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 the story of a man who was built like a boxer and thinks of himself as an artist. Famous for his kung-fu kicks, red card troubles, and propensity towards violence, this episode discusses how he also embodied a new type of footballer in the 1990s and a work-hard mentality of football as an art.

Put your collars up for this insane, violent, and often poetic tale of the man of one of Manchester United’s most integral figures.

Time stamps:

0:36: Introduction and stats 

03:44: Early life in Marseille

07:29: A gifted young footballer and early playing career

11:13: Controversy and trouble in French clubs

13:40: Move to England (and a love for Rimbaud or Rambo?)

17:12 Cult hero and collar up at Leeds

22:32: Ferguson chooses Cantona for Manchester United

26:32: Strong start at Manchester United

29:53: Raising the bar at Manchester United

35:27: Simon’s Financial Times front page cover on Cantona

45:51: Community service and controversies

49:16: Karate kicking journalists

52:35: French national football team

57:47: Unexpected retirement, acting career, and politics

1:03:43: What’s Cantona up to now? 

1:11:29: What if Cantona hadn’t played football?

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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 and injustice.

This episode unpicks the polarising views of Megan, which are often at the centre of wider cultural wars. The episode discusses Rapinoe being the first top soccer player to come out (which was actually not too controversial), to being one of the first sportspeople to take the knee in 2016 (which was).

On one hand, Rapinoe is hated by president Donald Trump (“Woke equals failure”) and was once called the “most annoying sportsperson ever” by Piers Morgan. On the other hand, she is celebrated as a figure with a strong moral compass – standing up for injustices, unfair pay, and archaic power structures.

Is Rapinoe the new model for the next generation of sports stars? Or should politics be kept off the pitch? 

Time stamps:

0:36: Introduction 

4:43: A child of Trump’s America 

9:45: A growing childhood interest in soccer

11:42: Recognising privilege and witnessing fentanyl addiction 

17:17: College scholarship and move to Oregon

20:25: Discovering her sexuality

25:59: A poorly-paid pro, viral moments, and coming out

29:45: Intersectionality, homophobia, and equal pay

33:23: Racism and taking the knee in 2016 

38:39: Trump vs. Rapinoe (with a father that votes for him)

44:27: Class action lawsuit for equal pay

47:10: Rapinoe’s legacy 

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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, his fear of decline and irrelevancy, and his dedication to football at every stage—whether it’s the Euros or in the Saudi league. Is it because of Ronaldo that football has reached a fetishisation of high performance?

This is the finale of the highest-paid athlete on earth who rose from nothing—a person who embodies hustle culture but whose self importance is so grandiose one can’t help but mock it.

Time stamps:

0:36: Ronaldo joins Real Madrid

5:05: Rivalry with Messi

9:11: Perfect life, perfect child, perfect wife?

17:01: Global icon and social media superstar

22:41: Euro 2016

29:13: Manchester United and Juventus

34:28: Humiliation and personal tragedy

37:55: Joining the Saudi pro league

41:36: Decline in the Portuguese national team

44:11: GOAT status or pipped to the post?

49:17: The Muslim conspiracy and ongoing legacy

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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 harder, better, and faster than everyone else.

Simon and Mehreen paint a picture of Ronaldo’s ascent to international fame and superstardom, giving insight into his relationship with Alex Ferguson and Ronaldo’s tendency to always be an individual rather than a team player.

This is the first part of a story of the man who takes himself so seriously he has become a meme—and how his egocentric, strict discipline and routine helped to propel him to the top.

*Trigger warning: Mentions of sexual assault allegations, marked in the timestamps*

Time stamps:

0:36: Introduction and stats

4:01: Growing up in poverty in Madeira

9:22: Arrival to the mainland and showing fierce discipline

15:13: Youth career and rising competition for fame

20:40: Arrival at Manchester United 

26:36: UEFA 2004 and a teenager’s determination for greatness

30:20: Controversies and acclaim at Manchester United 

39:00: Ronaldo’s first Ballon D’Or (but not the last)

46:22: Alex Ferguson’s infantilisation of Ronaldo at Manchester United

50:25: Sexual assault allegations in Las Vegas *TW: contains mentions of alleged sexual violence that some listeners may find upsetting*

56:12: Wrap up and look towards part two

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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 player whose play style can dominate all parts of the pitch, Simon and Mehreen also cover the dark downfall of Pogba’s late 20s. In Shakespearean fashion, Pogba's brother betrayed him (including a bizarre West African witch doctor story), only for him to fail a doping test after his comeback.

Will one of football’s most interesting main characters be able to take the centre stage ever again? Returning to football aged 32, will Pogba see a redemption, or is it all over for this tragic hero? And what hairstyle will we see next?

Time stamps:

0:36: Introduction and stats

3:31: Growing up and finding religion

9:02: Underestimated at Manchester United (and fights with Ferguson)

14:22: Success at Juventus

20:20: Dreams of total dominance

25:58: A leader is born

31:20: Racism and the ‘Karen’ of football

36:39: Complacency at Manchester United

39:09: Betrayal by his brother

46:28: The witch doctor conspiracy

40:28: Doping ban 

52:08: Pogba’s legacy and future

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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 chronicle Maradona’s later years, including sought-after peace in the United Arab Emirates and constant returns to his country of Argentina. They reflect on Maradona’s legacy among the greats, and Simon gives his own insights into meeting Maradona—the polite man who often seemed a ‘performing seal’.

Above all, this episode covers Maradona’s intrinsic links to Argentina—the country that both revered and celebrated him but may also have been the cause of his demise. The episode paints a picture of Maradona as a resistance hero, a victim of racism, and a person who lived under the pressures of both extreme fame and famine.

This is the second part of a two-part podcast. Listen to ‘Maradona: From the slum to world champion’ before this one. 

Time stamps:

1:44: The Napoli ‘cult’ starts to sour

6:57: The most hated man in Italy (briefly)

9:07: World Cups and failed drug tests

16:54: Simon meets Maradona

20:58: The ‘little man’ worldview of Argentinian politics and race

30:41: Maradona becomes the Argentine football manager

36:42: Move to the UAE—peace at last

43:25: Back in Argentina, and fatal heart attack

49:09: Maradona’s legacy

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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… 

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