By his late-20s, superstar footballer Maradona had it all: copious wealth and record-breaking transfer fees, a rockstar lifestyle, and a glittering presence at the World Cup. So what soured?This is the tragic tale of Diego Maradona, from his late 20s until his death in 2020 at just 60 years old. This is the story of Maradona’s decades-long decline, from being (briefly) hated in Italy and failing drug tests on the international stage to unsuccessful tenures as a football manager.Simon and Mehreen chronicle Maradona’s later years, including sought-after peace in the United Arab Emirates and constant returns to his country of Argentina. They reflect on Maradona’s legacy among the greats, and Simon gives his own insights into meeting Maradona—the polite man who often seemed a ‘performing seal’.Above all, this episode covers Maradona’s intrinsic links to Argentina—the country that both revered and celebrated him but may also have been the cause of his demise. The episode paints a picture of Maradona as a resistance hero, a victim of racism, and a person who lived under the pressures of both extreme fame and famine.This is the second part of a two-part podcast. Listen to ‘Maradona: From the slum to world champion’ before this one. Time stamps:1:44: The Napoli ‘cult’ starts to sour6:57: The most hated man in Italy (briefly)9:07: World Cups and failed drug tests16:54: Simon meets Maradona20:58: The ‘little man’ worldview of Argentinian politics and race30:41: Maradona becomes the Argentine football manager36:42: Move to the UAE—peace at last43:25: Back in Argentina, and fatal heart attack49:09: Maradona’s legacyJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only a few people can say they carry the weight of a nation on their shoulders – and football superstar Diego Maradona was one of them.This episode, the first of a two-part series, covers the ‘glory’ years of Diego Maradona, the pocket rocket who became the face of Argentina and Argentinian football. Named as one of the greatest players in the history of sport, this episode covers Maradona’s younger years—from rising success after growing up in the slums of Argentina, to stints at Barcelona, success at Napoli, and World Cup glories (and controversies).In this episode, Mehreen and Simon also cover the dark side of Maradona—from routine drug taker and serial womaniser to mafia run-ins, military coups in Argentina, and the imprisoning effect of global fame.What is the real story behind ‘el pibe de oro’ (the golden boy)?Timestamps:00:36: Introduction and career statistics04:58: Growing up poor and ostracised in Argentina12:06: Pro debut and lift from poverty16:18: The cage of global fame and war in the Falklands21:39: Drugs, drinking, and stardom26:14: Napoli comes calling29:45: Maradona and the mafia34:52: The 1986 world cup and the ‘hand of god’ goal50:23: The symbolic defeat of the imperial master (England)56:19: Private life gets complicatedJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special bonus episode, Simon and Mehreen pay tribute to the legendary Dutch footballer Johan Neeskens, who passed away suddenly at the age of 73. They reflect on his footballing career, starting from his humble beginnings in post-war Netherlands to becoming a key player in Ajax’s dominant European team of the 1970s and a cult figure at FC Barcelona.Johan Neeskens was known as the ultimate "hard man" on the pitch, with a football style rooted in toughness, brutal tackles, and the ability to slide in for a tackle like no one else. Despite his rough nature on the field, Neeskens was beloved for his humility and the passion he brought to every match. In this episode, Simon shares personal memories of Neeskens and highlights the emotional impact of his passing on the football world.This episode captures the duality of Johan Neeskens: the fighter on the field and the humble coach who spent his later years giving back to underprivileged children in refugee camps around the world.Timestamps: 00:36: Welcome and introduction 03:14: How Johan Neeskens’ death resonated across the football community 06:21: Johan Neeskens’ rough childhood and early career struggles 10:45: The rise of Johan Neeskens at Ajax and his defining role in total football 15:32: World Cup 1974 – Sliding into legend with a goal against Brazil 19:18: Neeskens’ move to FC Barcelona and the friendship with Johan Cruyff 23:42: Neeskens’ post-playing career and the heart-warming coaching roles with kids 27:48: His sudden death while on a coaching trip in Algeria 34:00: A legacy of humility, toughness, and lasting impact on the world of football Follow @heroesandhumans everywhereInstagramTikTokFacebookXVisit our website for news & updates: heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Argentine football manager Pochettino has always been the type to fly under the radar – both as a player and a coach. Is it his time for the spotlight by bringing the US men’s team to glory?In this episode, Simon and Mehreen cover nice guy Pochettino’s life, from growing up on a farm in Argentina to a football career in France—where he’s more motivated by the food and wine of Bordeaux than the club