The Athletic FC Presents...

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  Gordon Ramsay: Why I Love The Beautiful Game 24.06.2026 13min

  Gordon Ramsay is one of the world's leading chefs and is cosy with with all corners of high society. He's friends with David Beckham, he's played soccer with Diego Maradona and he's cooked for Pele. In the latest episode of The Athletic's 'Why I Love The Beautiful Game' World Cup series, Ramsay opens up about how close he came to making it as a soccer professional and why his two biggest loves in life overlap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Wagner Moura: Why I Love The Beautiful Game 19.06.2026 9min

  You know Wagner Moura from his starring roles portraying Pablo Escobar in Narcos and and The Secret Agent. What you may not know is his love of soccer. The first Brazilian actor to win or be nominated in his category at the Golden Globes, Moura is a life-long soccer obsessive. In the latest episode from The Athletic's 'Why I Love The Beautiful Game' series, Moura tells us why his first memories are not of movies, but of watching soccer back in his home town of Bahia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Tom Hiddleston: Why I Love The Beautiful Game 17.06.2026 9min

  Tom Hiddleston love for soccer has run alongside his acting career, but long since preceded it. It all started with watching England compete at the European Championship in 1996 and later turned into a love affair with Arsenal when he moved to North London to study acting more than 25 years ago.In the latest of The Athletic's 'Why I Love The Beautiful Game' World Cup series, the Marvel actor discusses why he's feeling bullish about England's chances this summer - particularly under new head coach Thomas Tuchel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Zohran Mamdani: Why I Love The Beautiful Game 16.06.2026 11min

  New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's personal love affair with soccer is well documented, but he wants the rest of New York City to fall in love with sport too. In the latest instalment of The Athletic's 'Why I Love The Beautiful Game' World Cup series, Mamdani talks about his own World Cup memories, how Arsenal can take the next step and how he fought for discounted ticket prices for New Yorkers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Brandon Aubrey: Why I Love The Beautiful Game 12.06.2026 12min

  Brandon Aubrey is best-known as the highest-paid kicker in NFL history, having signed a four-year $28 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys in April. Yet he entered the NFL as a 28-year-old rookie, having previously been a first-round pick as a center-back in the Major League Soccer Draft for Toronto FC.He sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton for the latest in the 'Why I Love The Beautiful Game' World Cup series to discuss his fondness for the sport that nearly shaped his career and how far the USMNT can go in the tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Brian Cox: Why I Love The Beautiful Game 04.06.2026 11min

  In the first of The Athletic's 'Why I Love The Beautiful Game' World Cup series in which some of the world’s most recognisable and talented people explain what football (or soccer) means to them, The Athletic's Adam Crafton sits down with iconic stage and screen actor Brian Cox. Cox is most known for his role as Logan Roy in HBO's Grammy award winning series Succession, but his roots - and love of football - are based in Dundee, Scotland.Cox's fondness for the current Arsenal team may be mistaken for allegiance, but that belongs to Manchester United, a Premier League club steeped in Scottish heritage, as he details during this interview from his home in Brooklyn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The World Cup and War 03.05.2026 56min

  This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less than 40 days. Co-hosts USA remain at war with Iran, with fellow Middle East participants and historic allies drawn into the conflict - and FIFA caught in the middle. Travel bans, political protests and fears over ICE guarantee a turbulent countdown.This special episode hears from players, coaches, fans, regional experts and human rights advocates on the geopolitical backdrop to World Cup 2026.Presenter: Adam LeventhalProducer: Paul IliffeAudio from: AP, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, FIFA, England Records, beIN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Anatomy of a Transfer: Your Questions Answered 03.02.2026 56min

  Exotic clauses, tapping up and how much agents really get paid. Your questions answered is the transfer special that you control.Adam Leventhal heads to Malaga and beyond to pose your enquiries to those operating in the transfer market right now.Contributions and insight comes from 15 representatives from multiple Premier League, European and global clubs — including takes from the U.S., Brazil, Morocco, Japan and Australia — and financial and legal experts with a deep knowledge of the transfer business.Scouts, sporting directors, agents and former players telling you what it's really like working in the transfer business.Writer & Presenter: Adam LeventhalProducer: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Can sport make huge profits sustainably? 21.01.2026 33min

  The global sports industry is booming — already worth an estimated $2.3 trillion a year, with projections suggesting it could almost triple by 2050. But according to a new report from the World Economic Forum, that growth is far from guaranteed.In this episode of The Athletic FC, Matt Slater digs into the findings of Sports for People and Planet, a report that warns climate change and rising physical inactivity could threaten sport’s long-term business model. So how can sport — and football in particular — continue to grow without undermining its own future?First, Matt speaks to Tony Simpson, one of the report’s authors from consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, to unpack the numbers and the risks facing the industry. Then, attention turns to the club level, with insights from Rishi Jain of Liverpool FC on how one of football’s biggest institutions is thinking about sustainability, responsibility and profit in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Underground World of Illegal Streaming 09.11.2025 1h 1min

  Does the rise of illegal streaming pose an existential threat to football?To answer that question, Adam Leventhal has spent the last six months looking into the culture, crime and crisis associated with pirating live football matches.In this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast you'll hear undercover reporting and behind the scenes access to police investigations, including how the world's largest illegal sports streaming platform was taken down.We get the takes of match-going fans, and ask if 'Premflix' is the future of Premier League broadcasting?If you're an Athletic subscriber you can have your say here.And if you're not yet a subscriber, join here and have your say.Please note that the documentary has content some listeners may find upsetting.Host: Adam LeventhalMixing: Jay BealeProducer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from Amazon, Sky Sports, tallkSPORT, Leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Inside the world of Premier League referees 10.08.2025 53min

  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 LeventhalExec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Transfers that shook the world: Sol Campbell to Arsenal 03.08.2025 41min

  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 AkinwolereWith: Amy Lawrence & Danny KellyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke & Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Transfers that shook the world: Carlos Tevez to Manchester City 03.08.2025 43min

  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 AkinwolereWith: Andy Mitten & Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Transfers that shook the world: Ashley Cole to Chelsea 03.08.2025 41min

  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 AkinwolereWith: Simon Johnson & James McNicholasExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Transfers that shook the world: Robin Van Persie to Man United 03.08.2025 45min

  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 AkinwolereWith: David Ornstein, Amy Lawrence, Oli Kay & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Transfers that shook the world: Fernando Torres to Chelsea 03.08.2025 41min

  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 AkinwolereWith: Simon Hughes and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Transfers that shook the world: Luís Figo to Real Madrid 03.08.2025 38min

  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 AkinwolereWith: Pol Ballús, José Antonio Espina & Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Lucy OlivaSound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  At what cost? Saudi Arabia and soccer 13.07.2025 1h

  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 LeventhalProducer: Jesse HowardExec Producer: Abi PatersonFeaturing footage from: DAZN, Fox News, CBS News, France 24 News, FIFA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Most Powerful Man in World Football 08.07.2025 58min

  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.
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  A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026 30.03.2025 1h

  In Los Angeles, California, four nations collided in a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office, and they all met, with the US, in the Nations League finals.Adam Leventhal has been looking into what happens when the sport and politics are thrust together like this speaking with the players, stakeholders and fans to find out how they feel about the various subplots surrounding this tournament and the 2026 World Cup.How do the co-hosts put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division?Host: Adam LeventhalExec Prod: Abi PatersonFeaturing audio from: The Daily, The Headlines, CBS, NBC, CSPAN, ESPN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.