Wesley Fofana, Hannibal Mejbri, Tolu Arokodare, Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez were all sent monkey emojis on social media this past weekend.

Different players. Same message. The cycle is familiar by now: abuse, outrage, statements, silence. In this episode, we ask what it would actually take to break that loop.

The VERSUS Podcast brings you into our world as our team have the conversations others avoid — challenging the game and telling you where football and culture go next.

Got something you want us to discuss? [email protected] 

Host: Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Cast: Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt) Ahmed Shooble (@AhmedShooble)

Under Armour are offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to young athletes across London through their UA Next programme. The VERSUS team breaks down why this approach matters, what it gets right, and how it could help shape the next generation of future stars.

We also look ahead to AFCON, why excitement around the tournament feels higher than ever, and take a moment to pay respect to a true legend of African football.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Got something you want us to discuss? Email [email protected]

Cast: @MayowaQuadri_ x @CoreyPellatt

Nike and Palace have joined forces for a collaboration that has the streets talking. While the product drop grabbed the initial headlines, the creation of a South East London community hub has become the real story.

The VERSUS team breaks down why this is a true example of what good brand partnership in football looks like — exploring its social impact and what it means for both Nike and Palace.

We also unpack the growing discourse around Mary Earps ahead of her new book launch — and why some of the narratives surrounding it might be more harmful than they seem. Plus, we discuss how one strategic move from Erling Haaland has revealed a new side to his personality, and why it could inspire other players to follow suit.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS — bringing you closer to the people, stories, and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Got something you want us to discuss? Email [email protected].

Host: @mayowaquadri

Cast: @CoreyPellatt @AmiLouCri @Ojhnyn)

Are the people who vote for the Ballon d'Or winner actually watching women's football?

The VERSUS team break down the controversy surrounding the 2025 Ballon d'Or Féminin winner and assess the prize's relevance in contemporary football culture. We also look at why players are freeing it more than ever on social, Moise Kean's arrival on the EA Sports FC soundtrack, and pay tribute to the life and career of Matt Beard.

Got something you want us to discuss? Email [email protected].

Host: @mayowaquadri

Cast: @CoreyPellatt @AmiLouCri

The Barclays WSL has returned for its biggest ever season and VERSUS has linked up with Sky Sports to drop the ultimate guide for a brand new season.

Hosted by Mayowa Quadri, ‘Welcome Home’ is a hype show for the new season that goes deep on some of the most important issues in the game and its wider culture right now.

From breaking down the biggest transfers of the summer to exploring how Chloe Kelly’s status as a national icon will grow the game, we’ve pulled together some of the biggest and best voices in the space to analyse the culture of the WSL like never before.

Joining Mayowa are journalist and broadcaster Fadumo Olow, presenter and writer Marva Kreel, and football-culture content creator Tiannah Pedler.

Sky Sports is the home of the WSL this season, broadcasting 90% of all live games as part of a historic five-year partnership.

Women's football is about to blow up. Again.

With England still celebrating the second consecutive European crown, the WSL starting the new season with competitive changes, and WAFCON making more headlines than ever – the stage is set for the women's game to undergo another big boom.

The VERSUS team breaks down why English football can't afford to make the same mistakes twice, the biggest changes from England's win three years ago, and why misogyny is still a bigger problem than ever.

We also look at the latest chapter in Dele Alli and why his life and career deserve far more credit than mainstream media ever gives it.

Got something you want us to discuss? Send your questions and topics: [email protected]

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (CoreyPellatt)

Johnny Kay (Ojhnyn)

England are headlining another summer of women’s football with a Euros final on the horizon – but while Europe takes the spotlight, too many stories from the women’s game around the world are still going untold.

The VERSUS team breaks down why women’s football outside Europe deserves more respect, and explores the reasons why the coverage gap at tournaments like WAFCON and Copa América Femenina exists.

We also debate whether nostalgia in football-fashion is eating itself – sparked by Chelsea’s latest OVO collab – and unpack why Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona feels like so much more than just a transfer.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Got something to say? Send your questions and hot takes to The Admin: [email protected]

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Corey Pellatt (CoreyPellatt)

Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)

Johnny Kay (Ojhnyn)

As headline sponsors of Baller League, O2 invited us down to take over the O2 Blueroom and create a bespoke space for O2 Priority members, Baller League talent, and VIP guests ahead of the night’s action. With DJ Teddy supplying the vibes, and an all-star crowd in attendance, the O2 Blueroom set the tone for a huge finale.

VERSUS hosted a ‘Future of Football’ panel led by the brand’s very own Chief Commercial Officer, Johnny Kay. With the conversation exploring how Baller League is shaping the future of the game across fashion, content and community — with insights from footballers Albie Sheehan-Cozens and Bryan Ly, as well as content creators Anita Abayomi and Cameron Babayemi aka Culture Cams.

Just as Boots Only Summer has arrived, Nike begin the roll-out for their new Cryoshot silhouette. It’s an innovative new drop, but it's not the first time the Swoosh has transformed football boots into sneakers.

The VERSUS team breaks down why Nike is doubling down on this approach after the relaunch of the Total 90.

We also dive into why the Unity Cup was such a success, and why the media terming Black players as arrogant is a dangerous narrative.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Ahmed Shooble (@ahmedshooble)

Johnny Kay (@Ojhnyn)

Chelsea’s domestic treble is the latest proof that proper investment drives success in the women’s game — and with fresh backing from Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, the Blues are only getting stronger.

The VERSUS team break down what this game-changing move means for the WSL, and what other clubs can learn from it.

We also dive into the rise of the underdog, as Crystal Palace lift their first-ever major trophy, and explore why football needs more stories like theirs. Plus, we give Jamie Vardy his flowers as he closes the curtain on a legendary chapter with Leicester.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)

Ahmed Shooble (@ahmedshooble)

Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)