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Has Harry Kane done enough to win the Ballon d’Or? Jan Åge and Markus weigh up the leading contenders, comparing their performances, records and trophies across the season, including the World Cup. We make the case for Kane, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise. How much should goals count? What weight should the biggest trophies carry? And who deserves to win? Let us know your winner and your top three in the comments. Subscribe to The Fussball Channel for football analysis, exclusive interviews and stories from behind the scenes with Jan Åge and Markus Fjørtoft. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis and interviews from across the world of football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Podcast on all audio platforms: 👉 https://youtu.be/niNzBG7S2D4 Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft

Bayern Munich and Arsenal shared the points in a 2–2 draw at the Allianz Arena, with Declan Rice’s late equaliser cancelling out Harry Kane’s penalty.Jan Åge and Markus Fjørtoft review the key moments, Kane’s influence and how Arsenal approached the game. We discuss Bayern’s absences, Arsenal’s response to losing Bukayo Saka early on, and what the performance tells us about both sides.We also look across the Champions League after matchday three, the goals being scored and the race for a top-eight finish.⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis and interviews from across the world of football.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Noiu8ilnFkgFollow us on social media:📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoftTimestamps:0:00 Welcome back and the Bayern–Arsenal 2-2 draw0:30 Record-breaking Champions League goals and PSG vs Barcelona1:02 Bayern's missing players and Eze's standout display2:06 A draw at the Allianz Arena that both sides can live with3:12 Post-World Cup fatigue and managing squads4:18 The international break and Arsenal's resilience5:24 Bayern's rotation and the "mini crisis" talk6:27 Bayern's young midfield and Harry Kane's influence7:02 Harry Kane: the "nine and a half" and the team's general8:07 The Kimmich debate8:37 Arsenal's title prospects9:14 Bayern's ambitions and Leipzig's struggles9:52 Ballon d'Or special and sign-off

Why don’t more clubs do like SC Freiburg?A clear identity. Trust through difficult results. Players who see staying as the next step in their careers. Spending within the clubs' means. What can the rest of football learn from Freiburg?Markus Fjørtoft sits down with SC Freiburg head coach Julian Schuster for an exclusive interview on The Fussball Channel.From captain to coaching his former teammates, Schuster explains how he approached following Christian Streich, why players quickly recognise when a coach isn’t being himself, and what the Freiburg DNA looks like on the pitch.We discuss the person behind the player, supporting teammates after mistakes and how Freiburg have become a club players want to stay at.We also explore German football identity, what makes the Bundesliga special and how clubs respond when the Premier League comes calling.Plus: Jürgen Klinsmann’s family bakery, David Beckham, Dortmund’s Yellow Wall and the coaches Schuster learns from.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews!🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sKGmWR5055QFollow us on social media:📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoftTimestamps:00:00 The baker dream and Jürgen Klinsmann01:03 When Schuster started thinking like a coach01:53 What he learned from Christian Streich03:35 Developing as Freiburg’s Verbindungstrainer05:21 What does Freiburg DNA actually mean?07:05 Recruiting the person behind the player08:07 Taking over from Christian Streich10:51 Coaching former teammates and making hard decisions12:18 Why a coach has to be himself14:26 Why don’t more clubs do it like Freiburg?16:34 Trust when results go against you17:58 Freiburg’s rise and how far they can go20:21 What is German football identity?22:45 The Bundesliga’s place in world football24:56 Quickfire: Beckham, the Yellow Wall and German greats26:57 The coaches and clubs Schuster learns from29:44 Finding inspiration beyond football

Four games. 44 players. One enormous audition. Jürgen Klopp's first international window as Germany head coach is complete, with one win, two draws and one defeat in the Nations League. But what have we actually learned? Markus Fjørtoft and Keven Bader review Klopp's first four games against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia, the early signs of his tactical approach and the biggest questions still facing Germany. We also pick the winners and losers from Klopp's extraordinary 44-player experiment. Who has played their way into his plans? Who could miss out when the squad is cut down in November? And what happens with Florian Wirtz, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović and Germany's No.9 position? ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis and interviews from across the world of football.   🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!   📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews!   🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on Youtube: https://youtu.be/HdIWYP9XD0E Follow us on social media:   📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft   📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft   Timestamps: 00:00 Germany’s Klopp Era Begins 00:37 Inside the New Germany Mood 02:19 Identity vs. Results: What’s Missing? 03:44 Klopp’s Bold 44-Player Reset 07:06 The Breakout Stars to Watch 10:21 Is Kimmich Still Germany’s Key Man? 13:38 Germany’s Striker Problem Isn’t Solved 16:22 What Klopp Must Build Before November

