Heroes & Humans of Football Immaterial

Mohammed bin Salman may be the most influential person in global football, even though he doesn’t seem to like the game. In 2021, the Saudi millennial crown prince became the ultimate owner of Newcastle United, when the Premier League club was bought by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. The country’s de facto leader is also pumping billions into the Saudi Pro League, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are on the crown’s payroll.
MBS is almost certain to win the ultimate prize of hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, and probably also the Women’s World Cup 2035 – despite Saudi Arabia’s not very woman-friendly reputation. All this for a man who seems to have never taken an interest in football, neither as a fan nor as a player.
In 2014, hardly anyone even in Saudi Arabia had heard of him. How did he go from a nobody to the most powerful ruler in the country’s history? And why did he then jump into football? Mehreen and Simon chart the life of a once unremarkable, and not very wealthy, lowly prince, who has risen to become the most authoritarian leader in Saudi’s modern history.
It’s a story of a rapid rise to the top, dictatorial power, extra-judicial killings, and trillions of dollars that are being deployed to refashion the Saudi economy. With his nation’s petrodollars, MbS is now taking over golf, Formula 1, and even snooker. But MbS’s most controversial foray into global sport is the world’s most popular game.
Why is MBS in football, and will he stay?

Timestamps:
00:01:04 - Introducing Mohammed bin Salman (MBS)
00:01:32 - Mehreen discusses her connection to Saudi Arabia as a Muslim
00:03:02 - Discussion of MBS's background and rise to power in Saudi Arabia
00:06:44 - MBS locking up his own mother early in his reign
00:08:25 - MBS's attempts to modernise and reform Saudi Arabia
00:12:19 - MBS's envy of Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup
00:14:13 - MBS's appearance at the 2018 World Cup opening match in Russia
00:16:15 - The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents
00:20:28 - MBS's decision to host the 2034 and likely 2035 World Cups in Saudi Arabia
00:23:24 - MBS's purchase of Newcastle United FC
00:28:10 - Saudi investments in bringing star players to the Saudi Pro League
00:32:42 - Analysis of MBS's motivations for investing heavily in football/sports
00:39:19 - Comparing MBS to Roman Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea FC
00:42:37 - What career MBS might have had if not a Saudi prince

Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

X


Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

Jürgen Klopp resigns as Liverpool manager this month after a nine-year love affair with the club and city, where he became practically a benign cult leader. Above and beyond the Champions League and English title that he won with his “Heavy metal football”, he offered a model of leadership so lacking in our time. 
The most charismatic manager in football—those teeth visible from outer space, that laugh, that way with words—won't be forgotten. In this episode, we tell Klopp’s story, from his origins in the Black Forest through a long career as an unskilled lower-division footballer to finding his vocation in coaching. We ask: How can we all be a little bit like Jürgen Klopp? And what might he do next?

Timestamps:
00:57 Reflecting on Jurgen Klopp's final days at Liverpool after a nine-year tenure.
01:26 Speculation on Klopp's next steps post-Liverpool.
01:45 Discussion on Klopp's transformation in appearance and style over the years.
03:21 Praise for Klopp's human qualities and leadership style.
04:07 Summary of Klopp's career achievements with Mainz, Dortmund, and Liverpool.
05:22 Insights into Klopp's challenging childhood and relationship with his father.
06:30 Exploration of Klopp's cultural and regional background from Swabia, Germany.
07:23 Klopp's spending habits and moral stance on financial matters in football.
10:46 Transition of Klopp from a player to a coach at Mainz.
11:32 Initial scepticism and humour around Klopp's appointment as Mainz manager.
16:12 Klopp's rise to fame in Germany through television during the 2006 World Cup.
18:00 Klopp's emotional farewell from Mainz.
19:44 Klopp's move to Dortmund and his impact there.
23:44 Klopp's personal approach to managing and connecting with people at Dortmund.
28:33 Klopp's eventual move to Liverpool and the cultural fit with the city.
32:41 Klopp's first press conference at Liverpool, where he calls himself "the normal one."
35:42 Klopp's impact at Liverpool, leading to a Champions League win and a Premier League title.
39:52 Klopp's energetic and emotional celebration style.
46:01 Liverpool's comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.
49:56 Discussion on Klopp's decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023–2024 season.
57:31 Speculation about Klopp's future after leaving Liverpool and his potential impact outside of football.


Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

X

Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

Hakan Şükür is Turkey’s greatest ever footballer, highest goalscorer, and still the man who holds the record for scoring the fastest goal in a World Cup after just 11 seconds in 2002. But for the last nine years, he’s been living in self-imposed exile in the US, moonlighting as an Uber driver, and having his legacy wiped from the records of Turkish football history. Turkey’s ruling AKP party has branded him a “terrorist”, and even saying his name on TV can get you the sack, as one commentator found out during the Qatar World Cup. 
This is the story of a footballing hero who has suffered a humbling fall caused by politics, upheaval and a failed coup in Turkey. Şükür, whose father was born in Bosnia and his mother in North Macedonia, helped Turkey finish third in the 2002 World Cup and led his Galatasaray team to a UEFA Cup triumph in 2000 – the first European trophy won by a Turkish domestic side and the high watermark of Turkish football this century. Known as the “Bull of the Bosphorus” for his goal-scoring instincts, Şükür combined his football career with membership of Turkey’s Hizmet movement, a religious organisation led by Islamic scholar, Fethullah Gulen, which has been dubbed as part of Turkey’s “deep state”. The movement recruited lawyers, civil servants, politicians and footballers – and were active in the Galatasaray changing room in the 2000s, says author and anthropologist John McManus. 
During the 90s and 2000s, Şükür is a Turkish superstar, and Gulen is allied with Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the leader of the conservative AKP party, who became prime minister in 2003 and the country’s current president. After retiring from football in 2007, Şükür became a member of parliament for Erdogan’s party while retaining his Gulen affiliations, but claims he was always a reluctant politician. In 2013, Gulen and Erdogan have a spectacular fall-out and Şükür, a national hero, is caught in the middle of an internecine struggle for power and influence in Turkey. In 2015, he flees to the US after being prosecuted over a tweet which “insults the president”. Şükür would never return to his homeland. 
The episode charts the spectacular cancellation of a footballing icon whose political allegiances put him on the wrong side of an increasingly authoritarian government. In telling his story, Simon and Mehreen attempt to uncancel Hakan Şükür.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode on Hakan Şükür
01:23 - Simon's first impression of watching Şükür play for Turkey
02:00 - Şükür's peak at the 2002 World Cup  
04:25 - Şükür's background and early career
06:25 - The "Welcome to Hell" match between Galatasaray and Manchester United
11:23 - Şükür's performance at the 2002 World Cup, including scoring the fastest ever World Cup goal
14:04 - Explanation of the Gulen movement and Şükür's involvement
23:54 - How Şükür likely got recruited into the Gulen movement  
27:52 - Şükür's career after retirement and move into politics
31:04 - Breakdown of Şükür's relationship with Erdogan starting in 2013
34:15 - The failed 2016 coup attempt and Şükür being branded a terrorist  
38:20 - Şükür living in exile in the US and working jobs like an Uber driver
41:40 - Şükür continues to criticise Erdogan from exile despite threats
44:36 - Discussion on whether Şükür can ever return to Turkey

Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

X

Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

Who is Arne Slot? Simon Kuper, who grew up in the Netherlands and remains a Dutch football obsessive, reveals all about the new Liverpool manager. Join Heroes & Humans for our first ever emergency episode to hear about the new Klopp mini-me.
The Dutchman from a family of schoolteachers is Klopp without the charisma and the teeth visible from outer space. He’s even practically German (well, ten minutes’ drive from the border). We have other comparisons: Slot’s playing career as the slowest Dutch midfielder since Louis van Gaal. And Simon discusses Slot’s similarities and differences with the dreaded Erik ten Hag, and why he’ll probably do better than poor Ten Hag has done at Manchester United. But we also draw a more encouraging parallel: why Slot-for-Klopp looks a lot like Bob Paisley replacing Bill Shankly.
Above all, listeners get a free lesson in how to pronounce Slot’s name.  
Timestamps:
00:02 - Introduction to the podcast "Heroes and Humans of Football"
00:48 - Simon expresses excitement about a Dutch manager being hired at Liverpool
01:04 - Discussion about pronouncing Arne Slot's name correctly
02:06 - Details on Liverpool potentially paying £10 million to secure Slot from Feyenoord
03:40 - Comparison of Slot to Erik ten Hag and Bob Paisley
06:43 - Slot's background: growing up in a small village near the German border
09:06 - The potential influence of Billy Beane (Moneyball) in Slot's hiring at Liverpool
12:28 - Slot's coaching style and philosophy, similar to those of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp
16:43 - How Slot got Feyenoord to buy into and execute his high-pressing system
18:21 - Funny anecdote about Slot laughing at Diego Simeone after beating Atlético Madrid
19:23 - Mehreen's take on Slot's appearance and communication style
21:03 - Why Slot may succeed at Liverpool, where Ten Hag struggled at Manchester United
23:35 - Slot's reliance on wingers and fullbacks suits Liverpool's current squad
25:19 - Feyenoord's limited budget that Slot had to work with
26:21 - Potential weakness of Slot being vain/having high self-esteem
27:43 - Caution about difficulty of replacing a legend like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
28:31 - What profession Slot would have if not football (school teacher ... again)
29:09 - Whether they would enjoy spending an evening with Slot
30:24 - Slot has to try to beat his hero Pep Guardiola at Manchester City
Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

X


Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

From innovator to "specialist in failure," this riveting episode charts Arsène Wenger's steep fall at Arsenal. His pioneering vision had remade English football, introducing new tactics, diets, and a cosmopolitan ethos that redefined excellence. The unbeaten "Invincibles" season cemented his legend, but also marked the start of a tragic decline.

