The Upshot

Vittorio Angelone, comedian and podcaster, shares sharp anecdotes about Graeme Souness. They explore his moody superstar image, explosive dressing-room fights, celebrity romances and wild European nights. The conversation also covers his shock move to Italy, fiery managerial years at Rangers and the infamous tea-jug showdown that helped drive him out of Scotland.

They say you have to be mad to be a goalkeeper. And nobody is more batshit crazy than Lutz Pfannenstiel, the German stopper who played for 25 clubs on 6 continents. He kidnapped penguins, threatened to knock out Take That and spent 101 days in a grisly Singapore slammer. From fighting off murderers to dying three times on the pitch, meet Lutz Pfannenstiel: you’re going to like him…  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a whirlwind of chaos, the podcast explores the tumultuous era of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Expect tales of seething fans, a stark wardrobe malfunction of a naked supporter, and a shocking dressing-room meltdown. From awkward press conferences to disastrous early results, the atmosphere is nothing short of toxic. The discussion covers heartbreaking moments, from the humiliating cup exit to a crushing 15th place finish. As Amorim grapples with off-field turmoil and bizarre media interactions, the saga of the worst team in club history unfolds.

The hosts share a humorous encounter with Thomas Tuchel in Notting Hill, leading to a lively debate about manager nightlife. They discuss the surprising dismissal of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United and the chaos surrounding interim coaching roles. In sports coverage, they poke fun at Brendan McCullum doing crosswords during the Ashes, and highlight bizarre AFCON moments, including meddling presidents and enthusiastic fans. The banter continues with Jack Grealish's festive escapades and a hilarious take on Michael Owen's Christmas dinner rankings.

Moses Duckrell, a content creator and former professional footballer, shares wild tales from his time in African football. He dishes on Edgar Davids' eccentric training habits, and a scandal involving Jordan Ayew's alleged affair that leaked through a voice note. Listeners will also hear about the bizarre 1974 World Cup antics of Zaire and the unexpected challenges faced by players, including a flight diversion drama. Moses's insights on iconic moments make this a must-listen for sports fans!

Ruth Husko, a comedian and darts enthusiast, joins the conversation to dissect the meteoric rise of Luke Littler, darts' young sensation. They explore Luke's talent emerging as a toddler, his early competitions in pubs, and the pivotal decision to focus on darts over football. The podcast dives into his infamous 2023 World Championship run, the impact of social media and Xbox culture on his fame, and how he manages his newfound celebrity status. With hilarious anecdotes, including his splurges on kebabs and vapes, Husko adds color to Littler's unique journey.

Join us as we dish out the only gongs more worthless than Fifa’s peace prize. LINKS FROM THE POD: Lamine Yamal party: https://x.com/JackMacCFB/status/1944719886992744913 Emmanuel Petit announces Pat Rice’s death: https://x.com/AlleyMatty/status/1881478083313906032  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Jerry Springer’s threesomes to infiltrating the Taliban, this is the story of The Fake Sheikh… Mazher Mahmood has been caught out using the claims of a serial fantasist to flog a bollocks story about Posh Spice being kidnapped. And his downfall has only just begun… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plus: Samuel Eto’o’s AFCON meltdown and a knife-wielding Sunderland striker. Get tickets to to the Upshot’s Live shows in April: https://www.livenation.co.uk/the-upshot-live-tickets-adp1637635 We’re hiring! Apply for the role as The Upshot’s new video producer: https://www.upshot.email/p/we-re-hiring-a-video-producer-36e9  Download SAILY in your app store and use our code UPSHOT at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/upshot  Join The Upshot’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/upshottowers   (Sign up in your browser, not the patreon app - it’s cheaper). Links from the pod: Kolkata riot: https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1plfmgo/ani_fans_at_salt_lake_stadium_got_angry_with_the Statue unveiling: https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/12/12/12/104672397-15377981-image-a-45_1765543002051.jpg Hola Messi fanzone: https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2025/Dec/1765375010_hola-messi-1.gif Suarez nutmeg: https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/1pmfjzm/suarez_got_nutmegged_by_a_teen_indian_girl/?utm_source=www.upshot.email&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=i-see-a-snake&_bhlid=16c820a8f979cb6080947e9b36af165b189dceb7 Nitin Kumar walking out: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedarter88/video/7583727677526396193  Killing the Ally Pally wasp: https://x.com/MarkWilsonRadio/status/2000235018254459016 Cameron Menzies meltdown: https://x.com/_shaunmiller_/status/2000578781082251448 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dubai, 2006. Sven Goran Eriksson sips Dom Perignon with an Arabian prince on the deck of a 70ft superyacht.But Sven’s white-robed companion is no oil-rich Emir: it’s the Fake Sheikh.For three devious decades, the tabloid hack lived life undercover, exposing everyone from murderous GPs to Mick Jagger.From Jerry Springer’s threesomes to infiltrating the Taliban, this is the story of The Fake Sheikh… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices