We know there’s an appetite for thoughtful, intelligent content. For stuff that makes the complicated simple. We provide analysis on the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, World Cup and more. Our podcasts interview some of the game’s leading figures. And our editorial covers football with depth and insight. Founded in 2017 and became a part of The Athletic in 2020. For business inquiries, reach out to [email protected]. Additional footage sourced from freestockfootagearchive.com Music provided by APM Music #Shorts #Football #Soccer

The retired midfielder’s absence for the semi-final of Euro 2016 was the great ‘what-if’ of Welsh football, but even so his brilliant career managed to transform a footballing public for ever If some footballers take time to reach their potential, others seem to be the finished article before they’re able to drive. A teenage Aaron Ramsey was firmly in the latter camp. After only 11 league starts for Cardiff he had made his international debut for Wales against Denmark, turned down Manchester United in favour of Arsenal, and given Cardiff fans one of the great what-ifs of their club’s modern age after Dave Jones chose not to start him in the 2008 FA Cup final against Portsmouth, with Ramsey being the tender age of 17. Success-starved supporters who should know better will pin their hopes on to the narrowest of young shoulders and yet it all seemed so easy for the teenager from Caerphilly who was captain of his country by the age of 20, would go on to play in a World Cup and two European Championships, and this week retired as an icon of the Welsh game.

These are 10 of the best goals of new FOX Sports' newest World Cup analyst, Mexico great Javier Hernández.

Gipo Viani and the development of catenaccio at Salernitana This piece was written by Alberto Facchinetti for issue 42 In the summer of 1940, Giuseppe Ferruccio ‘Gipo’ Viani found himself unemployed with an estranged wife, a partner and a four-year-old son to provide for. He didn’t know where to turn. His footballing career had just […] The post The Reserve Net appeared first on The Blizzard.

Is it just blind nostalgia, or was football really better 15 to 20 years ago during the ‘Barclays’ era? There's only one way to find out...

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now! While Arsenal were busy Arsenaling their way to a worthy but dull Bigger Cup quarter-final first leg win at Sporting on Tuesday, the players of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich released the collective handbrake and performed many high-speed donuts, wheel spins and Rockfords as a pleasing counterpoint to the careful mirror-signal-manoeuvring on display at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade. Like a couple of stolen supercars racing each other around a shopping mall in The Fast and the Furious: Bicester Village, these two European heavyweights massively committed to the bit, not unlike a daily football email bogged down in a laboured motoring metaphor. “When I see the chances we had, that has to give us confidence that we can score more goals,” whooped Vincent Kompany following a hi-octane Bernabéu white-knuckle ride from which his team emerged deserving winners, even if it was their 40-year-old goalkeeper who took home the gong for player of the match. A doff of the Romanian cap to the great Mircea Lucescu. As a player, he captained his national team against World Cup holders England and eventual World Cup winners Brazil at the tournament in 1970, after which Pelé wanted to exchange shirts with him. And, as a manager, apart from all his domestic success, he was the first manager to get Romania to qualify for the Euros in 1984 and nearly led a poor Romania team to the World Cup in 2026, a couple of weeks ago, while very sick. What a football man, what a tremendous football man …” – Noble Francis. Interesting to see the report about Nike’s new Geopolitics World Cup kits bunching up ridiculously at the shoulder seams. You never got problems like that back in my day, principally because, on the massively oversized kits of the 90s, the shoulder seam was positioned halfway down the arm. The tendency of these kits to make even professional athletes look like Sunday pub league players is exemplified by the photo of Blackburn’s relegated 1999 team in today’s edition of The Knowledge – an effect amplified by the fact one of them seems to have been playing in tracksuit bottoms, and another in sliders” – Phil Taverner. After being emotionally blackmailed into running the LLHM by my friend and broadcasting colleague Max Rushden, I began training in late October. Having done little or no exercise beyond nimbly climbing on and off bar stools for almost 30 years, I was heroically unfit and literally couldn’t jog 100 metres without stopping to catch my breath. Reader – I had bitten off more than I could chew. At the start line I will be 53 years old and I remain overweight despite all my training. I still drink too much and have resigned myself to the fact that I won’t win the race, but I plan to enjoy a unique day. If you’d like to add to the already huge sum raised, every little helps. It would be absolutely magic to hit the £60,000 mark before race day. With that in mind, please give anything you can, safe in the knowledge that I’ll be enduring a world of pain to try to alleviate that of that experienced by so many wonderful and brave kids.” Donate here.

