ESPN FC

Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens to discuss all the fallout from Crystal Palace's 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, as the Eagles win their first ever major trophy. The pair also discuss the race for the top five in the Premier League, as it goes down to the wire on the last game of the season. And with just one game to go in Serie A, Napoli sit top of the table, just one point ahead of Inter Milan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank Leboeuf, a former French international footballer, and Luis Garcia, a seasoned Spanish player, join Gemma Soler, an ESPN reporter, and analyst Alex Pareja for a lively discussion. They celebrate Barcelona's thrilling La Liga title win, spotlighting their journey and the joyous post-match atmosphere. The crew also dives into the Premier League's tense Top 5 race and examines the recent FA Cup Final's controversies. Insightful analysis on player performances and tactical shifts sets the stage for an exciting future in football.

Crystal Palace triumphs over Manchester City to claim their first major trophy in a thrilling FA Cup final. The crew reflects on City's missed penalty and questionable player selections that hindered their performance. There's a deep dive into Kevin De Bruyne’s struggles against Palace's solid defense, and a discussion on how overcoaching may stifle creativity. Celebrating the emotional significance of Palace’s victory, they also touch on the challenges faced by clubs navigating through injuries and the ever-present drive for success.

Celebrate Barcelona's La Liga triumphs with an emotional parade and explore the rise of young talent like Lamine Yamal, drawing comparisons to legends like Pele. Chelsea secures a vital win over Manchester United, shaking up the Premier League race. The discussion unfolds around the struggles of teams like Manchester United and the implications of managerial styles, capped off by light-hearted travel stories from Barcelona and nostalgic FA Cup song memories that keep the spirit high.

Jennifer Karson Strauss, an E60 producer and director known for her impactful documentary work, joins the discussion to delve into mental health awareness. She shares insights from Katie Meyer's story, highlighting the pressures collegiate athletes face and the need for support systems. The talk shifts to soccer, with hosts analyzing AC Milan’s struggles and the upcoming El Tráfico rivalry match as the LA Galaxy seeks redemption. They also touch on Lionel Messi's influence and discuss potential transfers for players like Jonathan David.

Luis Garcia and Sid Lowe, both ESPN FC crew members, dive into Barcelona’s triumphant 2-0 win over Espanyol, celebrating their La Liga title. They dissect how Barcelona rose above financial struggles to clinch the championship. The duo highlights young star Lamine Yamal's remarkable talent, arguing he deserves a Ballon d'Or nod this season. They also explore Jeremie Frimpong’s potential fit at Liverpool, blending insightful football analysis with fun anecdotes and predictions for upcoming challenges in the Champions League.

The hosts dive into Carlo Ancelotti's expected transition from Real Madrid to the Brazilian national team, sparking a fascinating discussion about Brazil's World Cup ambitions. They also reflect on Bologna's surprising victory over Milan in the Coppa Italia final. Quick hits unveil the latest transfer news, including potential moves for top players. Additionally, the complex dynamics of player management, especially in the context of younger talent and women's football, highlight the evolving landscape of the sport.

Julien Laurens, a football expert and commentator, shares his insights on Real Madrid's dramatic late win against Mallorca, halting Barcelona's title celebrations. He discusses key transfer news, focusing on young talents like Florian Wirtz and their potential moves to top clubs. The conversation also highlights Bologna's historic Coppa Italia victory over AC Milan. With exciting narratives about emerging players and managerial shifts, the discussion unveils the competitive landscape of European football.

In this episode, Jennifer Karson Strauss, an E60 producer and director known for her impactful storytelling, shares insights into her documentary on Katie Meyer and the importance of mental health awareness in sports. Aitana Bonmatí joins her to discuss her drive for a third Ballon d'Or and Spain’s European ambitions. The conversation also touches on NWSL's latest happenings and the rising star Debinha making a case for MVP, bringing attention to talent development and the evolving landscape of women's soccer.

Don Hutchison, a former Everton captain turned TV and radio personality, shares his heartfelt memories of Goodison Park as it approaches its final fixture. The discussion dives into Arsenal’s ongoing trophy drought under Mikel Arteta, exploring strategies and transfer challenges that could reshape their future. The emotional bond between fans and the iconic stadium is highlighted, reflecting on unforgettable moments and the atmosphere that defined many matches. Additionally, the pressure on teams ahead of the FA Cup final is examined as they seek glory.