The Athletic FC Podcast

Spain are deservedly champions of Europe.

So why are England once again unable to take the final step?

And will it be Gareth Southgate’s final game as manager? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Pol Ballus

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale

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Lamine Yamal turns 17 the day before Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England and he’s already produced the moment of the tournament with his wonder goal in the semi-final win over France.

So how did he get so good so young? 

And will his club side Barcelona be able to keep hold of him in the long term?

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, who is out in Germany covering Spain at Euro 2024 as well as La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan is analyse the rise of Lamine Yamal and look ahead to what could await him on his return to Barcelona.

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Related articles:

Perfection, by Lamine Yamal - The Athletic

The story behind the viral photos of Lionel Messi and a baby Lamine Yamal - The Athletic

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England left it late, but thanks for Ollie Watkins' last minute winner are through to the final at Euro 2024.

So are they now good, or just really lucky having relied on a number of big moments throughout the tournament?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay who was in Dortmund for the 2-1 win over the Netherlands as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers to analyse England's route to the final and the role of manager Gareth Southgate. 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Related articles:

England, a team of comebacks, late winners and finals. These are extraordinary times - The Athletic

Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer and an England goal that was worth the wait - The Athletic

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On Friday, Arne Slot was officially unveiled as head coach in a new era at Liverpool.

Yesterday, The Athletic reported that the club’s owners FSG are interested in purchasing French club Bordeaux. So what is the plan, and how would it benefit Liverpool?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: James Pearce, Matt Slater

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

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Manchester United are working to finalise a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.

His performances in Italy have earned him a spot in the Dutch squad for the Euros. 

So is Zirkzee an upgrade on United’s existing forward options? 

Or could they be about to make a move for a more experienced Premier League striker? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: David Ornstein and Carl Anka

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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England are through to the semi-final at Euro 2024 after seeing off Switzerland on penalties. Yet for Gareth Southgate’s side there were familiar problems in Dusseldorf with Harry Kane again struggling to make an impact.

No doubt he’ll start Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands but should he? 

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay as well as Jacob Whitehead to discuss Kane's role ahead of Wednesday's meeting in Dortmund.

Football tactics writer Ahmed Walid also drops in to join in the conversation around the rest of the semi-finalists leading forwards while Pol Ballus explains the importance of Alvaro Morata to Spain both on and off the pitch.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Oli Kay, Jacob Whitehead and Ahmed Walid

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Related articles

Is Harry Kane in danger of becoming England’s Cristiano Ronaldo? - The Athletic

Memphis Depay vs Wout Weghorst: The striker debate which cuts to the heart of Dutch football - The Athletic

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Just weeks after considering managerial replacements, Manchester United have extended Erik ten Hag’s contract until 2026.

With so much structural change at the club, is this a genuine show of faith in the manager?

And with preseason starting Monday, what are the problems that still need to be fixed before the Premier League returns?

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Mark Critchley, Dan Sheldon

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

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Try as he might, Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting for his first goal at Euro 2024, despite having 20 shots at goal during the tournament so far.

Maybe, time is finally catching up with the 39 year old. If that’s the case - is the power and influence Ronaldo has on this Portugal side still worth it?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Oli Kay, who was in the Frankfurt Arena for Portugal's last 16 tie with Slovenia on Monday night, as well as Tim Spiers to analyse what Ronaldo brings both on and off the pitch ahead of Friday's quarter-final against France.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Oli Kay and Tim Spiers

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Related articles:

Cristiano Ronaldo cannot rage against the dying of the light forever - The Athletic

The cult of Cristiano Ronaldo - The Athletic

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Tottenham have won the race for teenage sensation Archie Gray, seeing off competition from the likes of Brentford and Borussia Dortmund.

Leeds United said they were heartbroken after seeing him go - so why did they let their academy star leave?

And what does the signing of Gray tell us about Spurs’ summer transfer policy? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Nancy Froston and Jay Harris

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Less than a month into this summer’s transfer window, one crucial deadline has already passed as club’s scrambled to comply with PSR.

Amongst those were Newcastle United, so how did they find a way to balance the books?

And what is the situation at St James’ Park for the rest of the summer transfer window?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh to analyse a frantic weekend of dealing.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: David Ornstein and Chris Waugh

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Guy Clarke

Inside Newcastle’s frantic attempts to sell players and comply with PSR - The Athletic

Manchester United agree deal with Newcastle to appoint Dan Ashworth as new sporting director - The Athletic

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