The players I spoke to include Şükrü Ersoy, one of only two living men who played at the 1954 World Cup, and between them cover every single World Cup since then bar 1958. This has been probably my favourite project that I've ever worked on, and I'm a little sad it's over
A few months ago, I embarked on a quest to speak to 48 World Cup footballers past and present: one from each nation at this year's finals. It was a mission, and a joy. This is what it means, through the decades and across the planet, to play at the World Cup: www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Back at Santos, cradle of Pelé, as Brazil's record scorer: it should be a fairytale. Yet Neymar stands for avarice and 'happiness squandered'; a possible hero, lost. As the World Cup squad looms, will he get one last chance to reclaim his story? Special report from 🇧🇷 www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Back at Santos, cradle of Pelé, as Brazil's record scorer: it should be a fairytale. Yet Neymar stands for avarice and 'happiness squandered'; a possible hero, lost. As the World Cup squad looms, will he get one last chance to reclaim his story? Special report from 🇧🇷 www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
One of the big sports moments of 2026 could be the fall of the men's mile record. With a new generation in pursuit of that goal, I went in search of the soul of this mythic event, which spans continents and decades, but also resides in a glorious but dwindling club: www.thetimes.com/sport/athlet...
In collaboration with @marvio.bsky.social With thanks to Zico, Eduardo Musa, Muricy Ramalho and @msavarese.bsky.social for their contributions
Santos FC gave us Brazil's two greatest scorers. But whereas Pelé was gospel, Neymar is content. Parties, posts, poker, Bolsonaro...as he awaits Ancelotti's World Cup call, is Neymar a symbol of decadence and wasted talent, or a misunderstood modern icon? www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Marking Pelé, team bonding in war-torn Vietnam, stubbing your toe when your nation’s first ever World Cup goal beckons. An alternative, international history of the World Cup, told through the 48 different stories of 48 men whose lives converge there: www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
James Gheerbrant
James Gheerbrant
James Gheerbrant
James Gheerbrant
James Gheerbrant
James Gheerbrant
James Gheerbrant
James Gheerbrant
Graham Potter is returning to Swedish football just as it sees itself at a profound fork in the road, between old & new, collectivism & individualism. Can he navigate that, while rediscovering the daring to be different which defined his own success there? Column: www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
With 35 scored in 2 & ¾ years, penalties have become Harry Kane's daily bread, but each one leaves a trail of crumbs. Can he stay ahead of the keepers in an era when penalties are an information war? And could his single-kick mastery be a bridge to another sport? www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
