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The Athletic FC Podcast
30 episodes
Does Rodri's exit make Arsenal unstoppable?
Aug 17, 2026 · 42 min
With just four days to go until the new Premier League season starts, Arsenal have made a statement with their 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield, with news also emerging that City midfielder Rodri is on the verge of leaving for Barcelona. Emma Paton is back in the chair, alongside former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Cerys Jones to discuss the strength of Arsenal's case for defending their Premier League title as James McNicholas shares his thoughts from Card…
Premier League predictions: contenders, pretenders, surprises
Aug 14, 2026 · 45 min
With the Premier League just around the corner, it’s time for our predictions for the 2026/2027 season. Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Art de Roche and Jay Harris to get into the runners and riders for the title, relegation and more. Will Arsenal defend their crown, who will challenge them? And can the promoted sides stay up? With so many new managers coming into the league, the panel discuss who is most likely to hit the ground running. And they plot exactly where all…
Mourinho and Madrid Mark II: Magic or madness?
Aug 12, 2026 · 36 min
After 13 years away, Jose Mourinho is heading back to Real Madrid but after two trophyless seasons can he return them to winning ways? Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Thom Harris to analyse why Madrid have turned back to Mourinho as well as the make-up of the squad he has inherited. The Athletic's Guillermo Rai also joins to explain the view from Madrid on his return as well as their work in the transfer window with Yan Diomande arriving, though Rodri has made his preference for Barce…
Premier League transfer window winners and losers
Aug 11, 2026 · 47 min
As the new Premier League season approaches, we've been taking a look at which sides have impressed with their summer transfer business, and those left with work to do. Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Jay Harris as well as our ranking expert Tim Spiers to look through the eye-catching summer business to date. The market continues to be dominated by midfielders with Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandez heading to Spurs, while Arsenal confirmed the arrival…
Why have Chelsea changed their transfer strategy?
Aug 6, 2026 · 38 min
Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers, Liam Tharme and Simon Johnson to discuss why after years of signing young talent, Chelsea have recruited two veterans in Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. The panel break down BlueCo's change in philosophy and whether new boss Xabi Alonso might've influenced the decision. Plus, Mykhailo Mudryk returns to action following 20 months on the sidelines, and Chelsea receive their punishment for 74 FA charges relating to incidents under previous owner Rom…
Ornstein transfer latest: Bruno, Vini Jr & Salah
Aug 5, 2026 · 38 min
David Ornstein is back with the latest from a busy transfer market, as champions Arsenal look to reinforce their squad with a couple of Brazilian superstars: Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr. Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by The Athletic’s Jay Harris and Art de Roche to break down how transformational those two signings would be for Mikel Arteta’s side. Plus there’s the latest on moves for Rodri, Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola, Mohamed Salah and Manchester United’s targets. All of this, p…
Is Infantino's exit now inevitable?
Aug 3, 2026 · 50 min
Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Matt Slater, Adam Crafton, and James Horncastle to unpack a week that shook global football. The panel dissects how Gianni Infantino’s multi-billion-dollar plans to sell off stakes in FIFA tournaments fell apart, the scale of pushback, and whether this historic U-turn leaves Infantino’s presidency in serious jeopardy. Plus, UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister joins the show to offer an insider perspective on leading the opposition. As a pivotal voice i…
How can MLS become an elite league?
Jul 21, 2026 · 38 min
As the World Cup packs up and leaves New York, we have one final show from the Big Apple as Paul Tenorio joins Adam Leventhal to look at the opportunity the popularity of this summer’s World Cup offers MLS. We bring you insight from MLS Commissioner Don Garber on the league’s mission statement as they declare: “we’ll take it from here”. NYCFC CEO Brad Sims and multiple MLS Cup winning executive Garth Lagerwey share their views on how MLS can open up to the global transfer market. Plus, US Soccer…
Spain conquer the world + Ornstein's summer transfers
Jul 20, 2026 · 42 min
Live in New York for the final time, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Adam Crafton to reflect on Spain's deserved victory in a disappointing World Cup final against 10-man Argentina. With a month to go until the start of the Premier League season, David shares his insights ahead of what is expected to be a busy period in the transfer market. Host: Adam Leventhal With: David Ornstein and Adam Crafton Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Jay Beale, Liam Wa…
World Cup final preview + Ornstein on Rogers to Chelsea
Jul 19, 2026 · 48 min
Adam Leventhal is live in New York City alongside James Horncastle and Adam Crafton as they preview the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. A little later, The Athletic’s Football Correspondent David Ornstein joins with all the details on his exclusive on Chelsea’s £117m agreement to sign Morgan Rogers. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Adam Crafton, James Horncastle, David Ornstein Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Liam Warburton, Jay Beale and Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast.…
Has Infantino's expanded World Cup worked?
