Headscratchers

Last month saw the launch of FIFA 21, with the popularity of the series as strong as ever. You might think that releasing effectively the same game year after year …

By Pablo Veroli Barcelona under Cruyff: The ‘false 9’, the infinite number and Pep looking for his destiny   In 1988, Johan Cruyff would return to Barcelona, this time as …

In 1950, and after one of the saddest and darkest periods of the 20th century, Fifa once again organised a World Cup, which had not been held since 1938. The …

Shirt numbers in sports are iconic, and they can carry a responsibility for athletes. For example, if basketball undrafted players are given the number 23 they will always have Michael …

It’s not a trick question – in which major finals did Johan Cruyff wear something other than 14 for the Netherlands? Certain numbers tend to carry heavy legacies – Manchester …

Sunday saw Eden Hazard make his first appearance with a Real Madrid badge on his shirt, but for many of us, it’s what’s on the back of the shirt that …

Ah, squad numbers… they’re always a great cause of consternation, controversy, and conflict. Maybe that borders a bit on hyperbole, but the point is this: For the most part, shirt …

Welcome to the 88th edition of our weekly squad number quiz, Monday 11s. This week we are taking a look at some unusual squad numbers from past and present. As …

Yet another transfer window has passed us, and this January has treated us to one of the most active and exciting winter windows we’ve seen in years. Here’s a roundup …

It’s always frustrating when you have a clear memory of something, but can’t corroborate it. I could recall reading a piece on the coming season’s squad numbers in Match magazine …