itself.They cover his managerial career, and the story of a Spanish speaker who managed teams in England and France, yet could never communicate to his players except through translators. How, despite this, did he become arguably one of Tottenham Hotspurs most successful managers?This episode covers a deeply spiritual man and ‘aura reader’ who rises to the heights of football (but never the pinnacle) by being a family-orientated nice guy—in stark contrast to other authoritarian, manipulative football managers.Timestamps:00:36: Introduction3:07: First thoughts and career statistics5:45: Growing up in rural Argentina10:51: Scouting by Bielsa and a weird knock on the door at 2am…17:31: A good-but-forgettable footballing career—the ultimate footballer NPC27:53: Football’s good, but Pochettino’s about the food and wine (playing in Paris and Bordeaux)34:33: Pochettino’s spiritualism. Simon’s not a fan.43:09: Move to Southampton, with no knowledge of English50:35: Non-verbal communication and call to Spurs58:36: Rise and fall at Tottenham Hotspur1:04:31: Move to Paris Saint Germain and a hollow victory1:08:30: Chelsea comes calling1:10:57: Move to the US men’s team – what will happen?Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Ferguson spent 26 seasons as the coach of Manchester United – winning more trophies and accolades than any other manager in the history of football (although Pep may well beat that soon…). Part 1, the making of Alex Ferguson, tracked the Scotsman’s early life and career. This sequel episode concentrates on how Ferguson helped lead Manchester United to international fame and dominance – gaining respect and recognition from world leaders along the way.In this episode, Mehreen and Simon cover Ferguson’s career and coaching style through the 90s to his retirement in 2013. They touch on his style of coaching on players such as Eric Cantona, his influence over the Class of ‘92 – including Ryan Giggs and David Beckham – up to managing Cristiano Ronaldo.This episode focuses on Ferguson’s contradictory nature – from his authoritarian and domineering nature that would be a nightmare for any HR department, to the popular manager that attracted respect and admiration from people across all walks of life.This is the second episode of a two-part series. Make sure to listen to ‘The making of Alex Ferguson’ before this one.Time stamps:00:32: Pick-up from last episode – stats, scouting, and play style08:58: A father figure and matching coaching style to fit the player (Cantona and the class of ‘92)14:19: Managing the ‘night and day’ personality of Ryan Giggs21:04: Ruthlessness, egomania, and ways to instill fear in players26:18: Money and empathy in the era of hyper-rich football35:00: ‘Fergie time’ and putting the pressure on extra time42:16: Signing Cristiano Ronaldo and scouting new talent46:10: Nearing retirement age but not ready to give up54:51: Last blaze of glory and retirement59:31: Working with Manchester United after retirement1:01:49: Brain haemorrhage and influencing from the sidelines1:07:49: Legacy of a brutal, almost political, figure1:16:47: Applying the Ferguson leadership style to other industriesJoin the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Ferguson, the omnipotent, omnipresent orator, is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. This episode tracks Ferguson’s early life and career, showcasing an intricate backstory marred by violence, conviviality, and a quest for greatness. Mehreen and Simon chronicle Ferguson’s early life, from growing up in working-class Glasgow in the 1940s and part-time pub landlord to playing ‘international’ football, and a managerial career (and firing) in Scottish clubs in the 1970s.What attracted Manchester United to this angry Scotsman who took everything so seriously? How did Ferguson build his role as a ‘do-all’ manager that will say hello to the footballers and cleaners alike, and sit on the phone to fan club presidents for hours?This episode is part of a two-part series on Alex Ferguson, and is defined by comradeship, collectivism, and communication. Look out for the sequel, ‘The reign of Alex Ferguson’, which tracks Ferguson’s longtime success at Manchester United.Time stamps: 00:45: Introduction06:47: Growing up working class in Glasgow 16:23: Violence as a lasting influence26:17: Welcome to H&H’s new AI friend…28:40: Career as an ‘international’ footballer and almost-emigration to Canada34:12: A record £60,000 transfer and move to coaching39:33: Figuring out his coaching style in Scottish clubs46:58: Anger, alcoholics, and temperance51:14: Religious divisions and sacking from St Mirren56:45: Move to coaching Aberdeen 1:03:42: Assistant Manager of Scotland and the death of Jock Stein 1:07:06: On Manchester United’s radar1:12:53: Early coaching at Manchester United1:18:57: The angry lunatic vs. the people person at Manchester United1:25:09: Everything starts to turn around… Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2010, the footballing community was shouting about corruption. FIFA had just awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. Something didn’t sound quite right…In this groundbreaking episode, Simon and Mehreen cover not only the life and corruption of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, but also paint a picture of the geopolitical changes in global football and the rising power shifts from the West to the East.The podcast features clips from an exclusive interview with Sepp Blatter himself, who candidly reveals details of his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, meetings with Qatar and French President Nicholas Sarkozy, and FIFA officials’ roles in the Qatari corruption scandal.This is a story of power, money, and corruption—akin to a mafia movie or Hollywood biopic. You won’t want to miss it.Time stamps: 00:26: Introduction03:54: Growing up in Switzerland08:02: Coca Cola gets Blatter into FIFA13:32: From bureaucrat to the biggest job at FIFA19:57: Turning a blind eye or encouraging corruption?24:58: Simon’s run-in with Blatter (and missing out on a spa day)34:49: Qatari official meets the French President37:59: Russia and Qatar win the World Cup bid45:04: Chuck Blazer blows the whistle49:37: A farcical election and questions of conviction57:36: A lonely 80s of court cases, irrelevance, and attempt to stop the Ukraine War01:00:22: What is Sepp Blatter’s legacy?Join the Heroes and Humans Supporters Club!Are you a fan of Heroes and Humans and can’t wait for the next episode? Why not become part of our exclusive community and get even closer to the action?By joining our official H&H Supporters Club on Patreon, you’ll unlock access to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, bonus content, and special Q&A sessions with your hosts, Mehreen and Simon. Whether you're looking for deeper insights into football’s biggest personalities or just can’t wait for the next episode, we’ve got something for you.Don’t miss out! Support us and get more from your favourite podcast.Join us today at patreon.com/heroesandhumansFollow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Defensive midfielder N’Golo Kanté has left a huge legacy on football, yet hardly anything is known about him. How did this humble, fame-shy footballer become so beloved by barely saying a single world?In this episode, Simon and Mehreen cover the reclusive Kanté, from poor beginnings in the Paris banlieues to bringing underdog Leicester to shock victory in 2016. They cover his rise to worldwide recognition and uncomfortable relationship with fame as he sees further success at Chelsea and for the French national team.Together, they piece together an intricate picture of the human behind the hero of football. They cover stories of the well-meaning Kanté, who had never been to a birthday party until his 20s, drives a Mini Cooper, doesn’t want to be paid via offshore tax havens, and struggles with the concept of hiring a cleaner.But of course, there’s a more unfortunate side to being the most genuine person in league football – a side that leads to Kanté being held at gunpoint thanks to advantageous agents, and business decisions that seem slightly out of character.This is the story of how the zippy ‘vacuum cleaner’ who hoovers up the midfield became one of the universally-liked men in football. Time stamps:00:40: Introduction to N’Golo Kanté (NG)03:59: Growing up in Paris 07:20: Beginnings in third division French football10:01: Maturing on and off the pitch at Caen15:00: Arrival and success at Leicester20:35: Move to Chelsea and the big leagues29:00: France win the World Cup34:35: A ‘vacuum cleaner’ on the pitch and discomfort at recognition40:13: Surprise comeback at Al-Ittihad45:15: What if Kanté hadn’t been a footballer?For the 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League, why don't you join my mini-league "Heroes & Humans Of Football"?Joining the league couldn't be easier. Simply use the link below and you'll be added automatically after you've entered the game.https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/l7y2etLeague Code: l7y2etLooking forward to playing against you this season!Follow @heroesandhumans everywhere. Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, charismatic football coach José Mourinho reflects on his tumultuous career journey. Known for his winning mentality, Mourinho shares insights on his arrival at Real Madrid and the intense rivalry with Barcelona. The conversation transitions to his emotional struggles at clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, where his aggressive coaching style faced criticism. The topic of his transition to Fenerbahçe introduces the question: Is Mourinho's era truly over, or can he reclaim his glory in a post-Roma phase?

Jose Mourinho, the charismatic yet divisive football manager, discusses his controversial rise in football. He shares insights from his early days in Portugal to his successes with Chelsea and Inter Milan. The hosts dive into Mourinho's clever media tactics, his charm and appearance, and how he navigated complex relationships with players, particularly African talent. The conversation highlights his genius as a strategist and the toxicity that can accompany his coaching style, providing a nuanced look at a truly complex figure in football.