All articles

Academy Lesson: How Mo Salah’s Veganism Fostered his Brilliance

Turning vegan in 2020, the ‘Egyptian Prince’ unlocked a whole other level to his attacking play, leading to an ultimate season. Read on to discover the secrets of his nutrient-dense diet.

Iniesta: What is the ‘croqueta’ and why did it shape his playing philosophy?

In our Academy of Champions, we look at how a simple switch of foot became the Spaniard’s trademark and a tactical lesson for modern football.

Ousmane Dembélé: "I was a kid who just wanted to play football"

Fresh off his stunning 2025 Ballon d'Or victory, PSG forward Ousmane Dembélé sat down for his first major interview, the coveted golden trophy in hand. And while he nearly left it behind at the end of our meeting, his primary focus was clear: sharing this moment with his team and his inner circle.

Hanging on to hope: how Gabi Portilho led a team that had been written off at Paris 2024

Gabi Portilho was not just one of the key figures in Brazil’s campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics – she became a symbol of a team that started out as underdogs and ended up making history. Amidst injuries, doubts and difficult results, she helped turn pressure into confidence and uncertainty into performance. More than just decisive goals, her journey in Paris shows how courage and unity can redefine the course of Brazilian women’s football on the world stage.

Luis Enrique's Secret Method for Elite Success

What is the Xana Foundation: Luis Enrique’s greatest source of inspiration

We have a thorough understanding of the project through which Luis Enrique and his family are turning the memory of their daughter into a driving force for helping children with serious illnesses and families going through their most difficult times.

Queens of Europe: Alexia and Aitana’s impressive record in the Champions League

FC Barcelona achieved an incredible feat in the Champions League thanks to the contributions of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí. Find out what impact the latest Ballon d'Or winners had.

Florian Wirtz: Slot insists best is still to come

So recently a German wunderkind, Florian Wirtz’s stock has dipped at Anfield. His coach however believes high expectations will soon be met.

Díaz-Kane-Olise: The trio that can hold its own against the 'MSN' and the 'BBC'

A tactical and statistical analysis of Bayern Munich’s lethal attacking trio, which has equalled the records set by the legendary ‘BBC’ and established itself as the best forward line in modern football.

Luis Díaz, the perfect successor to the Ribéry-Robben duo

The Colombian arrived in Munich to take on a tough challenge at the Allianz Arena. Today, as part of Europe’s most lethal attacking trio, he is having a season that cements his place among the elite.

Fabián Ruiz, the player who forced Luis Enrique to admit he was wrong

From missing out on the World Cup to being nominated for the Ballon d'Or. In this instalment, we look at why Fabián Ruiz managed to make even a coach as demanding as Luis Enrique admit he was wrong.

Academy Lesson: How Goalkeeper Training Calmly Embraced The Tactical Revolution

With the advancement of possession-play from the back it’s tempting to believe goalkeeper training must have transformed beyond all recognition in recent years. Instead, there has only been steady evolution.

Academy Lesson: The Science Behind Erling Haaland’s Sleep Routine

A highly disciplined sleep protocol is crucial to the well-being of an elite player, with Erling Haaland leading the way.

The Academy Lesson: Exploring the Mindset of a Champion

Elite sports stars are not born with an elite mindset, rather it is constructed over time. From forging an extreme mental toughness to obsessing over 1% improvements, the very best view the world differently.

Validated Vitinha Approaches PSG 200-Club

The Portuguese midfielder's brilliance is no longer disputed. Now he is becoming a PSG mainstay too.

Alexia Putellas broke a long-standing record held by Messi at Barcelona

The two-time Ballon d'Or winner has broken a historic record held by Lionel Messi. With further finals on the horizon, the 32-year-old captain is torn between extending her legacy at Barça or seeking a new challenge.

The Queens of the Cold: How Brazilian Women Conquered Scandinavia

Marta is more than just one of the greatest players in the history of women’s football: she represents a turning point that spans continents. Her remarkable spell in Sweden helped to build an unexpected bridge between Brazil and Scandinavia, paving the way for dozens of players seeking structure and recognition. More than just titles, this journey shows how talent and opportunity have transformed women’s football into a dialogue between Brazil and Northern Europe.

How to Build a Footballing IQ

From replicating scenarios in training to enhancing intelligent habits and instincts, young footballers develop their footballing savvy as much as their technique.

The Academy Lesson: What do Ballon d’Or winners eat?

Nutrition lies at at the forefront of sports science, fuelling elite players and ensuring they optimise performance and enhance recovery.

Kylian Mbappé : "I'm very hard on myself, harder than most people are"

From the importance of family, to his life choices, desires, and superstar status, Kylian Mbappé shares his truths with "L'Équipe Magazine".