The Failed Footballer

Olan Tekkers & iHeart Australia
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Soccer

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup. This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond.  The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There’s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia’s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You’ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers. New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen. Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation. If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you’ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice. This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

  1. 19h ago ·  Video

    Mitch Duke's Popovic Tell All

    What’s it like spending three weeks fighting for your dream, only to be let go in a two and a half minute meeting? How do you handle the emotional heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 World Cup squad after giving everything for your country? And what is the reality of player-manager relationships at the highest level? This week, Socceroos striker Mitch Duke joins OlanTekkers for a raw, unfiltered conversation about national team selections, manager dynamics, and the toughest moments of his career. We get the exclusive inside story on his relationship with Australia manager Tony Popovic, the brutal reality of squad cut-offs, and what went down during that brief exit meeting in Florida before the 2026 World Cup. Mitch opens up about the frustration of spending weeks in camp away from his kids, only to be delivered the disappointing news in minutes. Beyond the Popovic selection drama, Mitch reflects on his iconic 2022 World Cup header against Tunisia, his rise from the A-League to becoming a fan favourite in Japan's J-League, and how he built the mentality to navigate elite football's biggest highs and brutal lows. What went through his head during that brief conversation with Popovic? How does a player process being left out after giving everything in qualification? And how do you pick yourself up and stay proud after such a devastating setback? Plus, Mitch shares his advice for young strikers coming through the ranks, discusses life with his family in Japan, and reflects on his lasting legacy in green and gold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Jul 20 ·  Video

    Was that the WORST World Cup Final ever? What did Argentina do to themselves?

    Spain had 20 shots. Argentina didn't have a shot until the 117th minute. Just what exactly happened?  Guest host and football tragic Nick Stav and iHeart sports reporter John Bric unpack all the stats and baffling tactical decisions from the 2026 World Cup Final. Why did Argentina coach Scaloni play so negatively? Why did Trump refuse to get off the stage? And is Rodri really the most deserving Player of the Tournament? Plus, who's on for the Balon D'Or now Messi, Mbappe and Kane each left without a World Cup win? What sort of goalscoring records is Mbappe going to win as he looks ahead to 2030? And how does this tournament rank compared to previous World Cups? The World Cup is done but The Failed Footballer is not. OlanTekkers will be back with a weekly podcast covering the biggest stories from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, A-League, NPL and Champions League as the 26/27 season gets underway on August 22.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Jul 17 ·  Video

    NRL legend and devoted Socceroos fan Josh Mansour on England's World Cup loss - how did it all go so wrong?

    England were minutes away from a World Cup final, then Tuchel pressed the self-destruct button. Messi did Messi things and Argentina turned it around. How did it happen? Olan is in the UK trying to get over the loss, so Kat Haddad jumps into the host chair to unpack England's heartbreaking semi-final loss to Argentina, and the fallout from one of the biggest games of the tournament. The dust has settled and we've heard more opinions than ever, but there's still more to say.  NRL legend and host of UNSCRIPTED Josh Mansour joins Kat to analyse the game and debate:  How did Thomas Tuchel get it so wrong?  How have Spain snuck under the radar into the final?  And is this the biggest missed opportunity of the modern England era? We then look ahead to Sunday's World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina - Europe's champions against the defending world champions. Will Lamine Yamal finally step up? Plus, how does this World Cup compare to previous years? Is it just too American? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Jul 14 ·  Video

    Socceroo goalkeeper Maty Ryan on THAT World Cup penalty shootout & how he made it in the Premier League

    What really happened before Patrick Beach was subbed off for Maty Ryan in the World Cup Round of 32 against Egypt? What does it take to spend more than a decade as Australia's No.1 goalkeeper? And how do you go from Blacktown City to the Premier League? This week, Socceroos captain and player in FOUR World Cups Maty Ryan joins OlanTekkers for an honest conversation about the moments that shaped his career. We go right back to Maty's beginnings in Western Sydney, his time at Westfield Sports High (fellow alumni includes Harry Kewell and Alanna Kennedy) and the mentality that helped him make the leap from NPL to the biggest leagues in Europe. We also get the inside story on Australia's World Cup campaign, Popovic's selection decisions, Patrick Beach's breakout tournament and how Maty handled the disappointment of watching from the sidelines while still helping drive the team forward behind the scenes. What was going through his head when he was told he'd be coming on for a penalty shootout? Did he always believe he'd make it to the top? And why do Australian footballers still have to work twice as hard to earn respect overseas? Plus, Maty shares his advice for young goalkeepers, explains why mentality matters more than talent, discusses Australia's next generation, and reveals whether he still believes a spot at the 2030 World Cup is within reach. One of Australia's greatest footballers tells his story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Jul 13 ·  Video

