Sports
Messi’s Political Silence
Lionel Messi is among the most recognizable individuals in the world. But unlike stars who have directly experienced some form of inequality — such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior — he holds no political opinions and avoids any public stances that could stir controversy.
Latin America Turns on Argentina
In Qatar 2022, Argentina could count on the support of the rest of the region. This time the tide has turned, with many rooting against their neighbor.
Soccer, Power and the Politics of America’s World Cup
Simon Kuper joins Faisal Al Yafai on the podcast to discuss the politics of the 2026 World Cup, why he says America "isn't just Trump," and how soccer became a vehicle for money and power.
How Soccer Commentators Became the Sport’s Greatest Storytellers
From the BBC's numbered pitch grids to Issam Chaouali's poetic eruptions, commentators have shaped not just how soccer is watched but how it is remembered.
Rafael Nadal as Primal Experience
Rafael Nadal’s energy and uncanny intensity made watching him play an ecstatic experience that transcended tennis. All kinds of people who don’t follow the sport responded to him on a visceral level. You don’t need to know anything about tennis to “get” Rafa and his aura.
Boxing, Celebrity and the Death of Mastery
From Jake Paul’s bout with Anthony Joshua to Andrew Tate’s foray into the ring, celebrity boxing has become a stage where spectacle is increasingly displacing mastery.
Africa May Be on the Cusp of a Soccer Golden Age
For decades, African soccer has been caught between immense natural talent and broken systems of governance and funding. But a convergence of changes — new leadership, diaspora players returning to their roots, Morocco’s World Cup success and grassroots investment — could tip the continent into a golden era.