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was: man is but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream.” – William Shakespeare Let me ask you something: A Brazilian talent, born in the favelas, who managed to rise from deep poverty and reach the… The post Ronaldinho – A Midsummer Night’s Dream first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

No team has ever won a quadruple, but it doesn't stop us getting excited about the possibility every season. This year, Arsenal were in the conversation before they were dumped out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup. Alas, the quadruple is out of reach for another season - but will it ever be done? Marcus, Jim & David reach a verdict on that, before picking our all-time favourite players to have dragged their careers back from the brink. We also entertain the idea of restricting how often teams can change managers in a season (sorry, Spurs fans) and, inspired by the Artemis II launch, decide which players we'd take to the moon. Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble. Get your Ramble merch HERE. Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: [email protected]. ***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue on from last week’s episode with Jan Fjortoft to delve into how things went wrong for Graham Taylor during his time as England manager. In this first part of a three part series on Graham Taylor (following our episode with Fjortoft) we take a look at the high of Italia ’90 to the early warning signs of Graham Taylor’s troubled England reign, setting up the wider story of his eventual downfall. Central to the episode is Paul Gascoigne’s rise into “Gaza mania,” the off-field chaos and disciplinary problems that followed, including the 1991 FA Cup final knee rupture and subsequent setbacks. Taylor struggled to manage both the player and the circus around him. England qualified for Euro 1992 but drew twice, lost to Sweden and Taylor’s substitution of Gary Lineker became emblematic as tabloid ridicule culminate in a reputational collapse for Taylor. 01:05 The Impossible Job Era 07:39 Referees And Rotterdam 12:47 Italia 90 Reality Check 20:02 Gaza Mania Begins 25:31 Euro Qualifiers Begin 28:24 Ireland Away Selection 30:08 Taylor Press Tightrope 35:48 Cup Final Knee Rupture 41:46 Euro 92 Sweden Turning Point 42:55 Lineker Sub Controversy 47:50 Fitness Gap And Refuelling 49:32 Turnip Taylor Tabloid Sting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimbo is joined by Duncan Alexander, Charlie Eccleshare and George Caulkin to open up the Totally Extra almanac to exactly 30 years ago, on the Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle page. The Magpies were the great entertainers with the exuberant Kevin Keegan at the helm and much of the country pulling for them to take the title. Their title challengers Man Utd had famously been told by Alan Hansen they couldn't win anything with kids. With Fergie's fledglings finding form, a wobbling Newcastle went to Anfield and vowed to play the only way they knew how, to attack; the likes of Beardsley, Ginola, Asprilla and Ferdinand up against Fowler, Collymore, Barnes and McManaman. What ensued is still for many the greatest ever Premier League game. What made it so special? And how different might have football been if Newcastle had won it in 1996? Plus what else happened this week in football history and a brain-teasing quiz question. Produced by Charlie Jones, Lucy Oliva & Jesse Howard. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1a: Why this game was so special (0.40) • PART 1b: A 4-3 related quiz question (06.20) • PART 2a: The Totally Extra Almanac (08.10) • PART 2b: The Premiership in 1996 (11.10) • PART 3: Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle (32.51) • PART 4: The run in and the rant (55.01) • PART 5a: What cost Toon the title? (1.03.00) • PART 5b: This game's legacy (1.07.30) • PART 5c: The answer to the quiz question (1.17.15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was: man is but an ass, if he go about to expound this dream.” – William Shakespeare Let me ask you something: A Brazilian talent, born in the favelas, who managed to rise from deep poverty and reach the… The post Ronaldinho – A Midsummer Night’s Dream first appeared on Breaking The Lines.

Adam Hurrey is joined by David Walker and Michael Cox to select a lineup of player types that have - temporarily or permanently - gone out of footballing fashion. The selection process takes in truly unhinged goalkeepers, the 20-year heyday of the sweeper, no-nonsense penalty-taking full-backs, the demise of the Premier League own-goal machine, dedicated man-markers, the surprising nuances of the "free role", portly strikers, beanpole strike partners and the long-lost art of poaching. Sign up for Dreamland, the members-only Football Clichés experience, to access our exclusive episodes and much more: https://dreamland.footballcliches.com Visit nordvpn.com/cliches to get four extra months on a two-year plan with NordVPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a very special returning guest - Jan Fjørtoft! In this episode, we will explore Norway’s remarkable rise in the early 1990s and their famous 2–0 win over Graham Taylor’s England in 1993. Fjørtoft explains how Egil “Drillo” Olsen took a previously struggling national team and built belief through a disciplined, direct style, carefully defined roles, and detailed match analysis using hand-written stats and video. The episode breaks down the key tactical choices that unsettled England, revisits both Norway goals, and follows the qualifier run that took Norway to their first World Cup since 1938. Norway will return to the World Cup this summer for the first time since 1998. This episode will be followed by a three part special on Graham Taylor. 01:12 Norway before the rise 04:09 Olsen arrives and stirs 06:47 Direct football philosophy 14:31 Stats and analysis 20:05 Defined roles and system 23:40 Beating England 28:12 Tactical switch 31:33 Gascoigne fitness factor 32:50 Olsen’s Selection Mind Games 37:20 Two Goals Breakdown 42:41 Road to USA 94 Sealed 45:45 Poland Night and Wild Celebrations 48:46 Heroes Welcome in Norway 52:04 World Cup Heat Prep Fiasco 59:59 Egil Olsen Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are many teams in Premier League history that gained fame for their defense, and the reason they achieved this is, of course, a defensive line that functions perfectly. #premierleague #defensiveline #best #terry #ferreira #carvalho #gallas #chelsea #teambus #bankofsport

Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: https://theathletic.com/tifofootball 📗 Tifo's new book, "How to Watch Football" is now available internationally: https://linktr.ee/tifobook When FIFA officially recognised Africa as a footballing confederation, it only allocated the continent one qualifying slot for the 1958 World Cup, to be shared with Asia. It would take 22 years and the creation of the Africa Cup of Nations before a World Cup slot was guaranteed to Africa alone. This is the story of how Africa had to fight the system for its place at the World Cup. This is the fifteenth in a series, written by Jonathan Wilson, exploring the entire history of football. Illustrated by Philippe Fenner. Join the Tifo Discord Server - https://discord.gg/6nMGtSyyNM Follow Tifo Football by The Athletic: Facebook: http://facebook.com/TifoFootball Instagram: http://instagram.com/TifoFootball_ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tifofootball_ X: https://x.com/TifoFootball_ Listen to the Tifo Football podcast: The Athletic UK: http://bit.ly/TifoPodChannel Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/TifoFootPod Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/06QIGhqK31Qw1UvfHzRIDA YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYJXDKS21OHj085qILmy-O2-yZqFIcuM&si=1tSREkvPh3Gps5NR Watch more Tifo: Tifo Football Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWYJXDKS21OHj085qILmy-O2-yZqFIcuM&si=1tSREkvPh3Gps5NR Tifo Sports by The Athletic: https://www.youtube.com/@TifoSports About Tifo Football by The Athletic: Tifo loves football. We create In-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. We know there’s an appetite for thoughtful, intelligent content. For stuff that makes the complicated simple. We provide analysis on the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, World Cup and more. Our podcasts interview some of the game’s leading figures. And our editorial covers football with depth and insight. Founded in 2017 and became a part of The Athletic in 2020. For business inquiries, reach out to [email protected]. Additional footage sourced from freestockfootagearchive.com Music provided by APM Music #Football #Soccer #History

On the latest edition of Caught Offside, it's a JJ SPECIAL! With Ireland about to embark upon one of the most important weeks in its modern footballing history, JJ took the mic and let loose on how he's feeling about it. We'll have a regularly schedule episode for you Thursday morning discussing Mo Salah's Liverpool departure, Zidane taking over for France and Jeff Carlisle joining for a wide ranging conversation on the USMNT & the World Cup as a whole. For even more Caught Offside content, get on over to Caught Offside Plus right now! "World Cup Madness" is underway!!! In our first bracket, we chose a winner for the greatest USMNT World Cup match of all time. This week, we'll be playing out our next bracket to select the most disappointing USMNT World Cup result of all time. To sign up, just go to https://caughtoffside.supercast.com! Once you have access to the premium feed, be sure to go back and check out our special "welcome episode" from June 24th, 2024 (we don't think you'll be disappointed)! And for all the latest merch, get over to https://caughtoffsidepod.com/ - We're closing in on spring time, you've just about made it through the winter, so buy yourself a present! Get a Caught Offside t-shirt! --- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CaughtOffsidePod/ X: https://twitter.com/COsoccerpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caughtoffsidepod/ Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by an extraudinary guest - Clyde Best. An absolute pioneer to the game, born in Bermuda, Clyde would become one of the first black players in First Division football in England. His new film, ‘Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story’ will be shown for a week at Sadler’s Wells East from 25th March. In this episode, Clyde recounts arriving in England as a teenager, getting lost at West Ham station and being taken in by the Charles family. He reflects on his rise at West Ham, getting his debut against Arsenal under Ron Greenwood in 1969 and playing alongside the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Clyde talks of the his Bermuda upbringing, national team breakthrough and the influence that his father had on him. Best reflects on being one of the first prominent black players in English football, enduring racist abuse and an acid-attack threat and playing against Pelé. He also discusses NASL moves to Tampa Bay and Portland Timbers and the inspiration he provided players such as Ian Wright. 01:29 Lost at Heathrow 03:23 The Charles Family 06:59 Bermuda Beginnings 10:20 West Ham Dream 13:20 Ron Greenwood Impact 15:22 Fast Track Debut 18:35 Breaking Barriers 24:06 Facing Racism 31:03 Scoring Against Pelé 35:20 Leaving West Ham for the NASL 37:17 American Soccer Showmanship 43:01 Legacy as a Pioneer 46:57 Honorary Doctorate 49:44 His love for West Ham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Hurrey, Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker entertain this month's listener entries for Mesut Haaland Dicks, as the Clichés faithful nominate their niche footballing fascinations and irritations. Among the selections are the GoPro goalkeepers of non-league, the concept of an English fan being really, really into the Australian A-League, the "overhit crossfield pass" apology transaction and a man who thinks he’s cracked the pressing structures of elite football in the 2020s. Meanwhile, the Adjudication Panel discover David Beckham’s under-reported claim to football history and enjoy the latest Cliches-referencing wrestling commentary from the USA. Play the new Happy Hunting Grounds daily quiz at games.footballcliches.com Sign up for Dreamland, the new members-only Football Clichés experience, to access our exclusive new show and much more: https://dreamland.footballcliches.com Visit nordvpn.com/cliches to get four extra months on a two-year plan with NordVPN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With several sides looking to restore some PROPA NAUGHTY ENGLISH PRIDE in the Champions League this week, Marcus, Luke and Jim wrestle with a potentially divisive opening question: should Pep Guardiola’s European record at Man City be seen as a failure? Elsewhere, after Max Dowman’s historic goal for Arsenal at the weekend, Marcus, Luke and Jim reflect on their favourite ‘burst onto the scene’ moments in football history. Plus, is David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world - and has commentary got worse?! Yes, is the answer to both of those. Get your Ramble merch HERE. Find us on Bluesky, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and email us here: [email protected]. Sign up to the Football Ramble Patreon for ad-free shows for just $5 per month: https://www.patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** The Football Ramble, the original and best football podcast. Brand new podcasts every single weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an effort to become podcasting's version of UK Gold, we're spinning it back and replaying