Heroes & Humans of Football

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Heroes & Humans of Football

Listen to the stories behind football's biggest names, hosted by Simon Kuper and Mehreen Khan. "Hosts Simon Kuper and Mehreen Khan know their stuff." – The Guardian "The most interesting football podcast of the moment." – NRC, a leading Dutch daily Heroes & Humans moves beyond the traditional boundaries of sports commentary to explore the lives of football's most interesting figures. Whether episodes are about Messi, Abramovich, Cruyff, Şükür or Haaland, this is the go-to podcast for football audio-biographies. Released once weekly on Thursdays. Simon Kuper, acclaimed by Time Magazine as "one of the world's leading writers on soccer," and an awarded Financial Times columnist, brings a three-decade career of interviewing and understanding the personalities that define the world’s greatest sport. Having attended the last nine World Cups and boasting Europe's largest football library, Simon's insights are rooted in a profound depth of knowledge and passion for football. Mehreen Khan, whose day job is as the Economics Editor at The Times, believes football is a "brilliant shortcut in how to understand societies, economies, and politics". She is a football obsessive and die-hard Chelsea fan. With her ability to intertwine socio-political narratives with pop culture savvy, Mehreen stands out in the football podcasting landscape. Her presence as one of the few female voices adds a valuable dimension, broadening the conversation for listeners. Mehreen was previously the FT’s Brussels correspondent, before moving to The Times in 2022. She started her career in sports journalism at the Daily Telegraph in 2014, and wrote a football blog that touched on themes including Russia’s breakaway Muslim separatism, German multiculturalism, and the earth-shattering magnificence of Andrea Pirlo. Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news and updates: heroesandhumans.com

  1. 5 天前

    Maradona: From the slum to world champion

    Only a few people can say they carry the weight of a nation on their shoulders – and football superstar Diego Maradona was one of them. This episode, the first of a two-part series, covers the ‘glory’ years of Diego Maradona, the pocket rocket who became the face of Argentina and Argentinian football.  Named as one of the greatest players in the history of sport, this episode covers Maradona’s younger years—from rising success after growing up in the slums of Argentina, to stints at Barcelona, success at Napoli, and World Cup glories (and controversies). In this episode, Mehreen and Simon also cover the dark side of Maradona—from routine drug taker and serial womaniser to mafia run-ins, military coups in Argentina, and the imprisoning effect of global fame. What is the real story behind ‘el pibe de oro’ (the golden boy)? Timestamps: 00:36: Introduction and career statistics 04:58: Growing up poor and ostracised in Argentina 12:06: Pro debut and lift from poverty 16:18: The cage of global fame and war in the Falklands 21:39: Drugs, drinking, and stardom 26:14: Napoli comes calling 29:45: Maradona and the mafia 34:52: The 1986 world cup and the ‘hand of god’ goal 50:23: The symbolic defeat of the imperial master (England) 56:19: Private life gets complicated Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

    1 小時 4 分鐘
  2. 6 天前

    Johan Neeskens: A Silent Legend in Total Football

    In this special bonus episode, Simon and Mehreen pay tribute to the legendary Dutch footballer Johan Neeskens, who passed away suddenly at the age of 73. They reflect on his footballing career, starting from his humble beginnings in post-war Netherlands to becoming a key player in Ajax’s dominant European team of the 1970s and a cult figure at FC Barcelona. Johan Neeskens was known as the ultimate "hard man" on the pitch, with a football style rooted in toughness, brutal tackles, and the ability to slide in for a tackle like no one else. Despite his rough nature on the field, Neeskens was beloved for his humility and the passion he brought to every match. In this episode, Simon shares personal memories of Neeskens and highlights the emotional impact of his passing on the football world. This episode captures the duality of Johan Neeskens: the fighter on the field and the humble coach who spent his later years giving back to underprivileged children in refugee camps around the world. Timestamps: 00:36: Welcome and introduction 03:14: How Johan Neeskens’ death resonated across the football community 06:21: Johan Neeskens’ rough childhood and early career struggles 10:45: The rise of Johan Neeskens at Ajax and his defining role in total football 15:32: World Cup 1974 – Sliding into legend with a goal against Brazil 19:18: Neeskens’ move to FC Barcelona and the friendship with Johan Cruyff 23:42: Neeskens’ post-playing career and the heart-warming coaching roles with kids 27:48: His sudden death while on a coaching trip in Algeria 34:00: A legacy of humility, toughness, and lasting impact on the world of football Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates: heroesandhumans.com

