In this matter
Sometimes it seemed to me that the Manchester City case would go on forever, never going to be resolved, never going to be resolved. Their guilty verdict, which the club is appealing, is the kind of story that demands the attention of all our frontline columnists; Henry Winter asks what’s next for the players, Keir Radnedge examines the results and Jonathan Wilson claims Pep Guardiola’s legacy has been damaged.
Lionel Messi’s international career with Argentina also felt like it could go on forever, but came to a definitive end in October. Joel Richards was in Buenos Aires at the end of an era.
Elsewhere, we explore Greece’s rise, focus on Irish goalscorer Troy Parrott and look at the homecoming of Colombia icon James Rodriguez.
Jamie Evans, Managing Editor
Contents
WORLD THIS MONTH
4 In pictures
12 Henry Winter And now Manchester City?
14 Keir Radnedge The end of the beginning of the urban saga
16 Jonathan Wilson Pep Guardiola’s dirty legacy
17 On the Radar Julian Hall
with 18 units
20 moves you missed
21 ESM XI
22 Obituary Sandro Mazzola
EYEWITNESS
24 Colombia James Rodriguez’s homecoming
26 India Brazil’s journey to the subcontinent
30 Argentina Life after Lionel Messi
34 England London City Lions
FACE TO FACE
38 Grace Geyoro The most expensive female player in the world
60 Kelly’s Acosta The Polish Adventure of an American Midfielder
64 Ryan Williams India’s nationalized striker
66 Abdullah Iqbal Pakistan’s solid centre-back
CHARACTERISTICS
40 Player Biographies Ferran Torres
48 Center of attention Irish goalscorer Troy Parrott
52 Spotlight City Football Group club Palermo
56 Center of attention Beijing Guoan head coach Nick Montgomery
68 International focus Greece
72 League Focus Mexico
99 My Greatest Game Milan Jovanovic
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
74 The difference between men’s and women’s football
WORLD SERVICE
78 Europe UEFA Nations League update
80 Africa 2027 AFCON qualifiers latest
82 Asia FIFA ASEAN Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup
84 CONCACAF League of Nations and friendlies
86 Australia A-League season preview
88 Vanuatu The football scene has changed
90 Sweepers Tales from 211