BBC Sport’s most engaging football content in 2024-25

For the third year running, we’ve been looking at which football stories engaged our audience the most during the season across the BBC Sport website and app.

The average length of a story was based on the amount of time it took to read it thoroughly, as well as a quality ratio, which prevented the list from becoming one with only our longest pieces.

For the first time, rather than a single list, we’ve grouped the content into different strands to make it easier for you to pick out the pieces of most interest, but each list is in no particular order.

We’ve added a separate list at the end to show our most-read content for this season, so you can see which matches have been the most popular. We’ve also omitted content that has since been dated by news events.

‘ I was close to dying in car crash ‘

West Ham forward Michail Antonio reflected on his nearly fatal car crash in a March interview with the BBC.

‘ The cash came up to my torso ‘ – tales of a match-fixer

Moses Swaibu was one of Crystal Palace’s brightest prospects as a youngster, but he ended up working for a shady company based on money, danger, and fixing rather than football’s spotlight.

The air crash and the underdogs – a triumph for Zambia’s lost generation

A two-decade story that both revealed a nation’s soul and delivered triumph as unanticipatedly as it did disaster.

‘ I’d still be playing in the Premier League if I had behaved ‘

Before his off-pitch behavior attracted more attention than his talent on it, Nile Ranger was a £10, 000-a-week Newcastle United “wonderkid” with the world at his feet.

‘ I was effectively homeless after getting sacked ‘

Casey Stoney, the ex-england captain, describes how she and her family have rebuilt after being fired by the San Diego Wave.

The life, loss and legacy of Kevin Campbell

The former Arsenal and Everton striker’s tragic passing is discussed by Wayne Rooney, Andrew Cole, Tyrese Campbell, and others.

‘ I signed Barcelona deal – then had a stroke at 24 ‘

Six months after joining the England squad that won the World Cup final, goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck suffered a stroke.

The man who saved Wembley Stadium

How Arthur Elvin transformed from a tobacco kiosk worker to restoring Wembley Stadium’s historic site after 30 years of operation.

‘ Being misunderstood when you’re younger is so difficult ‘

Lucy Bronze, a defender for Chelsea and England, opens up about her autism and ADHD diagnosis for the first time.

‘ I want to be the best player in the world one day ‘

Why and how Martin Odegaard struggled at Real Madrid before joining Arsenal.

The Norway international arrived in Spain as the wonderkid everyone wanted, but he left more than five years later having made just 11 appearances.

The prince who remained in power.

As the world’s most expensive player returned to his boyhood club Santos, BBC Sport looked back at Neymar’s time with Barcelona and PSG.

How Thomas Tuchel transitioned from a barman to a three-lion.

The new England manager has been set the challenge of winning the World Cup in 2026, but how did he get to this point?

Sampdoria’s rise and fall

After a golden age in the 1980s and 90s, Sampdoria have now been relegated to Serie C for the first time – where did it all go wrong?

Virgil van Dijk’s creation

BBC Sport looks at how the 33-year-old centre-back recovered from early setbacks to become one of the best in the world.

Paul Mullin’s whereabouts?

He has been Wrexham’s leading scorer for the past three seasons but could not find a way into Phil Parkinson’s promotion-winning squad.

How Bordeaux, the French giant, came to be in the fourth tier

After handing in their licence as a professional club, the French side geared up for a “chaotic new reality”.

“Manchester United’s struggles are difficult to watch.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer met up with BBC Sport in Istanbul shortly before his Besiktas side faced Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

How Scott McTominay rose to fame at Napoli

Former Manchester United midfielder, Scotland international, Napoli title winner, Serie A’s Most Valuable Player. Scott McTominay is him.

‘ Controversial but a winner ‘ – who is Evangelos Marinakis?

What’s the future of football, Corner Chicken & Rory Delap 2.0?

New tactical ideas still flood into the league but nothing has emerged as the next great theory. Still, that did not prevent us from considering what might occur…

Embracing the chaos – breaking down Bournemouth’s rise

BBC Sport examined how the Cherries have handled the situation as Bournemouth battled for a European place in the Premier League this year.

Why Pep Guardiola’s tactics stopped working

In light of the rise in quick-fire football, BBC Sport examines why the Manchester City manager’s possession-focused tactics no longer work as well.

How Arne Slot has reinvented Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp

Since the current Reds manager’s arrival, BBC Sport has a closer look at some of Liverpool’s subtle tactical adjustments.

Arsenal’s ‘ dark arts ‘ – was there a case to answer?

We examine the tactics employed by Arsenal in their fiery meeting in light of claims made by Manchester City players Kyle Walker and John Stones to be “dark arts.”

How the role of a goalkeeper changed

The modern keeper has evolved from playing a crucial role in a team’s attack to keeping the ball out of their net.

Four tactical lessons we learned from Thomas Tuchel’s first games

Despite disappointing victories over Albania and Latvia, England’s manager has indicated that a more in-depth tactical plan is in the works.

The slow death of the screamer

Inside Erik ten Hag’s tumultuous time at Manchester United

With the beleaguered club calling time on the Dutchman’s reign as manager, Simon Stone looked back at yet another troubled period for the club.