    Did England get lucky against Norway? How did Switzerland self-destruct against Argentina? World Cup quarter-final REACTIONS with Kat Haddad

    How do you get yourself sent off for diving in the 70th minute at 1-1 with the current WC champions? Why was a stadium camera involved in a controversial goal? And are Spain good enough to stop France? These questions answered and more, as A-League sideline reporter and Channel 10 presenter Kat Haddad join OlanTekkers to break down all the biggest talking points from the World Cup quarter-finals. We discuss England's controversial win over Norway, analyse Jude Bellingham's match-winning performance, and debate whether the English media are creating unnecessary drama between Thomas Tuchel and his players. Also we chat Switzerland's heartbreaking exit to Argentina after Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation, a moment that completely changed the game. Did Switzerland throw away their best chance at a World Cup semi-final?  Plus, we preview the two blockbuster semi-finals: England vs Argentina  France vs Spain  Who makes the final? Can England stop Messi and Argentina? Is France's attack too strong for Spain? And has this been the most controversial World Cup ever? We also chat Socceroos, A-League talent, Australia's next generation, and whether FIFA should expand the World Cup to 64 teams. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Jul 10 ·  Video

    Are Argentina being carried to the Final? Ref conspiracies and World Cup quarter-final predictions

    Argentina's path to the semi-final: Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Cabo Verde, Egypt, Switzerland. We're not one for conspiracies but there's too many coincidences to ignore. OlanTekkers unpacks the calls that weren't given, but should have been, and the the ones that were - but shouldn't. Penalties not given, goals disallowed, red cards not given - it's been a shocking display of refereeing all tournament. Plus, can Australian football every get itself sorted and make a proper bid for a World Cup? What would need to happen for a men's World Cup to come down under? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Jul 7 ·  Video

    The most corrupt World Cup ever but USA still couldn't win - where did it all go so wrong? And England just played the game of the tournament. Arise, Sir Bellingham

    FIFA corruption, the game of the tournament so far and Ronaldo finally bows out of the World Cup without his much-desired win. OlanTekkers is joined by Sydney FC goalkeeper Harrison Devenish-Meares to talk all the big World Cup stories, the shocking round of 16 results and how you go from NPL to the A-League. This week Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino asking to have USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card overturned. In a blatant show of corruption, the FIFA president did it. But the USA still couldn't win - Belgium beat them 4-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals. England played Mexico at 2km above sea level, and it was the game of the World Cup. Mexico hadn’t conceded a goal all tournament. They’d only had two previous competitive losses at the Azteca. And somehow, the Three Lions walked away with a win...it was one of the best England victories in World Cup history.  We also look back on the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign. Was reaching the Round of 32 a success? Are we still underdogs? And what needs to happen if Australia wants to stop celebrating participation and start expecting knockout wins?   And finally... the end of an era. Penaldo is no more at the national level. Portugal are out. Ronaldo’s World Cup dream is over. Spain march on. We discuss his legacy and whether we will ever see anything like it again.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Jul 4 ·  Video

    Popovich got it so wrong? AUS v EGYPT World Cup reactions as we go OUT on penalties

    The boys fought hard. Souttar and Herrington, despite missing pens, can hold their heads high. So the Aussies crash out on penalties and Egypt go through. At least it's new territory for us - out in the round of 32 instead of the round of 16. Their stock is rising and a big summer move looks likely.  We're not done with the World Cup though at the Failed Footballer! New episodes will still be dropping twice a week as we bring you the biggest stories from the round of 16 and beyond.   This episode OlanTekkers unpacks 120 minutes of World Cup football, with questions around team selection, substitutions and attacking tactics. Did we deserve to go through? Maybe.  Plus, iHeart sports reporter John Bric was there in Dallas and he shares his take on the game: what Popovich got right and wrong, where to next for the Socceroos and how the young players can bounce back.  We're not done with the World Cup though at the Failed Footballer! New episodes will still be dropping twice a week as we bring you the biggest stories from the round of 16 and beyond.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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About

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup. This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond.  The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There’s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia’s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You’ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers. New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen. Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation. If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you’ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice. This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

Information

  • Creator
    Olan Tekkers & iHeart Australia
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Failed Footballer

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