Cherish the Feel-Good Stories. They Won’t Last.

Enjoy the underdogs now, because money will restore Europe’s usual order soon enough.

When a Fairy Tale Is Disputed Territory

Sheriff Tiraspol, a team from Moldova (sort of), has made the Champions League. But whether the club’s story is wonderful or worrying depends on the light.

A World Cup Every Two Years? Why?

Soccer is in love with the Big Idea. But a focus on fundamentally changing the game’s calendar leaves no room for a necessary debate about fixing it.

Soccer’s New Rich Leave the Old Guard Looking Beleaguered

European soccer’s summer trading window closed this week, with teams backed by nation states and the super rich cementing their dominance.

Messi, Mbappé and Running Out the Clock

Lionel Messi moved to P.S.G. because Barcelona couldn’t stop him. Kylian Mbappé may have to stay put because his club holds all the leverage.

At Euro 2020, a Reminder That Good Can Be Great

Holding national teams to club standards spoils the fun of international tournaments like the Euros and Copa América.

What Happens When Athletes Run the Club?

Mallorca, a Spanish team that has struggled to find its level but just won promotion back to La Liga, is finding out.

What Happens When Athletes Run the Club?

Mallorca, a Spanish team that has struggled to find its level but just won promotion back to La Liga, is finding out.