    36 分鐘
  3. 10月10日

    Mauricio Pochettino: A new face for US soccer

    Argentine football manager Pochettino has always been the type to fly under the radar – both as a player and a coach. Is it his time for the spotlight by bringing the US men’s team to glory? In this episode, Simon and Mehreen cover nice guy Pochettino’s life, from growing up on a farm in Argentina to a football career in France—where he’s more motivated by the food and wine of Bordeaux than the club itself. They cover his managerial career, and the story of a Spanish speaker who managed teams in England and France, yet could never communicate to his players except through translators. How, despite this, did he become arguably one of Tottenham Hotspurs most successful managers? This episode covers a deeply spiritual man and ‘aura reader’ who rises to the heights of football (but never the pinnacle) by being a family-orientated nice guy—in stark contrast to other authoritarian, manipulative football managers. Timestamps: 00:36: Introduction 3:07: First thoughts and career statistics 5:45: Growing up in rural Argentina 10:51: Scouting by Bielsa and a weird knock on the door at 2am… 17:31: A good-but-forgettable footballing career—the ultimate footballer NPC 27:53: Football’s good, but Pochettino’s about the food and wine (playing in Paris and Bordeaux) 34:33: Pochettino’s spiritualism. Simon’s not a fan. 43:09: Move to Southampton, with no knowledge of English 50:35: Non-verbal communication and call to Spurs 58:36: Rise and fall at Tottenham Hotspur 1:04:31: Move to Paris Saint Germain and a hollow victory 1:08:30: Chelsea comes calling 1:10:57: Move to the US men’s team – what will happen? Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

    1 小時 21 分鐘
  4. 10月3日

    The reign of Alex Ferguson

    Alex Ferguson spent 26 seasons as the coach of Manchester United – winning more trophies and accolades than any other manager in the history of football (although Pep may well beat that soon…).  Part 1, the making of Alex Ferguson, tracked the Scotsman’s early life and career. This sequel episode concentrates on how Ferguson helped lead Manchester United to international fame and dominance – gaining respect and recognition from world leaders along the way. In this episode, Mehreen and Simon cover Ferguson’s career and coaching style through the 90s to his retirement in 2013. They touch on his style of coaching on players such as Eric Cantona, his influence over the Class of ‘92 – including Ryan Giggs and David Beckham – up to managing Cristiano Ronaldo. This episode focuses on Ferguson’s contradictory nature – from his authoritarian and domineering nature that would be a nightmare for any HR department, to the popular manager that attracted respect and admiration from people across all walks of life. This is the second episode of a two-part series. Make sure to listen to ‘The making of Alex Ferguson’ before this one. Time stamps: 00:32: Pick-up from last episode – stats, scouting, and play style 08:58: A father figure and matching coaching style to fit the player (Cantona and the class of ‘92) 14:19: Managing the ‘night and day’ personality of Ryan Giggs 21:04: Ruthlessness, egomania, and ways to instill fear in players 26:18: Money and empathy in the era of hyper-rich football 35:00: ‘Fergie time’ and putting the pressure on extra time 42:16: Signing Cristiano Ronaldo and scouting new talent 46:10: Nearing retirement age but not ready to give up 54:51: Last blaze of glory and retirement 59:31: Working with Manchester United after retirement 1:01:49: Brain haemorrhage and influencing from the sidelines 1:07:49: Legacy of a brutal, almost political, figure 1:16:47: Applying the Ferguson leadership style to other industries Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

