Life is Football

The Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual accolade, is always a hotly contested prize, a culmination of a year's worth of breathtaking performances. As we navigate 2025, one name is resonating with an undeniable force in the conversation: Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian King, once again, has set the Premier League alight, leading many to ask if this is finally the year he claims the coveted golden ball. My answer: It is very, very possible. If any year, this is the year for Salah. Salah's Unstoppable 2024/2025 Season: The Undeniable Case Mohamed Salah has just completed another truly phenomenal season for Liverpool. The statistics speak for themselves: he finished as the Premier League's top goalscorer and its top assister , a dual threat that few players in world football can match. His consistently decisive performances and sheer volume of goal contributions have rightfully earned him the title of Footballer of the Year . Salah's brilliance transce...

Football is a game perpetually chasing records, and in the UEFA Champions League, one number looms large: 17 goals . That's the astounding single-season tally set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013/2014, a benchmark of prolificacy that has stood for over a decade. But as we look ahead to the 2025/2026 campaign, the conversation inevitably turns to Erling Haaland. The Manchester City goal-machine has shattered records throughout his career, and many are now asking: Can this be the year he finally eclipses Ronaldo's Champions League mark? My answer: Absolutely. The stars are aligning for the Norwegian phenomenon. Haaland's Champions League Pedigree: A Glimpse of Greatness Haaland's Champions League journey has been nothing short of sensational. With an incredible 49 goals in just 48 appearances (as of mid-2025), his strike rate is unparalleled. While his best season saw him net 12 goals during City's triumphant 2022/2023 campaign, the stage is set for an even bigger explo...

Every so often, a talent emerges from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy that immediately sparks comparisons to a club legend. In 2025, that talent is Pau Cubarsí, and the name on everyone's lips is Carles Puyol. The young defender has taken the football world by storm, leading many to ask: could this teenage sensation truly be the heir to Puyol's iconic throne? My take is that while it’s a monumental ask, it's a possibility, but the shadow of Puyol's legacy is vast. Pau Cubarsí's Meteoric Ascent At just 18 years old, Pau Cubarsí has rocketed from La Masia's youth ranks to a pivotal role in Barcelona's first team. His composure on the ball is startlingly mature for his age, boasting an incredible passing range that belies his inexperience. Cubarsí reads the game with the intelligence of a veteran, often intercepting danger before it fully materializes. His defensive positioning, tactical understanding, and ability to play out from the back have quickly m...

Football is a game of constant evolution, where tactical innovations can shift the very fabric of how teams play. For decades, full-backs were primarily known for their relentless runs up and down the flanks, hugging the touchline to provide width. But look closely at the top teams in 2025, and you'll see a quiet revolution underway: the rise of the inverted full-back . This seemingly subtle tweak has profoundly changed midfield dynamics, build-up play, and even defensive structures, marking a new era in tactical sophistication. What Exactly Is an Inverted Full-Back? Traditionally, full-backs operate on the wings, overlapping or underlapping their respective wingers. An inverted full-back, however, does something different. When their team is in possession, instead of staying wide, they drift inwards into central midfield . They effectively become an extra midfielder, creating a crowded central area, leaving the wide channels free for wingers or advanced midfielders to exploit. Thi...

Football is a rollercoaster, and few careers embody its dramatic highs and lows quite like Paul Pogba's. From being the golden boy of Turin to lifting the World Cup, then facing battles with injuries and unforeseen circumstances, the journey of the French superstar has been anything but ordinary. But as whispers of his potential return to the pitch grow, the question on every French football fan's mind echoes: Can Paul Pogba truly achieve a rebirth and once again don the iconic blue jersey of Les Bleus? My answer: absolutely, he can. The Maestro of 2018: A Legacy Forged in Glory Let's rewind to 2018. The summer of joy, where France conquered the world in Russia. At the heart of that triumph, both literally and figuratively, was Paul Pogba. He wasn't just a player; he was the pulse of the team. His incredible range of passing, his audacious long shots, his physicality, and that inimitable swagger made him indispensable. He scored that vital goal in the final against Croa...

The football world is constantly abuzz with transfer speculation, and as we navigate 2025, one name repeatedly surfaces in conversations about astronomical fees: Alexander Isak. The Swedish sensation at Newcastle United has been a revelation, leading many to wonder if he could break the all-time transfer record. So, what do I think? It's a fascinating prospect, but here's a breakdown of the factors at play. The Current Record Holder First, let's establish the benchmark. The current world record for the most expensive football transfer remains Neymar's €222 million (£200 million) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017. This fee reset the market entirely, and no player has come close to that figure since. Kylian Mbappé's transfer to PSG (initially a loan, then €180 million) is the closest, but still a significant distance away. Alexander Isak's Phenomenal Rise: The Resurgence of the Classic No. 9 Alexander Isak, currently 25 years old, has trul...

Football is a game of evolution, and for clubs at the pinnacle, constant improvement is non-negotiable. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have transformed into a formidable force, consistently challenging for the Premier League title. Yet, as the fine margins between success and silverware become ever clearer, the search for the final pieces of the puzzle intensifies. In 2025, one name has consistently emerged as a potential game-changer for the Gunners: Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish international striker, currently tearing it up in Portugal, possesses a unique blend of attributes that could make him the missing link in Arsenal’s quest for sustained glory. Let's delve into why Gyökeres is the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta's ambitious project. The Rise of a Powerhouse Striker Viktor Gyökeres’s journey has been one of steady progression, culminating in an explosive period at Sporting CP. Since his move to Lisbon, his stock has soared, establishing him as one of Europe’s most coveted num...

Football is no stranger to wonderkids, but every so often, a young player emerges who captures the imagination of fans across the globe. In 2025, that player is Lamine Yamal. At just 17 years old, Yamal has not only become a key part of FC Barcelona’s first team, but he is also breaking records once thought untouchable. In this article, we explore how Lamine Yamal is reshaping the future of Barcelona and making history along the way. The Rise of Lamine Yamal Born in 2007 in Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain, Lamine Yamal joined Barcelona’s legendary La Masia academy at a young age. From the moment he arrived, coaches recognized his exceptional talent. Blessed with quick feet, sharp vision, and a natural instinct for goal, Yamal rapidly advanced through the youth ranks. His technical ability, combined with maturity beyond his years, earned him a call-up to the senior squad earlier than anyone expected. By the age of 15 years and 290 days, he was already making appearances for Barcelona in L...

Football has always been a sport where young talent can change everything. In 2025, several players under the age of 22 are already making their mark on the biggest stages in Europe and beyond. These footballers are not just promising — they are delivering match-winning performances, breaking records, and becoming household names. In this article, we look at the top five rising young football stars of 2025 who every fan should follow closely. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England) At just 21 years old, Jude Bellingham is already considered one of the most complete midfielders in the world. Since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham has adapted seamlessly to life at one of the biggest clubs on the planet. This season (2024/25), Bellingham has been central to Real Madrid’s success in both La Liga and the Champions League. He has played 61 matches across all competitions, scoring an impressive 15 goals and providing 16 assists . His ability to control the tempo, break up...