Jul 17, 2026 · 48 min
The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal, Adam Crafton, and Paul Tenorio are live from NYC to debate how successful the expanded World Cup has been. They will also look ahead to the spectacle of this week’s final, featuring a Super Bowl-style halftime show and Donald Trump in attendance. Plus, your questions are put live to the team, and you'll have a chance to take on today's 'Do You Know' World Cup trivia challenge. Host: Adam Leventhal With: Adam Crafton and Paul Tenorio Executive Producer: Adey Moorhea…
What now for Tuchel and England?
Jul 16, 2026 · 48 min
England’s World Cup dream is officially over. Live from New York City, Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Reuben Pinder to break down a Messi-inspired semi-final exit at the hands of Argentina. Did Thomas Tuchel’s tactics cost England a place in the World Cup final? They also look at what lies ahead for the manager and this squad. From Atlanta, Jack Pitt-Brooke and David Ornstein share their reflections on England while Felipe Cardenas joins to explain how Argentina got…
Spain stun France + can England overcome Argentina?
Jul 15, 2026 · 46 min
Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic’s Editor-in-Chief Laura Williamson and Reuben Pinder, for our latest instalment from New York City. They reflect on Spain’s comprehensive victory over France to secure their place in Sunday’s World Cup Final, before looking ahead to tonight's other semi final - the monumental clash between old rivals England and Argentina. Plus, we dive into our ‘Discussion of the Day’ asking what is the biggest rivalry in world football, and of course bring you our…
Ornstein transfer latest: Bouaddi, Alvarez & Bruno Guimaraes
Jul 14, 2026 · 50 min
We are live from New York City! Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Football Correspondent David Ornstein and Reuben Pinder to break down a massive World Cup semi-final clash between powerhouse nations France and Spain. We also get stuck into the latest transfer market movements, including Manchester City’s concrete interest in Lille and Morocco’s breakout midfield sensation, Ayyoub Bouaddi. Plus plus we'll have our ‘Discussion of the Day' asking which World Cup star should your club sign…
World Cup semi-final preview and transfers, with David Ornstein
Jul 13, 2026 · 49 min
Adam Leventhal is live from New York City alongside The Athletic's editor in Laura Williamson and Football Correspondent David Ornstein to look ahead to two heavyweight World Cup semi finals. James Horncastle drops by to explain what he thinks has been the secret to Argentina’s success at this World Cup ahead of facing England - one of football's most iconic rivalries. Then Stuart James joins the show to preview the other heavyweight semi-final - how can Spain stop France from sco…
Can Bellingham win England the World Cup?
Jul 12, 2026 · 38 min
England are through to just their fourth-ever World Cup semi-final, after needing extra time to get past Norway in the last eight, thanks to another double from Jude Bellingham. Ian Irving is joined by Carl Anka and Liam Twomey to look back on a dramatic evening of action, with Jack Pitt-Brooke reflecting the mood in Miami as England's mentality once again came to the fore. As well as Bellingham's brilliance, Thomas Tuchel's substitutions are also examined before looking ahead to the last four s…
How do England stop Erling Haaland?
Jul 10, 2026 · 39 min
It’s Day 30 and France are into the semi-finals of the World Cup after a 2-0 victory over Morocco. Adam Leventhal is joined in the studio by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss the first quarter-final and the Golden Boot race, with Kylian Mbappe now level with Lionel Messi on eight goals for the tournament. Adam Crafton drops in from Boston for this one. Man City correspondent Sam Lee also joins the panel to talk Erling Haaland, who England will have the tough task of attempting to stop when…
FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup
Jul 9, 2026 · 43 min
On Sunday, The Athletic broke the world exclusive that USA striker Folarin Balogun's ban for the USMNT's round of 16 tie against Belgium had been suspended. Adam Crafton and Dan Sheldon, who broke the news, join Ian Irving and Cerys Jones to look back on the controversy, which included the involvement of US President Donald Trump calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the build-up to the USA's game with Belgium. Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard shares his perspective from a players' perspe…
Argentina are inevitable + Ornstein on Man United transfers
Jul 8, 2026 · 43 min
Argentina are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after an incredible comeback win against Egypt. Emma Paton is in the studio alongside The Athletic’s Mark Critchley and Liam Twomey to discuss how Lionel Scaloni’s side are able to look unconvincing, yet still win. James Horncastle drops in from Atlanta for this one. With Switzerland also through after beating Colombia on penalties, the panel look ahead to the quarter-finals with all eight teams now in the draw. And David Ornstein brin…
Was the USA's World Cup a success or failure?
Jul 7, 2026 · 42 min
The USMNT are out of the World Cup after defeat to Belgium. While the Folarin Balogun situation dominated the build-up, the headlines centre around the USA’s elimination, after falling to a 4-1 defeat in the Round of 16. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s Jay Harris and Mark Critchley in the studio to dissect the match, with Henry Bushnell dropping by for immediate reaction from Seattle. Elsewhere, Reuben Pinder witnessed Spain beating Portugal 1-0 - with Cristiano Ronaldo the story once aga…
England’s Azteca heroics + inside Trump’s Balogun call
Jul 6, 2026 · 39 min
England are through the quarter-final of the World Cup, following an instant classic in the Azteca against Mexico. Emma Paton is joined by Art De Roche and Cerys Jones to pick the bones out of England's 3-2 win over Mexico, with Jack Pitt-Brooke providing his take from Mexico City. Matt Slater also drops by from Times Square, reacting to Norway's 2-1 win over Brazil, to set-up Saturday's semi-final in Miami with England. While there was plenty of drama on the pitch, Dan Sheldon and Adam Crafton…
How can England conquer the Azteca?
