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PODCAST

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

sports soccer

All Episodes

95:43

Geoff Hurst: The Last Boy of '66 - Living with...

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2025/01/16

What happens when your greatest moment becomes both a blessing and a burden? This is not just the story of Geoff Hurst's World Cup hat-trick but a deeper exploration of a vanishing era of English football and the often-challenging lives of the heroes of '66 after their moment of glory.In this episode, Simon and Mehreen uncover the complex legacy of England's World Cup-winning team through the eyes of its last surviving member. From modest wages and part-time jobs to the devastating impact of

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107:02

The Super Agents: How Mino Raiola Changed Football's...

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2025/01/09

How did a pizza waiter from Haarlem become one of football's most influential figures? This is the story of Mino Raiola, the super-agent who transformed the football transfer market, and his successor, Rafaela Pimenta.In this episode, Simon and Mehreen explore the extraordinary career of Mino Raiola and his business partner, Rafaela Pimenta. From his early days working in his family's pizzeria to becoming the agent for stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, and Erling Haaland, this is the tale

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50:12

Football and the trenches: The 1914 Christmas truce

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/12/19

In 1914, 110 years ago exactly, British and German troops came up from the trenches to meet in no man’s land and play football. This remarkable event, known as the Christmas Truce, is the subject of today’s special episode.Instead of focusing on one hero, human, or villain, this Christmas episode examines the humanity behind war, discussing how football has united people across languages, cultures, and history. Simon and Mehreen delve deep into the story of World War I and beyond. They track the

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83:37

The Brazilian Ronaldo and the 1998 World Cup Mystery

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/12/12

12 July 1998, Paris. It’s the FIFA World Cup – France vs. Brazil. Brazil has the unstoppable Ronaldo (O Fenômeno – the Phenomenon) on their side, and crowds are expecting a Brazilian win. Suddenly before the match, it’s announced Ronaldo isn’t going to play. Then, suddenly, he is. Nations watch, confused, as Brazil’s best player wanders the pitch like a sleepwalker with glazed eyes, and witness Brazil’s defeat of 3-0. So what actually happened? In this podcast episode, Mehreen and Simon tackle the

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62:34

Live with Roddy Doyle: Roy Keane, Chelsea, Ireland &...

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/12/10

Our first-ever live show, recorded at the Kilkenomics Economics & Comedy Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland. The sold-out event saw Simon and Mehreen take to the stage, discussing all things football with the prize-winning author Roddy Doyle. Die-hard Chelsea fan Doyle spoke with H&H for over an hour, where they discussed topics such as: Doyle's lifelong connection to Chelsea Football Club, its fan base, and Mehreen's experiences as a British Asian Chelsea fan The role of football in Irish identity

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51:48

Who is Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim?

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/12/05

Manchester United has seen numerous managers come and go since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. With Erik Ten Hag now put to pasture, who is the new Portuguese millennial manager taking the job?This episode discusses the life and managerial career (so far) of Ruben Amorim. This is the story of a man who has rapidly catapulted his career through the Portuguese football leagues, and is now saying goodbye to the Iberian sun in favour of rainy Manchester. Simon and Mehreen discuss Amorim’s managerial

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77:27

Eric Cantona: Art, violence, and the remaking of...

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/11/28

Eric Cantona is the epitome of Rimbaud and Rambo: an artistic poet and violent, tough man. So how did this paradoxical player transform Manchester United in the 1990s? And how did this affect English football as a whole?In this episode, Simon and Mehreen delve deep into the life and times of French footballer Eric Cantona. They track his playing career in France, how he was the missing piece of the puzzle for 90s Manchester United, and his abrupt footballing career-end at the age of 31. This is

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53:56

Megan Rapinoe: When soccer gets political

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/11/21

Megan Rapinoe is one of soccer’s most talented players, yet has an influence and legacy that extends far beyond the pitch. How did one American sportswoman become such a central figure in conversations about homophobia, feminism, and racism? This episode tracks Rapinoe’s life, from growing up in a relatively poor working-class background to becoming the GOAT of women’s soccer. Mehreen and Simon examine how witnessing severe drug abuse and her family upbringing shaped her understanding of privilege

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53:49

Cristiano Ronaldo’s battle for longevity

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/11/14

No footballer in history has had a career at the top for as long as Cristiano Ronaldo. Nearing his 40th birthday, when will it be time for Ronaldo to finally retire? And will he bow out gracefully—or cry?This is the second and final episode on Cristiano Ronaldo. Simon and Mehreen track Ronaldo’s life from 2009 onwards, detailing his transition to family man, his atmospheric rise on social media, and his footballing career after Manchester United. This episode covers Ronaldo’s rivalry with Messi,

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59:20

Cristiano Ronaldo: The alcoholic's son who became a...

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/11/07

Vain, disciplined, consistent: Cristiano Ronaldo is a football legend like no other. How did this hyper-athletic, prone-to-cry Portuguese player become such a dominant force—not only in football but on the world stage? This episode is the first of two on the legendary football player and covers Ronaldo’s early life. The episode chronicles Ronaldo’s childhood, growing up as an unwanted child in relative poverty in Madeira, and his move to the Portuguese mainland, where he became determined to work

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59:18

Pogba: Brilliant, Betrayed, Banned.

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/10/31

Paul Labile Pogba is, according to host Simon, one of the most gifted players of all time. How did an international, record-breaking superstar become embroiled in a mess of conspiracy, extortion and doping bans? And will we see a comeback for Pogba in 2025?This episode covers Pogba’s life and career, from growing up in France and flying under the radar at Manchester United to a rise to dominance at Juventus and becoming the ‘Churchillian leader’ of the French National Team. An incredibly gifted

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53:36

Maradona: Downfall

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/10/24

By his late-20s, superstar footballer Maradona had it all: copious wealth and record-breaking transfer fees, a rockstar lifestyle, and a glittering presence at the World Cup. So what soured?This is the tragic tale of Diego Maradona, from his late 20s until his death in 2020 at just 60 years old. This is the story of Maradona’s decades-long decline, from being (briefly) hated in Italy and failing drug tests on the international stage to unsuccessful tenures as a football manager. Simon and Mehreen

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63:36

Maradona: From the slum to world champion

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/10/17

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,

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36:09

Johan Neeskens: A Silent Legend in Total Football

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/10/15

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

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80:52

Mauricio Pochettino: A new face for US soccer

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/10/10

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

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87:36

The reign of Alex Ferguson

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/10/03

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

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86:21

The making of Alex Ferguson

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/09/26

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

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67:52

Sepp Blatter & the FIFA corruption scandal (ft. the...

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/09/19

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

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48:00

N'Golo Kanté: The humble superstar

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/09/12

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

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58:04

The fall of José Mourinho

Heroes & Humans of Football ·

2024/09/05

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

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