

Rory Smith
Posts
Chelsea Exits Champions League, Its Next Destination Unknown
Real Madrid advanced to the semifinals at the expense of a Chelsea team long on cash and talk but short, it seems, on ideas of...
The Best Time to Fix Soccer Is Right Now
The game’s authorities, its teams and its fans all agree alterations could help. The problem is that many of them are focused on the wrong...
Benfica, Enzo Fernández and a Champions League Question: What If?
The Portuguese giant knew selling Enzo Fernández would make it harder to win Europe’s richest prize. But cashing out early is a story the club...
How Will ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ Write Notts County’s Story?
Notts County is having one of the most remarkable seasons in its long history. It might even win the league. But you don’t get to...
Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Limited Options
The chase for a transcendent star in the twilight of his career requires a new term: GOATwashing.
Gerard Piqué’s Kings League Has Seen Soccer’s Future
Gerard Piqué won a World Cup and lost a pop star as he built a multimillion-dollar side business. Now he has quit the sport that...
At Liverpool, Man City Means a Red Alert
A rough stretch, starting with Saturday’s game against Manchester City, will define Liverpool’s season. The harder work comes after that.
The Superteam That May Be Selling Itself Short
Vfl Wolfsburg casts itself as an underdog in Germany and in the Champions League. That doesn’t reflect reality.
Argentina’s World Cup Champions Gather for First Time Since Qatar
Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates have reunited for the first time. Most are finding a day job feels different after you’ve won the World...
Quinten and Jurrien Timber Share Title Dreams and a Bedroom
Quinten and Jurrien Timber are on opposite sides of the Dutch championship race. At home, they may be closer, literally, than any two players in...