the glory days of QK, every Tuesday and Thursday. This is: QK Reloaded. We'll be playing through our original episodes in release order. And this is... Curbs from back on 25th November 2019. -- Quickly Kevin: Alan Curbishley: Charlton Athletic (and beyond...) S05 E03 This week our guest in the studio is one the most successful English managers of the decade. The man who took Charlton Athletic from homeless ground sharers to Premier League over achievers during a glorious managerial reign, which included the single greatest play-off final victory in English football history. Plus, we've got a twist in the tale of what we're now calling 'Paul Merson's brother-gate', and for all those who have asked, YES the Leddersford Town football shirts are real. If you want to get your hands on one before they sell out head over to; www.quicklykevin.com/shop Thanks, Chris, Josh and Michael. Twitter: @quicklykevin Facebook:quicklykevin Instagram: quicklykevin Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second part two of our three-part special on Colombian football and the tragedy of Andrés Escobar. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper dissect one of the greatest World Cup qualifying matches ever played: Colombia's stunning 5-0 victory over Argentina at El Monumental in Buenos Aires. This episode explores the dramatic buildup to the match, the hostile reception faced by the Colombian team, and the extraordinary performance that shocked the football world. The discussion then examines the dangerous euphoria that followed, as Colombia began to believe that they could win the 1994 World Cup, and the dark realities of the narco state. You can listen to this episode ad-free over on our Patreon - Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was. You will also get access to our World Cup countdown, magazine retrospectives and bonus episodes as well as a monthly Q&A with Rob and Jonathan. 01:39 Colombia's Mindset Before the Match & The Hostile Reception 04:07 The Lineup: Colombia vs Argentina at El Monumental 11:25 The Match Begins: Early Tension & Argentina's Miss 14:05 The Plane Incident: A Bizarre Moment at El Monumental 16:01 GOAL: Rincón Opens the Scoring 17:26 Maturana's Psychological Tactics at Half Time 18:05 GOAL: Asprilla Makes It 2-0 18:47 GOAL: Valencia Volleys In the Third 19:56 GOAL: Asprilla's Exquisite Curler Makes It 4-0 21:00 GOAL: Valencia Completes the Rout - 5-0 22:14 The Monumental Applauds Colombia Off the Pitch 24:32 The Celebrations: 100 Deaths & National Hysteria 30:55 "Now We're F***ed": The Burden of Expectation 33:19 World Champions Before the Tournament Begins 39:25 21 Friendlies & The Cash Grab 44:51 The Dark Side: Meeting With the Cali Cartel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a time-travel podcast diving into football’s greatest almost moments — the transfers that came within touching distance of reality, Richie McCormack's Sliding Doors. Sliding Doors goes beyond rumours and gossip to uncover deals that were genuinely on the table Each episode explores how one decision could have reshaped clubs, careers, and the entire football landscape From whispered negotiations to official bids, this is the anatomy of football’s biggest “what ifs” Think Michael Laudrup to Liverpool, Robert Lewandowski to Blackburn… and yes, Ronaldo to Rangers In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of Alfredo Di Stéfano, the man who transformed Real Madrid into the dominant force of European football. From his early days in Buenos Aires to starring in Colombia with Millonarios, Di Stéfano’s path to greatness was anything but simple. In one of football’s most controversial transfer sagas, he came within touching distance of joining FC Barcelona before political drama intervened. We unpack the chaos, the rivalry it ignited, and how Di Stéfano went on to lead Madrid to five straight European Cup triumphs. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this first part of our three-part special on Colombian football and the tragedy of Andrés Escobar. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore the extraordinary history of Colombian football leading up to the 1994 World Cup. This episode covers the intersection of football and narco-culture, Pablo Escobar's involvement in the sport, the tense rivalry with Argentina, and the dramatic road to qualification culminating in the legendary 5-0 victory at El Monumental. You can listen to this episode ad-free over on our Patreon - Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was. You will also get access to our World Cup countdown, magazine retrospectives and bonus episodes as well as a monthly Q&A with Rob and Jonathan. 01:39 The El Dorado League & Early Colombian Football 10:11 Francisco Maturana: The Dentist Who Revolutionised Colombian Football 19:02 Maturana's Influences: Total Football Meets South American Flair 27:43 Navigating Narco-Culture: Pablo Escobar 36:11 René Higuita: The Sweeper-Keeper & The Kidnapping 41:25 Building Rivalry: Colombia vs Argentina at Copa América 1993 48:12 World Cup Qualifying Begins: Asprilla's Controversies 54:03 The Road to Buenos Aires: Setting Up the Five-Nil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're on Patreon! As a treat to our loyal listeners, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community. This week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author Bill Buford to round up their series on hooliganism. BONUS EDITIONS Exclusive deep dives, specials & extended conversations from one-off specials to extra episodes that expand on our weekly free shows, you’ll get fresh, members-only content - including our “Bonus Editions” strand where Rob and Jonathan go deeper into football’s biggest stories and hidden histories. WORLD CUP WEDNESDAYS! Our countdown to 2026 - every tournament revisited Join Rob and Jonathan as they walk through every World Cup from 1930 to today, exploring the drama, evolution, legends, controversies and cultural impact of each tournament. RETRO MAGAZINE COLLECTION Flicking through the archives of classic football culture A nostalgic series diving into the pages of Shoot! and other retro football magazines - revisiting the stars, forgotten features, and football fandom of decades past. MONTHLY LIVE Q&A WITH ROB & JONATHAN Your chance to ask two of football’s leading writers anything. Submit your questions about recent episodes, football history, their journalism, or upcoming projects — and hear their answers in our LIVE members-only Q&A. JOIN THE IT WAS COMMUNITY Connect with fellow fans & nostalgia lovers Meet other members who share your passion for football history. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of the show. What’s included Exclusive content Q&As Ad-free episodes Private community Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an effort to become podcasting's version of UK Gold, we're spinning it back and replaying the glory days of QK, every Tuesday and Thursday (although it's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week!!!). This is: QK Reloaded. We'll be playing through our original episodes in release order. And this is... Your letters from June 2019! --- ‘Quickly Kevin, will he score?’ : The Pre-Season Training Camp (Ep.8 Correspondence and Poll results special) Here at 'Quickly Kevin...' towers we're currently gearing up for the release of QK Series 5 by getting match fit with a batch of pre-season episodes we're tentatively calling "THINGS FROM THE 90's WE CAN'T BELIEVE HAVEN'T COME UP YET" Head over to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - @quicklykevin – to get involved and vote for the choices and be in with a chance of winning some 90's Football goodies. For your chance to get your hands on an exclusive 'Graham Says: Hit Les' Quickly Kevin mug leave us a 90's Football based 'Review Haiku' on iTunes!! (Or if you're interested in purchasing one of the remaining few then drop us an email at [email protected] ) Thanks, Chris, Josh, and Michael. Twitter: @quicklykevin Facebook: quicklykevin Instagram: quicklykevin Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an effort to become podcasting's version of UK Gold, we're spinning it back and replaying the glory days of QK, every Tuesday and Thursday (although it's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week!!!). This is: QK Reloaded. We'll be playing through our original episodes in release order. And this is... The best players of the 90s from June 2019! --- ‘Quickly Kevin, will he score?’ : The Pre-Season Training Camp (Episode Ep.7: Players) Here at 'Quickly Kevin...' towers we're currently gearing up for the release of QK Series 5 by getting match fit with a batch of pre-season episodes we're tentatively calling "THINGS FROM THE 90's WE CAN'T BELIEVE HAVEN'T COME UP YET" We'll be with you every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next three weeks. Today's episode we'll be discussing our best and worst goals of the 90's. Let us know exactly why we're wrong on social media...today we look at a few players we can't believe we haven't discussed in more detail. Head over to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - @quicklykevin – to get involved and vote for the choices and be in with a chance of winning some 90's Football goodies. Twitter: @quicklykevin Facebook: quicklykevin Instagram: quicklykevin Email: [email protected] For your chance to get your hands on an exclusive 'Graham Says: Hit Les' Quickly Kevin mug leave us a 90's Football based 'Review Haiku' on iTunes!! (Or if you're interested in purchasing one of the remaining few then drop us an email at [email protected] ) Thanks, Chris, Josh, and Michael. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second part of our two-part special on football hooliganism, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper trace the roots of football violence from the 1890s through to its transformation into organised ‘firms’ in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. They discuss the origins of the word ‘hooligan’, early crowd disorder and FA crackdowns, and how post-war prosperity, youth subcultures, away travel and ‘taking ends’ helped create a new kind of fan conflict. The episode also covers the European and England-team flashpoints of the 1970s and 80s, the political and policing response to the Popplewell Report, with later links to post-Hillsborough reforms and why large-scale hooliganism declined. You can listen to this episode ad-free over on our Patreon - Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was. You will also get access to our World Cup countdown, magazine retrospectives and bonus episodes as well as a monthly Q&A with Rob and Jonathan. 01:39 Where the Word ‘Hooligan’ Comes From (1890s London) 04:03 Football Fever: Mass Crowds and Class Anxiety 12:17 What Early ‘Hooliganism’ Looked Like: Pitch Invasions & Crowd Control 17:43 Players Under Attack 20:25 Fan-on-Fan Violence Emerges & the Rise of Away Travel 22:08 Cup Finals, ‘Football Specials’ & Patronising Press Panic 27:27 Post-War: The 60s–70s Gangs Are Coming 29:02 Teddy Boys, Rock ’n’ Roll Panics & Mods vs Rockers 31:02 Merseyside: Away Travel & the Rise of Chanting 36:53 Taking Ends: Territory, Undercover Trouble & the New ‘Game’ 41:58 Europe & England Abroad: From Paris 1975 to Euro 1980 44:00 1980s Casuals, Designer Gear & Firms Arranging Fights 48:43 1985: Luton–Millwall, Heysel, Thatcher & the Popplewell Report 51:28 Aftermath: CCTV, ID Schemes & Taylor Report 53:50 Global Legacy: Ultras, Copycat Firms & Why Football Identity Endures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an effort to become podcasting's version of UK Gold, we're spinning it back and replaying the glory days of QK, every Tuesday and Thursday (although it's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week!!!). This is: QK Reloaded. We'll be playing through our original episodes in release order. And this is... The best and worst goals of the 90s from June 2019! --- ‘Quickly Kevin, will he score?’ : The Pre-Season Training Camp (Episode Ep.6: Best and Worst Goals of the 90's) Here at 'Quickly Kevin...' towers we're currently gearing up for the release of QK Series 5 by getting match fit with a batch of pre-season episodes we're tentatively calling "THINGS FROM THE 90's WE CAN'T BELIEVE HAVEN'T COME UP YET" We'll be with you every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next three weeks. Today's episode we'll be discussing our best and worst goals of the 90's. Let us know exactly why we're wrong on social media... Head over to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - @quicklykevin – to get involved and vote for the choices and be in with a chance of winning some 90's Football goodies. Twitter: @quicklykevin Facebook: quicklykevin Instagram: quicklykevin Email: [email protected] For your chance to get your hands on an exclusive 'Graham Says: Hit Les' Quickly Kevin mug leave us a 90's Football based 'Review Haiku' on iTunes!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a time-travel podcast diving into football’s greatest almost moments — the transfers that came within touching distance of reality, Richie McCormack's Sliding Doors. Sliding Doors goes beyond rumours and gossip to uncover deals that were genuinely on the table Each episode explores how one decision could have reshaped clubs, careers, and the entire football landscape From whispered negotiations to official bids, this is the anatomy of football’s biggest “what ifs” Think Michael Laudrup to Liverpool, Robert Lewandowski to Blackburn… and yes, Ronaldo to Rangers This episode takes us back to the 80s, and as times were changing at Liverpool, a Danish superstar nearly donned the Merseyside red. Laudrup would go on to become one of the standout players of the decade and into the 90s, with clubs such as Lazio, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Ajax. But what would have happened if he had made that initial move to the north-west of England. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