As richer clubs co-opted Wenger's methods, his stubborn penny-pinching while Arsenal's debt piled up from their new Emirates stadium ended up creating fan toxicity. The famous (and hilarious) battle of "Pizzagate" at Old Trafford in 2004 signalled the start of the unravelling.
With raw insight on Wenger himself, the episode explores the personal costs of his uncompromising obsession, which alienated even die-hard fans. From glorious highs battling Sir Alex Ferguson to humiliating lows like a 6-0 loss on his 1000th game, it traces Wenger's descent from manager to "specialist in failure" caricature. And yet all through it, he loved his job at Arsenal.

This unsparing portrait captures the complexity of a man who remade the modern game yet stubbornly clung to his principles amid changing circumstances. The biggest victim was Wenger himself. His rise, fall, and self-reckoning are the story of a man who ended up feeling he had devoted too much of his life to football.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction to Arsene Wenger and framing his rise and fall 
3:00 - Wenger's meteoric rise, pioneering approach and creation of the "Invincibles"
9:00- The "Pizzagate" incident at Old Trafford in 2004 signals the start of Wenger's decline
14:30 - Wenger's aversion to spending and friction with new free-spending owners like Abramovich
19:00 - Poor decisions like selling Van Persie as criticisms mount
23:00 - The Emirates Stadium move precipitating years of austerity and player sales
28:30 - Wenger becoming alienated from fans, a "specialist in failure" meme
33:00 - The lingering pain of the 2006 Champions League final loss  
38:00 - How Wenger coped by doubling down on his autonomy as results worsened
43:00 - Rise of fan channels like AFTV amplifying "Wenger Out" toxicity
48:30 - Wenger's forced 2018 exit after protracted decline 
53:00 - His struggle adapting to civilian life and reflections on sacrificing family
58:00 - Reassessing Wenger's complicated legacy as a transformative pioneer
1:03:00 - Looking ahead - could Arsenal find a role for him?

Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

X


Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

From his humble beginnings in an Alsatian village to his revolutionary tenure at Arsenal from 1996 to 2004, Wenger's journey is a testament to his innovative spirit and enduring influence on English football. Exploring Arsène Wenger's meteoric rise at Arsenal, this first episode of a two-part series delves into the origins and golden years of one of the Premier League's most unforgettable managers.

Starting in Duttlenheim, where Wenger grew up in the post-WWII era, his early experiences in a village transitioning back to French control from Germany set the stage for his European outlook and multilingual skills. His transition from a modest playing career to groundbreaking coaching stints across Europe, including a life-changing period in Japan, laid the groundwork for his Arsenal legacy.

With three Premier League titles and a remarkable undefeated season with "The Invincibles" in 2003-04, Wenger's Arsenal redefined footballing excellence. His emphasis on a cosmopolitan approach, meticulous attention to player development, and a pioneering embrace of sports science and dietary regimens marked a departure from traditional English practices.

When Simon and Mehreen reflect on Wenger's journey, a picture emerges of a man whose dedication to football verged on obsession, often at personal cost. His love for the game and commitment to innovation left an indelible mark on Arsenal and the Premier League. His early triumphs remind us of the profound impact one individual can have on a sport, a club, and its global fanbase. Wenger's story is a blend of ambition, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that made him great and defined an era of football that continues to inspire and resonate.

Timestamps:
00:00 Excitement for Wenger, his legacy, and fan culture.
04:22 The French manager becomes known for his unstylish appearance.
08:20 Father's health recovered after World War 2.
11:50 University of Strasbourg graduate, economist, Arsenal manager.
12:52 Fascinated by Germany, no war hatred. Coaching.
17:57 Wenger, an economist, uses data to analyse football performance.
21:49 Wenger arrives at a small, hidden stadium. Different.
22:19 Club guest talks to woman about crucial figure.
27:41 England offers the manager a job; Wenger turns it down.
30:45 Players arrived at training under the influence of alcohol.
35:24 Wenger identifies talented players, signs them.
37:14 Wenger's scouting approach and successful player development.
40:39 The manager uses data to guide player substitutions.
42:53 Drogba's "impressive" performance against Arsenal for Chelsea.
45:34 Arsenal's confident old city, winning medals profusely.
49:09 Wenger goes from admired to joke.

Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere.

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

X


Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com