    1 小時 28 分鐘
  5. 9月26日

    The making of Alex Ferguson

    Alex Ferguson, the omnipotent, omnipresent orator, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. This episode tracks Ferguson’s early life and career, showcasing an intricate backstory marred by violence, conviviality, and a quest for greatness.  Mehreen and Simon chronicle Ferguson’s early life, from growing up in working-class Glasgow in the 1940s and part-time pub landlord to playing ‘international’ football, and a managerial career (and firing) in Scottish clubs in the 1970s. What attracted Manchester United to this angry Scotsman who took everything so seriously? How did Ferguson build his role as a ‘do-all’ manager that will say hello to the footballers and cleaners alike, and sit on the phone to fan club presidents for hours? This episode is part of a two-part series on Alex Ferguson, and is defined by comradeship, collectivism, and communication. Look out for the sequel, ‘The reign of Alex Ferguson’, which tracks Ferguson’s longtime success at Manchester United. Time stamps:  00:45: Introduction 06:47: Growing up working class in Glasgow  16:23: Violence as a lasting influence 26:17: Welcome to H&H’s new AI friend… 28:40: Career as an ‘international’ footballer and almost-emigration to Canada 34:12: A record £60,000 transfer and move to coaching 39:33: Figuring out his coaching style in Scottish clubs 46:58: Anger, alcoholics, and temperance 51:14: Religious divisions and sacking from St Mirren 56:45: Move to coaching Aberdeen  1:03:42: Assistant Manager of Scotland and the death of Jock Stein  1:07:06: On Manchester United’s radar 1:12:53: Early coaching at Manchester United 1:18:57: The angry lunatic vs. the people person at Manchester United 1:25:09: Everything starts to turn around…  Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

    1 小時 26 分鐘
  6. 9月19日

    Sepp Blatter & the FIFA corruption scandal (ft. the man himself)

    In 2010, the footballing community was shouting about corruption. FIFA had just awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Something didn’t sound quite right… In this groundbreaking episode, Simon and Mehreen cover not only the life and corruption of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, but also paint a picture of the geopolitical changes in global football and the rising power shifts from the West to the East. The podcast features clips from an exclusive interview with Sepp Blatter himself, who candidly reveals details of his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meetings with Qatar and French President Nicholas Sarkozy, and FIFA officials’ roles in the Qatari corruption scandal. This is a story of power, money, and corruption—akin to a mafia movie or Hollywood biopic. You won’t want to miss it. Time stamps: 00:26: Introduction 03:54: Growing up in Switzerland 08:02: Coca Cola gets Blatter into FIFA 13:32: From bureaucrat to the biggest job at FIFA 19:57: Turning a blind eye or encouraging corruption? 24:58: Simon’s run-in with Blatter (and missing out on a spa day) 34:49: Qatari official meets the French President 37:59: Russia and Qatar win the World Cup bid 45:04: Chuck Blazer blows the whistle 49:37: A farcical election and questions of conviction 57:36: A lonely 80s of court cases, irrelevance, and attempt to stop the Ukraine War 01:00:22: What is Sepp Blatter’s legacy? Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

    1 小時 8 分鐘
  7. 9月12日

    N'Golo Kanté: The humble superstar

    Defensive midfielder N’Golo Kanté has left a huge legacy on football, yet hardly anything is known about him. How did this humble, fame-shy footballer become so beloved by barely saying a single world? In this episode, Simon and Mehreen cover the reclusive Kanté, from poor beginnings in the Paris banlieues to bringing underdog Leicester to shock victory in 2016. They cover his rise to worldwide recognition and uncomfortable relationship with fame as he sees further success at Chelsea and for the French national team. Together, they piece together an intricate picture of the human behind the hero of football. They cover stories of the well-meaning Kanté, who had never been to a birthday party until his 20s, drives a Mini Cooper, doesn’t want to be paid via offshore tax havens, and struggles with the concept of hiring a cleaner. But of course, there’s a more unfortunate side to being the most genuine person in league football – a side that leads to Kanté being held at gunpoint thanks to advantageous agents, and business decisions that seem slightly out of character. This is the story of how the zippy ‘vacuum cleaner’ who hoovers up the midfield became one of the universally-liked men in football.  Time stamps: 00:40: Introduction to N’Golo Kanté (NG) 03:59: Growing up in Paris  07:20: Beginnings in third division French football 10:01: Maturing on and off the pitch at Caen 15:00: Arrival and success at Leicester 20:35: Move to Chelsea and the big leagues 29:00: France win the World Cup 34:35: A ‘vacuum cleaner’ on the pitch and discomfort at recognition 40:13: Surprise comeback at Al-Ittihad 45:15: What if Kanté hadn’t been a footballer? For the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"? Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game. https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2et League Code: l7y2et Looking forward to playing against you this season! Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