We're on Patreon! As a treat to our loyal listeners, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community. In a new Patreon series - Rob and Jonathan take a trip back through the World Cup! This will be dropping every Wednesday on Patreon - so we've gone with the imaginative title of World Cup Wednesdays! If you join, you'll also be getting ad-free main episodes, loads more bonus episodes, magazine retrospectives and Q&As with Rob and Jonathan. Plus you'll be supporting the show and connecting with the "It Was..." community. Patreon subscribers get: BONUS EDITIONS Exclusive deep dives, specials & extended conversations from one-off specials to extra episodes that expand on our weekly free shows, you’ll get fresh, members-only content - including our “Bonus Editions” strand where Rob and Jonathan go deeper into football’s biggest stories and hidden histories. WORLD CUP WEDNESDAYS! Our countdown to 2026 - every tournament revisited Join Rob and Jonathan as they walk through every World Cup from 1930 to today, exploring the drama, evolution, legends, controversies and cultural impact of each tournament. RETRO MAGAZINE COLLECTION Flicking through the archives of classic football culture A nostalgic series diving into the pages of Shoot! and other retro football magazines - revisiting the stars, forgotten features, and football fandom of decades past. MONTHLY LIVE Q&A WITH ROB & JONATHAN Your chance to ask two of football’s leading writers anything. Submit your questions about recent episodes, football history, their journalism, or upcoming projects — and hear their answers in our LIVE members-only Q&A. JOIN THE IT WAS COMMUNITY Connect with fellow fans & nostalgia lovers Meet other members who share your passion for football history. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of the show. What’s included Exclusive content Q&As Ad-free episodes Private community Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this exclusive episode of The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet, Ian Wright sits down with his former Arsenal teammate Dennis Bergkamp for a special catch up and proper football chat. The two look back on their time at Arsenal, sharing memories from one of the club’s greatest eras and what life was really like in that dressing room. Dennis also gives his thoughts on the current Arsenal side, the pressure that comes with a title challenge, and how today’s game compares to when he was playing. They talk through Dennis’ career, from moving to England and working under Arsène Wenger, to the art of finishing, the strikers he admired, and whether he thinks his game would suit modern football. There’s also a look at international football, the Netherlands team, and the managers who had the biggest impact on his career. Let us know your favourite Bergkamp moment in the comments and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Overlap. 00:00 - Intro 09:48 - Goalscoring 28:38 - Teammates 46:09 - Managers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're launching on Patreon! And to kick things off, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community. In this first episode in a new Patreon series - Rob and Jonathan take a trip back through historic issues of football magazines - starting with Shoot! If you join, you'll also be getting all of our main episdoes ad free, bonus episodes, World Cup countdown and Q&As with Rob and Jonathan. Plus you'll be supporting the show and connecting with the "It Was..." community. Patreon subscribers get: BONUS EDITIONS Exclusive deep dives, specials & extended conversations from one-off specials to extra episodes that expand on our weekly free shows, you’ll get fresh, members-only content - including our “Bonus Editions” strand where Rob and Jonathan go deeper into football’s biggest stories and hidden histories. WORLD CUP COLLECTION Our countdown to 2026 - every tournament revisited Join Rob and Jonathan as they walk through every World Cup from 1930 to today, exploring the drama, evolution, legends, controversies and cultural impact of each tournament. RETRO MAGAZINE COLLECTION Flicking through the archives of classic football culture A nostalgic series diving into the pages of Shoot! and other retro football magazines - revisiting the stars, forgotten features, and football fandom of decades past. MONTHLY LIVE Q&A WITH ROB & JONATHAN Your chance to ask two of football’s leading writers anything. Submit your questions about recent episodes, football history, their journalism, or upcoming projects — and hear their answers in our LIVE members-only Q&A. JOIN THE IT WAS COMMUNITY Connect with fellow fans & nostalgia lovers Meet other members who share your passion for football history. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of the show. What’s included Exclusive content Q&As Ad-free episodes Private community Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an effort to become podcasting's version of UK Gold, we're spinning it back and replaying the glory days of QK, every Tuesday and Thursday (although it's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday this week!!!). This is: QK Reloaded. We'll be playing through our original episodes in release order. And this is... Tom Craine reviewing a Chester City legend in an episode first broadcast on 3rd December 2018. --- Back in the studio this week is Quickly Kevin regular Tom Craine as we take a look at Terry Smith's failed spell at Chester City in the late 90s. Deploying such tactics as 'regular 442 rules', appointing "three captains" and passing on half time advice such as "they keep putting it in the hole"; Terry (an American who came to the English football league via the NFL) had been accused of not knowing much about football. We took to a Chester City documentary to discover the truth. There's also an update on Man Utd's away hotel room pairings and an amazing new Eddie McGoldrick chant. Twitter: @quicklykevin Facebook: quicklykevin Instagram: quicklykevin Email: hello@quicklykevin For your chance to win an exclusive 'Graham Says: Hit Les' Quickly Kevin mug leave us a 90's Football based 'Review Haiku' on iTunes!! Thanks, Chris, Josh and Michael. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a time-travel podcast diving into football’s greatest almost moments — the transfers that came within touching distance of reality, Richie McCormack's Sliding Doors. Sliding Doors goes beyond rumours and gossip to uncover deals that were genuinely on the table Each episode explores how one decision could have reshaped clubs, careers, and the entire football landscape From whispered negotiations to official bids, this is the anatomy of football’s biggest “what ifs” Think Michael Laudrup to Liverpool, Robert Lewandowski to Blackburn… and yes, Ronaldo to Rangers This episode rewinds to the summer of 1997 — Britpop excess, post-Eurovision Ireland, and a transfer market on the brink of chaos A 20-year-old Ronaldo Nazário is tearing La Liga apart and attracting every giant in European football Barcelona, Inter, Lazio… and astonishingly, Glasgow Rangers enter the race With Champions League ambition and serious financial muscle, Rangers launch a sensational bid Inside the negotiations, the contracts, the Nike influence, and the offer that would’ve shocked world football What would it have meant for Scottish football, European competition, and the 1998 World Cup? One signature. One fax. One sliding door — and football history might have looked very different Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