Jul 4, 2026 · 42 min
It’s Day 24 and our focus is fully on England’s trip to the Azteca to take on Mexico. Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Liam Tharme to recap the World Cup action as Argentina edged past Cape Verde to secure their place in the Round of 16 - James Horncastle drops in from Miami for that one. In terms of England, there’s been plenty of drama in the build-up to this one. Kick-off is still 1AM UK time - despite a day of confusion. Matt Slater brings us all of the details on that situation,…
Portugal survive + why are Newcastle selling their best players?
Jul 3, 2026 · 40 min
Newcastle United are set to receive £100m for midfielder Sandro Tonali, but where does that leave their aspirations? Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Art De Roche to discuss the latest at the World Cup and in the transfer window. David Ornstein reports on Tonali's imminent move to Spurs, before we look at the latest from the World Cup with Matt Slater recapping an enthralling 2-1 win for Portugal over Croatia. The Athletic's Newcastle United writer also joins to discuss the impact of…
Can Kane keep saving England?
Jul 2, 2026 · 42 min
England left it late but got the job done, thanks to Harry Kane. Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Liam Twomey after England's emotional come-from-behind win against DR Congo as our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke poses the question; is Kane England's greatest player ever? Away from England's win, the USA and Belgium also progressed to face one another in the Round of 16. Henry Bushnell reports from the USMNT's win over Bosnia & Herzegovina including a controversial…
France look unstoppable + Spurs win Fernandes race
Jul 1, 2026 · 40 min
France's superstars continue to sparkle, as Kylian Mbappe's brace helped to see off Sweden 3-0 in at the MetLife. Emma Paton is joined by Mark Critchley and Carl Anka to discuss France's free-flowing attack with Adam Crafton also posing the question: are France unstoppable? We also hear from Felipe Cardenas after Mexico's 2-0 win over Ecuador setting up a potential Round of 16 clash with England. David Ornstein drops by with the latest from the transfer window as Tottenham Hotspur win the race t…
Germany hit new low + Ornstein transfer latest
Jun 30, 2026 · 42 min
Four-time World Cup winners Germany are out. So too are the Netherlands and Japan after a dramatic day at the World Cup. Emma Paton is alongside Mark Critchley and Cerys Jones to look back on the action. Matt Slater shares his view from Boston after seeing Germany dumped out on penalties, losing their first-ever World Cup shootout to Paraguay. David Ornstein joins us to discuss the latest in the transfer market including Chelsea's move for Granit Xhaka as well as their reaction to confirmation E…
Which dark horse will go furthest at the World Cup?
Jun 29, 2026 · 33 min
Canada saw off South Africa as the knockout stages got underway at the World Cup, with some big games to come on Day 19. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Liam Tharme as they assess Canada's win with Josh Kloke explaining the significance of a knockout victory for the co-hosts. There's then a look at the World Cup bracket with the panel making their predictions as to who will make the final four of the competition. Ahead of the Netherlands taking on Morocco in one of the tie…
Why are England struggling to convince?
Jun 28, 2026 · 37 min
Despite a 2-0 win over Panama with Jude Bellingham playing a crucial role, Thomas Tuchel's England still lack conviction. Joining Adam Leventhal to get stuck into England's final group stage performance are Tim Spiers and Art De Roche, with Jack Pitt-Brooke sharing his thoughts from the MetLife Stadium. With the group stage now completed there's also discussion around some of the big talking points as Lionel Messi moves onto six goals at the tournament, nine of the 10 African sides have reached…
How did Man City win the Elliot Anderson race?
Jun 26, 2026 · 30 min
The transfer window is truly up and running as Manchester City have agreed a £116million deal to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest - the most ever paid for a British player. Adam Leventhal is joined in-studio by Cerys Jones and Tim Spiers to discuss the massive move for the England midfielder. Football correspondent David Ornstein drops in for the latest details on the deal, and Man City writer Sam Lee joins the panel to analyse why the club were so adamant on signing Anderson from Not…
Are Ancelotti's Brazil serious World Cup contenders?
Jun 25, 2026 · 36 min
Brazil broke Scottish hearts on day 14 at the World Cup, running out 3-0 winners to leave the Scots' hopes of securing qualification hanging by a thread. Adam Leventhal is joined by Cerys Jones and Carl Anka to react to just how strong Brazil are, with James Horncastle highlighting the demeanour of boss Carlo Ancelotti. Canada saw their hopes of staying on home soil in the knockout phases slip through their fingers, while we're also joined by Adam Crafton to discuss some of the key themes of the…
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