Back in 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo said on an English chat show that he wouldn't play in a league like that of Qatar or of the US, and that the end of his career would have dignity. Of course we all say things when we're an impetuous 30 year old that we later reconsider when we're approaching 38, but his move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr appears to have closed the meaningful part of his playing career. Still, he does get to play in a Champions League. Also on this week's podcast we discuss the Bundesliga's decision to stick with its regular winter break while the rest of Europe is back in thrilling action. And with the transfer window now open, are Real poised to snatch Jude Bellingham from the clutches of his many English suitors? For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. What's in the Weekend Boxset? While the Bundesliga is still on its winter break there are some of Europe's biggest local derbies this weekend - in Manchester, North London, Lisbon and the Basque Country. There are also crunch games in Serie A and the WSL. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_520.mp3

If it's Christmas it must be time for our Advent Calendar, with twenty four of the biggest football topics for the upcoming year hide behind its doors. A host of our favourite football writers and broadcasters join us to help out with our epic Christmas special. Who will be the surprise packages, the head-line grabbers, the heroes and the zeroes of 2023? For more information on all our special guests, links to their websites, podcasts, books and social media, and a full list of all the subjects behind the doors opened on this advent calendar, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_519.mp3

Our World Cup coverage comes to a close at the semi-final stage: Argentina face the challenge of Croatia while holders France have to shatter the dreams of Morocco. Given the nature of the competition so far who would predict the outcome of the three remaining fixtures? Sadly England are on their way home after a heart-breaking quarter final against the French. The immediate narrative in England is whether or not Gareth Southgate should remain as head coach. If he does decide to leave before qualification for Euro 2024 begins in March, who should take over? For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_518.mp3

We've reached the knockout stage of World Cup 2022, and for a while it was looking like teams from outside of Europe and South America were going to make an impact. After the high drama of the group stage, some people are questioning the wisdom of expanding the 2026 tournament to 48 teams, with unsatisfactory competition formats being proposed by FIFA. For nations in parts of the world where football is still developing, qualification is significantly harder than for nations in the traditional bases of the game. What can be done to give fairer access to football's top table while maintaining the quality and drama we currently enjoy? For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_517.mp3

The World Cup reaches its halfway point with the hosts Qatar already eliminated. Other Asian nations though have caused upsets with Japan getting the better of Germany and Saudi Arabia achieiving one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history against pre-tournament favourites Argentina. African nations have made a good showing with Moroccoo taking down an under-performing Belgium side and Cameroon and Ghana racking up the goals in thrilling matches. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_516.mp3

England's World Cup has got off to a dream start with a comfortable, confidence-building win over Iran. Off the field the controversies continue to overshadow the whole event - including FIFA's decision to block the England captain's choice to wear the OneLove armband. On the field, in the matches that have been played so far, there's been a lot of time added on for stoppages in a deliberate effort to disincentivise time-wasting. Will it work, or just make games even longer? Also, we've done a World Cup quiz, why not test your knowledge. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_515.mp3

The World Cup in Qatar is finally here. Our coverages begins more muted than it has in the past. The scandals and controversies that have surrounded this tournament have tarnished the World Cup, a competition that was already damaged from years of FIFA sleaze and political opportunism. Throughout the next month we'll be walking the tightrope of enjoying the games while hating everything else that surrounds them. How will England get on? Who are the dark horses? Can we find any surprises? For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_514.mp3

This week Gareth Southgate will announce his 26 man squad for the upcoming World Cup. Many of the players included in the squad will have developed through the FA's St George's Park-based England DNA coaching philosophy, established in 2014. In his new book Get it kicked!: The battle for the soul of English football, broadcaster Jon Driscoll analyses the current nature of English football from the England set-up all the way down to kids playing in the park. Jon makes a welcome return to the podcast to discuss the subjects raised in his study. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_513.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Two English managers at top clubs go face to face as Graham Potter's Chelsea side go to take on Eddie Howe's Newcastle. Meanwhile Potter's former club Brighton look to continue their turnaround against Unai Emery's Aston Villa Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

Steven Gerrard's dismissal had an immediate positive impact on his former charges at Aston Villa, as they ran out 4-0 winners at home to Brentford. On whom does this sudden change of fortunes reflect worse on, the former manager or the players who were obviously under-performing? Also, we look at last weekend's draw for next year's Women's World Cup. England's group sees them face Asian champions China along with Denmark and a still to be decided play-off winner. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_512.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? After its launch in Scotland last weekend, we'll see how VAR behaves itself as Celtic visit Livingston. There's also an extra treat for fans of South American football on Saturday night as the BBC are showing the all-Brazilian Copa Libertadores final, Flamengo v Athletico Paranaense. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

Continuing a fine tradition on this podcast, we present our version of the draw for next year's Women's World Cup, to be held in Australia and New Zealand. Discover the things you didn't know you wanted to see in the real thing on Saturday. With two hosts, the tournament is divided into two halves: one being played exclusively in Australia, the other mostly in New Zealand. Unlike regular World Cups, this means that a side could face the same team in the semi-finals as they did in the group stage. It also means that even before a ball is kicked, one half of the draw could be much tougher than the other. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog, where you can also see how our draw turned out. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_511.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Back in the real world, the weekend kicks off with O Clássico from Portugal. There's also a pair of spectacles from the Premier League: Chelsea v Manchester United and Spurs v Newcastle. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.