We are excited to announce that we will be launching a Patreon on Friday 6th February, where you can get bonus episodes and exclusive content. Follow the link below to sign up: Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. On today's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue exploring one of the most controversial football transfers - Luis Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. In this second part of the two-part series, they delve into the public and private turmoil surrounding the transfer, including the dramatic fallout at both clubs, fan reactions, and the momentous pig's head incident. They also examine the long-term impact on Figo's career and friendships, and the profound changes this transfer spurred in football. Don't miss this thrilling conclusion! 00:00 Exciting News and our Patreon Launch 02:51 Introduction to the Episode 04:28 Speculation and Media Frenzy 06:17 Election Drama and Figo's Dilemma 07:30 The Final Decision 09:52 The Fallout and Consequences 11:51 The Election Results 13:56 Figo's Reluctance and Pressure 16:26 The Persuasion Tactics 19:20 The Final Agreement 28:19 Florentino's Persuasion Tactics 31:22 Figo's Announcement and Gaspar's Reaction 33:14 The Fallout in Barcelona 40:57 The First El Clásico After the Transfer 43:49 The Infamous Pig's Head Incident 48:56 The Lingering Legacy and Impact 53:20 Figo's Reflections and Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest edition of Caught Offside, Andrew and JJ discuss the final matchday of the Champions League League Phase. We'll go through all of the chaos that transpired at the end of Benfica-Real Madrid, we'll share our thoughts on Liam Rosenior guiding Chelsea to a huge win in Naples and we'll decipher how Spurs can be 14th in the Premier League and 4th int he Champions League. We'll also hand out some winners and losers of the League Phase as well. For even more Caught Offside content, get on over to Caught Offside Plus right now! In our most recent episode, we travel back in time to certain iconic soccer moments in an attempt to try and change the sport's history. To sign up, just go to https://caughtoffside.supercast.com! Once you have access to the premium feed, be sure to go back and check out our special "welcome episode" from June 24th, 2024 (we don't think you'll be disappointed)! And for all the latest merch, get over to https://caughtoffsidepod.com/ - IT'S REALLY COLD OUT! GET A WINTER HAT! --- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CaughtOffsidePod/ X: https://twitter.com/COsoccerpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caughtoffsidepod/ Email: [email protected] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caughtoffsidepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. In the final episode of our four-part special on the NASL, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into the decline and eventual collapse of the league. From financial instability, over-expansion, and missed opportunities, to the controversial business decisions and the rise of indoor soccer. This episode covers the myriad of factors that led to the NASL's downfall. Explore the final turbulent years, the impact on US Soccer, and the lessons learned from one of football's most intriguing leagues. 00:00 Introduction to the NASL and Its Peak 02:08 The Decline Begins: Post-Pele Era 05:36 Celebrity Owners and Financial Woes 09:01 The Cosmos' Dominance and League Format Issues 19:21 Franchise Movements and Player Strikes 29:03 The Beginning of the End: Financial Losses and Decline 36:13 Ownership Disputes and Relocations 37:53 Franchise Failures and Player Movements 43:34 NASL's Struggles and FIFA's Ultimatum 44:28 The Final Collapse of NASL 55:18 Failed Experiments and Indoor Soccer 01:01:49 The End of NASL and Its Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the pod we’re joined by the legend Dean Saunders. Now best known for his TalkSPORT appearances, but many moons ago he was managing “two strikers who could do things Haaland couldn’t” our very own Chris Brown and Jon Parkin… and he didn’t have a bad playing career either. Dean’s training sessions have gone down in Under The Cosh folklore, especially for the prizes handed out, including a racehorse for Friday’s man of the match. Today, we finally hear straight from the horse’s mouth (Saunders, not Constitution Hill 🐎) about the science behind it all and how he even used a local reporter to motivate his players. Looking back on his playing career, Saunders once set the British transfer record — which some might say would make him a £100m+ player in today’s market… our research says closer to £36 million. While starring for the likes of Aston Villa and Liverpool, he became prolific using a foolproof technique that guaranteed 18+ goals a season without relying too much on his own ability. We also hear stories involving Ron Atkinson’s genius man-management, El Hadji Diouf playing an integral role in presidential elections, Jamie O’Hara causing him to get sacked, Graeme Souness starting a riot, and Pascal Chimbonda’s unforgettable wink. This show is sponsored by Betano Get £40 in FREE BETS at http://betano.co.uk/cosh when you bet £10 18+ gambleaware.org T&Cs apply 🌏Get an exclusive NordVPN deal here → https://nordvpn.com/cosh This is risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! Bespoke kits for your club with O'Neills Sportswear UK👇 👕Your custom design 🚚Delivered in 4-6 weeks ✅Low minimum order quantity 🤝Kit out your team now, from this link: https://bit.ly/3z46QiI 🎧 Full episode available to listen & download now: 🟢 Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/yc4dnec3 🍏 Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/yue6snp3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimbo is joined by James Horncastle, Tom Williams and Musa Okwonga as they open up the Totally Almanac in the 90's to celebrate George Weah. "The life of this guy is a film" said his mentor Arsene Wenger; from a Shanty town in