A Premier League star was targeted in an alleged blackmail – then his friend was shot https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7038403/2026/02/17/brian-brobbey-extortion-shooting-target/ Brian Brobbey has been one of the season's success stories but only after a terrifying brush with Amsterdam's criminal underworld #Soccer #Football

Which England players stand to benefit as Thomas Tuchel has to plan for the longer term? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7049883/2026/02/17/england-thomas-tuchel-players-contract/ The manager's two-year contract extension means he now has to consider how the squad looks beyond this summer's World Cup #Soccer #Football

Darwin Nunez's Saudi Arabia move has soured. What now for Liverpool's former £64m man? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7049934/2026/02/17/darwin-nunez-al-hilal-squad/ The Uruguay international finds himself out in the cold at Al Hilal, risking his hopes of shining at the World Cup #Soccer #Football

Manchester United's midfield – Part 1: Bruno Fernandes and a tactical switch that may end in a record https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7027032/2026/02/17/bruno-fernandes-assist-record/ The Portuguese midfielder has been the Premier League's most-creative player this season. Now he has history to chase #Soccer #Football

The curious case of James Trafford: Manchester City's increasingly disillusioned No 2 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7049945/2026/02/17/james-trafford-goalkeeper-manchester-city/ The goalkeeper has had to play second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma this season — something he was not expecting when he joined last summer #Soccer #Football

What has changed at Real Madrid under Alvaro Arbeloa? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7050300/2026/02/17/alvaro-arbeloa-real-madrid-xabi-alonso-changed/ Arbeloa has gone back to Carlo Ancelotti principles since taking over from Xabi Alonso but structural issues remain. Can he patch them up? #Soccer #Football

Row Z: Sir Jim is really very sorry. Plus: adding the Tudor details that Spurs missed out https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7046182/2026/02/17/sir-jim-ratcliffe-immigrants-tudor-tottenham/ Tim Spiers shines a light on the weirder football stories from the past week. First up, Manchester United's co-owner talks immigration #Soccer #Football

Cole Palmer, penalty master: The experts explain the secrets behind his prowess https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7044403/2026/02/17/cole-palmer-penalty-chelsea-analysis-experts/ Cole Palmer has scored 18 of his 19 penalties in the Premier League. Why is he so good at them? #Soccer #Football

Looking at their win over Wigan, is it any wonder teams try to deny Arsenal space? https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7049756/2026/02/17/looking-at-their-win-over-wigan-is-it-any-wonder-teams-try-to-deny-arsenal-space/ Arsenal's thumping of Wigan in the FA Cup shows exactly why most teams adopt a conservative approach against them #Soccer #Football

That Jose Mourinho ball boy celebration — and an enduring link with the terraces https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7049804/2026/02/17/jose-mourinho-benfica-champions-league-ball-boys/ The kids tasked with getting the ball back in play regularly provide iconic moments, but their importance to the game goes beyond that #Soccer #Football