Why do Chelsea keep a large number of young players in stock?

A Uefa report says Chelsea have spent almost £1.7bn in transfer fees in the five-year period to 2024. They continue to spend, though.

How does Daniel Levy run Tottenham – and would he ever leave?

BBC Sport examined the club’s management and potential future as Spurs struggled in the league and the chairman faced criticism from fans.

Could Wrexham really reach the Premier League?

Will the Hollywood-owned club, which has received three successive promotions, reach the top?

‘ A calamitous season for club at a crossroads ‘ – what next for relegated Leicester?

The Foxes made a full comeback from their 2023 defeat in the Premier League. This time their short-term future is far less certain.

Why are Newcastle United considering stadium options?

As talk about a stadium move for the Magpies intensifies, BBC Sport looks at why the club are weighing up the options.

Self-doubt, mistakes, and significant changes at Manchester City are the subject of an internal crisis.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague takes a look at the issues affecting Pep Guardiola’s side – and the potential solutions.

Marcus Rashford and Manchester United’s agonizing divorce

After 20 years at Manchester United, the forward left for Aston Villa, leaving many questions and few answers.

Four crucial concerns must be addressed by Everton’s new owners.

The Friedkin Group have taken over Everton – what are the key areas they need to immediately address at the club?

When Ramon Diaz assumed the role of Oxford United’s fourth-tier icon.

Premier League ticket price rises: How much do clubs make from fans?

Football fans can have a tribal feeling. But when it comes to ticket prices, there is unity.

Who is the most valuable t-shirt that football players swap out for?

Shirt swapping has long been a tradition in football, but what exactly do players do with the shirts they acquire?

When a manager moves back to his former club, does it work?

After David Moyes returned to Everton, BBC Sport looked at whether managers have enjoyed success in their second spells at clubs.

What does the rainbow gesture in football mean when there isn’t unity?

What does the rainbow armband controversy tell us about football &amp, LGBTQ+ rights?

Liverpool may have won the league, but they must rebuild with significant signings.

Arne Slot’s side must still rebuild with major signings despite winning the title, says BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty.

Did Dan Ashworth have to pay the price for the subpar performances of Manchester United?

BBC sports editor Dan Roan and chief football news reporter Simon Stone look at what led to the sporting director leaving his role after just five months.

What is required to pass the agent exam at Fifa?

BBC Sport’s Nick Mashiter sets out to pass Fifa’s agent exam – and speaks to those in the industry about what it takes to enter their world.

What’s happening to Jack Grealish, exactly?

After the highs of winning the Treble, Jack Grealish has fallen out of favour at Manchester City – but what has gone wrong?

What happens when managers publicly criticize their own players?

After Ruben Amorim publicly criticised Marcus Rashford, BBC Sport looks at other examples of managers calling out their players.

Why does “The Godfather” of PSR want clubs to spend more money?

Based on the number of unique visitors to each football story this season, these five pages were the most popular across the BBC Sport website and app.

1. Europa League final: Tottenham 1-0 Manchester United (21 May)

2. EFL Cup final: Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle (16 Mar)

3. FA Cup final: Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester City (17 May)

4. Premier League: Everton 2-2 Liverpool (12 Feb)

5. Premier League: Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham (27 Apr)

The following selections are based on both editorial and viewing data:

Sir Alex

Phenomenal talent, unwavering passion and a will to win. Friends and foes on the incredible career of Sir Alex Ferguson – Britain’s most decorated football manager.

How to become a champions league champion

Locker room tales from Real Madrid’s revolution, Liverpool’s 2019 title run and Jose Mourinho’s triumphs reveal what it takes to be crowned kings of Europe.

Which football-inspired ball is the best for a flight test?

Nedum Onuoha tests the different types of footballs used in the men’s top-flight.

The Big Interview features Alexander Isak and Alan Shearer.

Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak sits down with club legend Alan Shearer.

Anthony Elanga at Nottingham Forest on the verge of greatness

The following selections are based on a mix of listening figures and editorial selections:

The Manchester City Charges are playing football on trial.

Clive Myrie tells the football story of the century: the Premier League v Man City.

Giants in the sport

How Sir Alex Ferguson’s working-class origins shaped British football’s most successful manager.

Desert Island discs

Football manager Gareth Southgate shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren Laverne.

The Tooney and Russo Show

England goalkeeper Mary Earps takes over the reins as the host to ask your questions.

Confessions of a Match Fixer: Sports Strangest Crimes

Moses Swaibu has the makings of a top-flight footballer – until temptation comes his way.

How Ronaldo, Firmino, and Toney are assisting Saudi teams to dominate in Asia

Are Saudi Arabia clubs now starting to dominate in Asia? Investigates World Football.

Match of the Day: Top 10

The Champions League XIs Alan and Micah choose.

In Focus – Gary Lineker speaks to Arne Slot

Since taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer, the Liverpool manager discusses his accomplishments so far.

That Season When: Blackburn won the League

Kelly Cates recalls Blackburn’s famous title victory in 1995 with the aid of Sir Kenny Dalglish, Chris Sutton, and Alan Shearer.

72+ with Aaron Paul &amp, Jobi McAnuff – The Neil Warnock Special