The Irish Times

World Cup 2022 will herald a seismic changing of the guard

The likes of Ronaldo and Messi will likely lead a generation of talent taking its final bow on football’s greatest stage in Qatar

Mon Mar 28 2022 - 19:00

Euro 2028 bid could provide spark for grassroots revolution in Irish soccer

FAI can learn from how Belgium reinvented themselves after home tournament ended in failure

Sat Mar 26 2022 - 06:00

Spectacular mauling of Madrid signals a new era for Xavi’s Barcelona

New manager has overseen a remarkable transformation since he took the reins

Mon Mar 21 2022 - 17:10

Xavi getting to grips with massive challenge at Barcelona

Legendary former star’s young tyros will have nothing to lose when they face great rivals Real

Sat Mar 19 2022 - 06:00

Sports Books of the Year: Hard-hitting and honest rugby reads lead the way

Chronicle of Barcelona’s implosion and fascinating look at gambling business also stand out

Sat Dec 04 2021 - 06:00

Fallible, flawed, ethereal, genius: Remembering George Best - 16 years on

From Old Trafford to Windsor Park to Carnaby Street, the boy from Cregagh lit them all up

Sat Nov 27 2021 - 06:00

Messi’s Barcelona exit end of an era for all, not just the pocket genius

Barca’s consistent talisman has scored more than 20 league goals in 13 consecutive seasons

Tue Aug 10 2021 - 20:01

Ken Early: France’s uninspiring play goes against their historical self-image

If the French cannot play a good game against Germany, can they excel against anyone?

Thu Jun 17 2021 - 06:14

Michael Walker: Happy 75th George Best, the show’s still going on without you

The Belfast prince added to his legend off the field but on it he was a man of substance

Sat May 22 2021 - 07:00

Ireland’s friendly against Andorra moved to Barcelona to avoid hotel quarantine

Andorra is one of six European countries on the Ireland’s mandatory hotel quarantine list

Wed May 19 2021 - 12:31

Clifford leads rout as impressive Kingdom issue an early warning

Outclassed Tribesmen suffer 22-point drubbing at hands of fired-up holders in Tralee

Mon May 17 2021 - 01:00

For a young one obsessed with football, Gregory’s Girl was heaven

Dorothy changes the fortunes of local football team, leaving the boys restless and dizzy

Wed Mar 03 2021 - 06:00

Bulgaria merit more than a footnote in Ireland’s long footballing history

Gary Mackay and Scotland’s win in Sofia will always be a red-letter day for Irish fans

Wed Nov 18 2020 - 01:00

Johnny Watterson: Rugby’s centurions really just a modern day concept

No player that began their career prior to 1982 reached 100 caps

Thu Oct 29 2020 - 21:23

Miss Amulet looking to complete rags-to-riches success at Newmarket

The Ken Condon-trained filly lines up in the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes

Sat Sept 26 2020 - 06:00

Adama Traoré is everything City hate - can they stop him this time?

Wolves and Traoré, the great bogeyman, should be a revealing test for Pep Guardiola

Mon Sept 21 2020 - 11:00

Ken Early: Questions for Messi – Why leave? And why City?

If anyone can maximise Messi’s strengths while covering his weaknesses, it’s Pep Guardiola

Mon Aug 31 2020 - 06:54

Can Koeman be the new broom that sweeps Barcelona clean?

‘Returning legend’ plans to clear out club’s old guard – except Messi – but it won’t be easy

Wed Aug 19 2020 - 22:30

All in the Game: Liverpool’s joy not shared universally

Jordan Henderson lifted the Premier League trophy and was named player of the year

Mon Jul 27 2020 - 10:21

In turmoil on and off the pitch: Where did it all go wrong for Barcelona?

Third draw in four for Catalan club has made defending their La Liga title very difficult

Thu Jul 02 2020 - 11:47

Remembering the great Johan Cruyff four years on

He changed the way football was played at the highest level as a player and manager

Tue Mar 24 2020 - 08:35

America at Large: Jimmy Conway’s legacy marked from Cabra West to Portland

The Dubliner’s time playing in the North American Soccer League was the start of a love affair with the city

Wed Feb 19 2020 - 17:15

New Barcelona manager Setien must bring style as well as silverware

The appointment of former Real Betis boss represents a huge gamble for the Catalans

Tue Jan 14 2020 - 08:20

Pep Guardiola says he would rather play golf than manage Manchester United

City and United managers have kind words for each other ahead of derby

Mon Jan 06 2020 - 22:30

Take Five: some of the biggest trophies in world sport

Eyes on the prize – here are some you could not miss

Mon Dec 02 2019 - 22:27

Joanne O’Riordan: Pauw’s ability to grow the game makes her perfect fit for Ireland

Dutch coach’s previous jobs have led to stronger foundations for women’s football

Tue Nov 12 2019 - 21:00

Liam Toland: Ireland smile returns but it needs to be wider against the All Blacks

That Keith Earls and Jacob Stockdale have yet to score a try is an institutional failure

Mon Oct 14 2019 - 07:00

Remembering the night a 30-year-old George Best nutmegged Johan Cruyff

Derek Spence recalls the famous night when he netted a late equaliser against the very best

Sat Oct 05 2019 - 06:00

Guardiola’s quest for control at Manchester City undermined by VAR

Football’s ability to provide a wrinkle frustrates manager’s dreams of order

Sun Aug 18 2019 - 23:00

Ajax’s Van de Beek makes Spurs wait before delivering Dutch gold

Startingly smooth visitors prove too good for tired Tottenham

Wed May 01 2019 - 14:08

Ajax bosses look to glorious past to inspire young players

Edwin van der Sar: 'We reached a level of football nobody expected'

Tue Apr 30 2019 - 10:22

Jennings looks on in wonderment at Tottenham’s brave new world

Still coaching at Spurs, the legendary goalkeeper is thrilled with the club’s progress

Sat Apr 27 2019 - 06:00

Here’s how to beat Barcelona in the Catalan capital

A look back over their 10 home defeats in 15 years of matches at Camp Nou in Catalonia

Tue Apr 16 2019 - 13:00

Ajax shares energised by thrilling Champions League win

Dutch side in surprise triumph over Real Madrid

Wed Mar 06 2019 - 12:47