Monrovia to becoming the first and only African Ballon d'Or winner and eventually becoming the president of Liberia. King George first won the hearts of Monaco and PSG fans with his dazzling runs and infectious personality before moving to Milan and winning two Serie A titles and scoring countless unforgettable goals. But was his pitch-long run & finish against Verona the goal of the decade? Plus your questions and a fiendish Weah themed quiz question set by Duncan Alexander. Produced by Charlie Jones and Jesse Howard. RUNNING ORDER: • PART 1: Why Weah? (0.40) • PART 2a: Duncan’s quiz question (08.35) • PART 2b: The Totally Extra Almanac (09.35) • PART 3a: Weah’s time in France (14.50) • PART 3b: King George in Milan (22.30) • PART 4a: Your questions on Weah (38.40) • PART 5a: Weah’s time in England (54.00) • PART 5b: The quiz question answer (1h06) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this third episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper dive deep into the transformation kicked off by the arrival of legendary soccer star Pele. We go on an epic journey of the NASL, from shambolic beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic and influential leagues in world football, even if just for a short while. We explore how the NASL went from drawing crowds, to attracting the highest-paid player in the world, and the ensuing excitement and challenges that followed. Featuring the key moments, star players, innovative marketing strategies, and the initial signs of financial instability, this episode captures the league at its highest just before its inevitable decline. Don't miss this fascinating look at the peaks of NASL's history and what ultimately led the league to stumble. Tune in next week for the final episode of this four-part series. 02:33 The Growth of Soccer in American Schools and Colleges 03:32 Financial Struggles and the Arrival of Pele 13:54 Innovative Rule Changes and Attendance Issues 18:11 The Role of Media and Celebrity Influence 23:55 The NASL's Expansion and Financial Commitments 31:20 The Pursuit of Soccer Superstars 33:01 Pele's Impact on American Soccer 34:56 The Rise of NASL Franchises 36:59 Challenges and Financial Struggles 39:11 Marketing Gimmicks and Celebrity Players 55:03 The Golden Year of 1977 01:04:36 Pele's Farewell and Future Uncertainties Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why was Arsene Wenger so key to getting the best out of Thierry Henry? How did he encapsulate the essence of Va Va Voom in his play? Where does he rank on the list of the Premier League’s best ever strikers? Gary, Alan and Micah get together for the first show in our new series Premier League Greats: The Moments That Made Them. New episodes in this series will be released every Wednesday and each show will be dedicated to a specific Premier League icon. The guys will pick out five key moments that defined their career, discussing what made them so special and sharing some of their best stories from playing alongside and against them. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue onto part two of a four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL). They discuss the initial attempts to establish professional soccer leagues in America, including the rivalries between the NASL and the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). The episode covers the impact of foreign teams, the financial and logistical hurdles, and the ongoing struggle to gain popularity and acceptance in the U.S. market. With input from past experiences and key figures, they provide an in-depth look at why American soccer faced numerous setbacks and what was done to overcome them. Join us next week for part three! 01:09 The Early Years of Soccer in the USA 01:34 The Impact of the Wall Street Crash 06:46 Post-War Challenges 09:43 The Decline of American Soccer in the 1950s 21:46 The 1960s: A Decade of Missed Opportunities 27:15 The Birth of the NASL 33:25 Lack of American Players in Early Leagues 34:55 Rival Leagues: NPSL vs NASL 35:42 Initial Matches and Attendance Issues 40:11 Discipline Problems and Game Abandonments 48:10 Financial Struggles and Legal Battles 49:13 National Team Struggles and Attempts at Growth 50:31 Foreign Influence and Pre-season Tours 54:48 Financial Instability and League Contraction 58:20 NASL's Unconventional Season Format 01:00:32 Legacy and Future Prospects of NASL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a special guest and former footballer Dennis Tueart. In this first episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), Dennis, known for his iconic moments with Sunderland and Manchester City, shares his remarkable journey from English football to the booming NASL in the 1970s. Discover his experiences with the New York Cosmos, playing alongside legends like Franz Beckenbauer, replacing Pele, navigating cultural shifts, and understanding the challenges and triumphs that shaped the future of soccer in America. Don't miss this deep dive into football history, glamour, and the evolution of the beautiful game in the United States. 00:57 Dennis Tueart's Transfer to the Cosmos 02:05 Challenges and Decisions 04:19 Arrival and Initial Impressions 07:15 Experiences and Reflections 11:38 Life in the NASL 17:18 Training and Facilities 18:58 Pre-season and Early Challenges 25:14 The NASL's Unique Rules 29:55 Challenges and Triumphs in the NASL 30:25 Play-off Performances and Nicknames 30:59 Intense Matches and Injuries 31:36 The Semi-final Comeback 36:27 Winning the Conference Final 37:40 Facing Rodney Marsh and Tampa Bay 42:51 Touring and Transitioning 46:53 Final Reflections and Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this Christmas Special Episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author John Smith to talk about his new book - 'Escape: A Love Letter to a Cult Football Classic' all about the film 'Escape to Victory'. The trio delve into the making of the film, revealing behind-the-scenes stories, discussing the film's historical context, and analysing the football sequences. We take a look at inside stories from the remarkable cast and crew, including Pele and Sylvester Stallone. The three discuss amusing anecdotes, the authenticity of the football matches and the film's lasting impact. This episode is a must-listen for fans of film and football history. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from the It Was What It Was team! 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming John Smith 04:41 The Making of 'Escape to Victory' 20:44 Historical Resonances and Themes 28:59 Behind the Scenes Stories 34:09 The Escape Plan in the Film 37:11 The Cast and Their Connections 41:36 The Missing Footballer Mystery 46:01 Lack of Female Characters 47:06 The Football Game Analysis 53:19 The Half-Time Escape Plan 58:00 The Final Match Moments 01:06:13 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.