

ESPN FC
ESPN
Go inside the most popular sport in the world with the ESPN FC crew.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 1min
Szoboszlai's Spectacular Set Piece
This discussion features Jan Aage Fjortoft, a Norwegian football pundit and former player, and Frank Leboeuf, a former France international and insightful analyst. They dive into Dominik Szoboszlai's clever free kick that caught Marseille off guard and debate Liverpool's resurgence under Arne Slot. Jan highlights Bodo/Glimt's surprising victory over Manchester City, shedding light on Erling Haaland's recent struggles. Frank shares his thoughts on Chelsea's lackluster performance despite a narrow win, questioning the team's current form.

Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 9min
Futbol W: Emma Hayes Joins the show
Emma Hayes, the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, shares her insights on World Cup preparation and the importance of the upcoming January camp. She emphasizes fostering leadership among veterans while providing opportunities for younger players. The discussion also covers the tactical challenges posed by teams like Paraguay and Chile, as well as updates on returning players like Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. The crew also reacts to NWSL's new High Impact Player rule and transfer news, making for a lively conversation.

Jan 21, 2026 • 1h
Man City's Miserable New Year
Stuart Robson, a former professional footballer and outspoken pundit, alongside Frank Leboeuf, a France international defender and TV analyst, delve into Manchester City's recent struggles after a shocking loss to Bodo/Glimt. They critique Pep Guardiola's tactical decisions and selection choices, emphasizing the team's defensive frailties. The conversation also shifts to Vinicius Junior's standout performance against Monaco and Arsenal's impressive win over Inter Milan, while discussing wider implications for PSG and the upcoming Champions League.

Jan 20, 2026 • 48min
Futbol Americas: Matarazzo and Sociedad with the Upset
A thrilling upset in La Liga as Pellegrino Matarazzo's Real Sociedad triumphs over Barcelona sparks exciting discussions. The hosts dive into the tactical nuances of Sociedad's gameplay, comparing Matarazzo's experiences in Spain and Germany. They also tackle Josh Sargent's surprising demotion at Norwich City and its implications for his career. Plus, Ricardo Pepi's broken arm raises questions about World Cup prospects and transfer interests heat up with Germán Berterame potentially joining Inter Miami. It's a captivating mix of drama and analysis!

Jan 20, 2026 • 58min
The Football Reporters: Carrick exposes Man City’s flaws
Michael Carrick made a stunning impact as Manchester United's interim manager, guiding them to a 2-0 derby victory. The panel examines Manchester City's recent struggles, particularly in midfield, and whether Arsenal's title lead is a result of City's flaws. Mohamed Salah's unpredictable return raises questions about Liverpool's lineup as fan pressure heightens. The discussion also delves into the trend of former players criticizing current stars, including Lisandro Martinez's fiery response to legends' remarks, highlighting the intense scrutiny facing players today.

Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 3min
Man United's Top 5 Race Momentum
The panel dives into Premier League predictions, highlighting Manchester United's potential momentum after their derby victory. They also dissect Aston Villa's recent struggles and debate their top-five viability. The discussion touches on Chelsea's added fixture congestion and how it may affect their top-five bid. Meanwhile, the team previews Arsenal's Champions League rotation strategy. With entertaining anecdotes about player antics and a dive into Kylian Mbappe's influence at PSG, there's plenty of lively football chatter.

Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 5min
Gab & Juls Show: Will Carrick get the Man Utd job full time?
Gab and Julien dive into Manchester United’s impressive 2-0 derby win over rivals City, discussing Michael Carrick's tactical choices and the debate around making him permanent manager. They also recap Senegal's AFCON victory over Morocco while addressing the controversial mid-match walk-off. The show touches on current struggles in La Liga, Arsenal's recent form, and Chelsea's rebuilding efforts. Amidst highlights of other teams, they emphasize the excitement brewing around the upcoming Champions League matches.

Jan 19, 2026 • 54min
Barcelona Stumble in San Sebastián
Frank Leboeuf, a former France international defender and football pundit, dives deep into Barcelona's unexpected loss to Real Sociedad and its implications for the LaLiga title race. He emphasizes the psychological nuances of taking penalties, advocating for straightforward techniques over fancy panenkas. The discussion also highlights Senegal's chaotic Africa Cup of Nations victory, questioning their title legitimacy amidst controversy and protests. Additionally, Leboeuf analyzes Aston Villa's injury struggles and reflects on the competitive landscape of the Premier League.

Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 8min
Carrick's Rambunctious Red Devils
Mark Ogden, a seasoned football journalist, joins to analyze Michael Carrick's stunning debut as Manchester United manager during their derby win against City. He highlights Carrick's tactical simplicity and how player energy shifted dramatically. The discussion also delves into City's tactical mistakes and what they might need in the January transfer window. Additionally, Ogden critiques Arsenal's performance and Liverpool's struggles at Anfield, while noting Chelsea's first win under Rossignol and Spurs' alarming decline.

Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 10min
Battle of Manchester
European football journalist Julien Laurens shares insights ahead of the Manchester Derby, analyzing winning strategies for a United side under Michael Carrick. He discusses Manchester City's transfer market moves, including the impact of new signings like Gehi on their title push. Julien also delves into the turmoil at Real Madrid following the sacking of Xabi Alonso, evaluating potential managers who might work with star player Mbappé. Plus, a lively preview of the AFCON final featuring Senegal and Morocco wraps up the discussion.


