In this matter
Regular readers World Football We could see how often we’ve been talking about Poland’s top flight, the Ekstraklasa – for its insane competitiveness, remarkable stories and interesting characters – in recent years, so we finally decided to go to the opening match of the 2026-27 season and check it out for ourselves.
It’s one of a number of under-the-radar items we’re looking at in this issue, alongside stories from France, Romania, Wales, Italy and Denmark, plus a look at all of Europe’s biggest leagues, including 59 players to watch out for this season and the confusion at many of the mega-clubs. Finally, as the world says goodbye to two football icons, we pay tribute to Kevin Keegan and Franco Baresi.
Jamie Evans, Managing Editor
Contents
WORLD THIS MONTH
4 In pictures
12 Henry Winter Newcastle United
14 Keir Radnedge FIFA and Infantino
16 Jonathan Wilson Franco Baresi
17 units
18 moves you missed
19 Obituary
SPECIAL RIGHTS
20 Franco Baresi
22 Kevin Keegan
EYEWITNESS
26 Poland The best flight from Wisla Krakow
30 Italy Lazio fans are on strike
SEASONAL PREFERENCE
36 England
40 Spain
44 Germany
48 Italy
52 France
56 Portugal
58 The Netherlands
60 Scotland
62 The Best of the Rest
CHARACTERISTICS
63 Major clubs, major reconstruction works
74 League Focus Romania
76 League 3 Rebuilding French football
80 Spotlight Luka Vuskovic
INTERVIEWS
84 Face to face Louis Binks
88 Face to face Jordan Hadaway
115 My Greatest Game Lubomir Moravcik
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
90 European season preview
WORLD SERVICE
94 South America Uruguay, Copa Sudamericana, etc
96 Asia Indian Super League, J.League, SAFF Championship etc
98 Saudi Arabia A preview of the 2026-27 season
100 Northern Cyprus Elimination of isolation
101 Sweepers Tales from 211