    48 分鐘
  8. 9月5日

    The fall of José Mourinho

    Charismatic and polarising football coach José Mourinho always has one single goal for his teams: to win, no matter what. It’s this mentality that led him to awards, accolades, and admiration. So what happens when the winner stops winning?  This second and final episode on José Mourinho chronicles his fall from grace in the 2010s. Simon and Mehreen cover his arrival at Real Madrid in 2010 to joining Turkish football club Fenerbahçe in 2024—and how Mourinho turns toxic when he’s no longer at his peak winning streak.  Simon and Mehreen cover this new, more uncomfortable era for Mourinho—a time when aggressive coaching styles dominate, and awareness of men’s mental health becomes more mainstream. How does Mourinho adapt (or not adapt) during his tenures at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur?  And is it really over for the notorious media star, love bomber, and genius strategist, or are we now entering Mourinho’s post-Roma redemption era? Listen to find out.  This is a two-parter; listen to our first episode on the rise of José Mourinho before this one. Time stamps: 00:36: Welcome back 04:37: Arrival at Real Madrid 09:30: Spurring on the Real Madrid-Barça rivalry  14:45: An emotional loss (ft. two emotional Portuguese men) 18:11: The end of the Real Madrid ‘revenge tour’ 19:24: Return to Chelsea and love bombing 27:43: Downfall at Chelsea, and the Justin Bieber incident 33:50: Mourinho struggles at Manchester United 40:33: Mourinho’s Manchester United gets left behind 44:35: An ill-fated tenure at Tottenham Hotspur 48:10: A hero’s welcome at Roma (and the start of redemption?) 50:04: Chasing dopamine at Fenerbahçe and Turkish football 53:40: Mourinho’s future and legacy  Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club! Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action? By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you. Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast. Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumans Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com

    58 分鐘
5
(滿分 5 顆星)
30 則評分

簡介

Listen to the stories behind football's biggest names, hosted by Simon Kuper and Mehreen Khan. "Hosts Simon Kuper and Mehreen Khan know their stuff." – The Guardian "The most interesting football podcast of the moment." – NRC, a leading Dutch daily Heroes & Humans moves beyond the traditional boundaries of sports commentary to explore the lives of football's most interesting figures. Whether episodes are about Messi, Abramovich, Cruyff, Şükür or Haaland, this is the go-to podcast for football audio-biographies. Released once weekly on Thursdays. Simon Kuper, acclaimed by Time Magazine as "one of the world's leading writers on soccer," and an awarded Financial Times columnist, brings a three-decade career of interviewing and understanding the personalities that define the world’s greatest sport. Having attended the last nine World Cups and boasting Europe's largest football library, Simon's insights are rooted in a profound depth of knowledge and passion for football. Mehreen Khan, whose day job is as the Economics Editor at The Times, believes football is a "brilliant shortcut in how to understand societies, economies, and politics". She is a football obsessive and die-hard Chelsea fan. With her ability to intertwine socio-political narratives with pop culture savvy, Mehreen stands out in the football podcasting landscape. Her presence as one of the few female voices adds a valuable dimension, broadening the conversation for listeners. Mehreen was previously the FT’s Brussels correspondent, before moving to The Times in 2022. She started her career in sports journalism at the Daily Telegraph in 2014, and wrote a football blog that touched on themes including Russia’s breakaway Muslim separatism, German multiculturalism, and the earth-shattering magnificence of Andrea Pirlo. Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news and updates: heroesandhumans.com

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