Jan and Markus Fjørtoft review the latest Bundesliga action, including Bayern’s seven-goal demolition of Union Berlin, Alexander Blessin’s expected arrival at Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund’s perfect start under Niko Kovač. Dortmund continue to be met with lazy “let’s pretend they’re good again” takes, despite averaging 2.17 points per game across Kovač’s 52 Bundesliga matches. Last season’s 73 points represented their fifth-highest total of the three-point era, while they also produced the league’s best defensive record. At what point does the evidence outweigh the reputation? We also examine Florian Wirtz’s difficult start at Liverpool and the growing criticism surrounding the German international. Is he genuinely struggling, or are people rushing to judge a young player adapting to a new league, a different team and enormous expectations? Finally, we turn to the Ballon d’Or debate. How much should individual numbers matter compared with trophies and decisive performances in the biggest matches? Harry Kane and Erling Haaland enter the conversation alongside the continuing influence of Lionel Messi’s legacy, as we examine the sporting merit, reputation and politics that shape football’s most prestigious individual award. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on all audio platforms: https://www.youtube.com/@thefussballchannel Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:57 — Why Wirtz Is Struggling 8:32 — Bayern 7–0 Union Berlin 8:59 — Ballon d’Or Contenders 15:38 — Is Olise a Contender? 16:08 — Can Dortmund Challenge Bayern? 21:03 — Frankfurt vs Freiburg 22:49 — Gladbach’s Defensive Crisis 24:36 — Bundesliga Coaching Changes 26:29 — Bremen’s Comeback Win 28:04 — Leverkusen vs Leipzig 29:26 — Paderborn’s First Win 31:07 — Germany’s International Break

Jürgen Klopp has named his first Germany squad as Bundestrainer and a new era for the German national team officially begins. 🇩🇪 Jan Åge Fjørtoft and Markus Fjørtoft break down Klopp’s selections, the biggest surprises, new faces (16!) and notable omissions. We also look at how Klopp aims to rejuvenate national pride and unity within the team, emphasizing a concept he calls "positive patriotism."  Germany begin the new UEFA Nations League campaign against the Netherlands before facing Greece, Serbia and Greece again during Klopp’s first international window. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis and interviews from across the world of football.   🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!   📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews!   🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@thefussballchannel Follow us on social media:   📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft   📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft

Freiburg are top of the Bundesliga after three matches but Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hamburger SV are already in crisis. On the latest Bundesliga Round-Up, Jan Åge Fjørtoft and Markus Fjørtoft discuss Freiburg’s perfect start and the dismissal of Gladbach head coach Eugen Polanski following a devastating 5–0 defeat. HSV also suffered their second consecutive 5–0 loss, recording the worst three-match Bundesliga start in the club’s history. Can Merlin Polzin arrest the collapse? We also look at: ⚽ Freiburg’s rise to the top of the Bundesliga 🔻 Eugen Polanski’s dismissal at Gladbach 😬 HSV’s historic start: no points, no goals and 12 conceded 🧤 Loris Karius inspiring Schalke’s first Bundesliga win in 1,225 days 🟡 Felix Nmecha’s decisive contribution for Borussia Dortmund 🔴 Bayern Munich surviving a major scare against Elversberg 🧱 Noah Atubolu extending his Bundesliga penalty-saving record 🎯 Michael Gregoritsch becoming Augsburg’s record Bundesliga scorer 🔥 Antonio Nusa leading RB Leipzig’s response ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis and interviews from across the world of football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews! 🎧 Listen to The Fussball Podcast on all audio platforms: 👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-fussball-podcast/id1635935563   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6fiEdUFIUH89lxy9WDPD5o   Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft   📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft  **Timestamps:**   00:00 - Introduction   01:02 - Jan's weekend in England 04:34 - Elvesberg's heroic performance against Bayern 09:18 - Karius and Atabolu for Germany? 10:50 - Eintracht Frankfurt's derby victory   12:10 - Polanski fired! Polzin in trouble! 13:01 - Conclusion and wrap-up.

Norway has two clubs in the Champions League—and both begin their campaigns against German opposition. Viking travel to Stuttgart for their first match in the competition’s main stage, while Bodø/Glimt face Bayern München after another extraordinary European campaign. Markus and Jan Fjørtoft look at how Viking returned to the top of Norwegian football, the unusual partnership between joint head coaches Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen, and the importance of captain Zlatko Tripić. We also discuss the arrival of Erik Botheim, the departure of Edvin Austbø to West Ham and how Viking are attempting to balance European ambition with the financial realities of Norwegian football. Bodø/Glimt’s progress is no longer a short-term surprise. After reaching the Europa League semi-finals in 2024/25 and the Champions League last 16 last season, Kjetil Knutsen’s side now begin another campaign at the Allianz Arena. We examine the structure, playing identity and continuity that have allowed a club from above the Arctic Circle to compete consistently in Europe. Can either Norwegian club cause an upset against Bayern or Stuttgart? Let us know in the comments. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis, and interviews from across German and Scandinavian football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights & exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefussballchannel Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft

Loris Karius produced an outstanding performance as newly promoted Schalke held Bayern München to a remarkable 0–0 draw. Bayern had 83% possession, 15 shots and an xG of 1.94, but Karius made five saves to secure Schalke’s first point of the season and end Bayern’s run of scoring in 47 consecutive Bundesliga matches. Markus and Jan Åge Fjørtoft review all nine matches and discuss the major stories from Bundesliga Matchday 2. Jan also catches us up on his weekend in England, where he interviewed Erling Haaland and spoke with Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick. Elsewhere, Augsburg came from behind to win 4–1 at Eintracht Frankfurt and move to the top of the table. Frankfurt led through Jonathan Burkardt, only for Arijon Ibrahimović and Robin Fellhauer to score within two minutes of the restart before Alexis Claude-Maurice and Fabian Rieder completed the turnaround. Borussia Dortmund also recovered from two goals down to beat Hoffenheim 3–2, while Elversberg continued their extraordinary start by scoring a stoppage-time winner in a 4–3 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Werder Bremen beat RB Leipzig 3–1 despite having only 29% possession, Stuttgart defeated Köln 4–1 and Bayer Leverkusen responded to their opening-weekend defeat with a 4–0 win over Union Berlin. Freiburg maintained their perfect start at Paderborn, while Mainz put five past Hamburg. Let us know your player and performance of the round in the comments. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis and interviews from across German football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights and exclusive interviews! 🎧 Listen to The Fussball Podcast on all audio platforms: 👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-fussball-podcast/id1635935563 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6fiEdUFIUH89lxy9WDPD5o Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft Timestamps: 0:10 — Premier League weekend update / intro 2:05 — Premier League matches: Ipswich vs Liverpool, City vs Coventry, Everton vs Man United 4:10 — How managers like Carrick and Lampard speak/lead 6:23 — Bundesliga round begins 6:51 — Stuttgart 4–1 Köln 7:34 — Schalke vs Bayern / Loris Karius comeback story 12:33 — Eintracht Frankfurt vs Augsburg 14:37 — Mainz 5–0 Hamburg 17:08 — Freiburg, Paderborn, Bremen, Leipzig, and other roundup results 19:16 — Elversberg vs Gladbach / Elversberg’s identity and comeback 21:40 — Leverkusen vs Union Berlin 21:58 — Dortmund vs Hoffenheim 23:52 — Wrap-up and looking ahead to Champions League preview

The battle for the future of FIFA is heating up! In this episode, Markus and Jan Aage are joined by Sky News sports correspondent Rob Harris, who takes us behind the scenes of the escalating power struggle around FIFA President Gianni Infantino. As UEFA ramps up its legal pressure and the stakes rise, Rob provides exclusive insights into the motivations and machinations that could reshape the world of football. Join us for an eye-opening discussion that exposes the challenges facing FIFA and the fierce battle for "football's soul". Let us know what you think! Will Infantino hold onto power and win the next presidential election, or is the pressure simply too much? ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis, and interviews from across German football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!📲 Subscribe for more insights & exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefussballchannel Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft 0:00 — FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and the backlash 0:36 — UEFA’s strategy against Infantino 1:30 — The legal action in the US and Switzerland 2:46 — Election timing and candidate rules 4:45 — FIFA power structures and committee patronage1 2:35 — The secretary general vs president power split 14:31 — Advisers, ethics, and the people around Infantino 19:22 — What happens next heading into March

Elversberg stunned Bayer Leverkusen in their first-ever Bundesliga match, while Bayern München’s five-goal victory delivered an ominous warning to the rest of the league. Markus Fjørtofts reviews every major story from the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. Four seasons after competing in Germany’s fourth tier, Elversberg marked their Bundesliga debut with a remarkable 3–2 victory over Leverkusen. Lukas Petkov scored the club’s first top-flight goal before Cole Campbell and David Mokwa helped establish an extraordinary 3–0 lead. On the same afternoon, former Elversberg striker Younes Ebnoutalib scored a hat-trick for Eintracht Frankfurt. Ebnoutalib was playing Regionalliga football in 2024 before Elversberg reportedly signed him for approximately €50,000—and Frankfurt later paid a reported €8 million plus bonuses for him. Elsewhere, Bayern beat Stuttgart 5-1 despite Jamal Musiala being unavailable and Harry Kane recording neither a goal nor an assist. Joshua Kimmich and substitute Ismaël Saibari each provided two assists as Bayern demonstrated the frightening depth of their attacking options. Let us know your player and performance of the round in the comments. Subscribe for weekly Bundesliga analysis and German football stories from The Fussball Channel. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis, and interviews from across German football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights & exclusive interviews! 🎧 Listen to The Fussball Podcast on all audio platforms: 👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-fussball-podcast/id1635935563 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6fiEdUFUH89Ix9WDPD5o?si=d835b6e515ec46f4 Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft

The Bundesliga is back, so we're taking on all 18 clubs in 18 minutes. Markus Fjørtoft breaks down every Bundesliga team ahead of 2026/27: last season, key transfers, managers, players to watch and the biggest question facing each club. Who can challenge Bayern? Can Dortmund close the gap? How good are Stuttgart? Why should we be worried about Bremen and Union? And what can we expect from promoted Schalke, Elversberg and Paderborn? ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis, and interviews from across German football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights & exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@thefussballchannel Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft

The Bundesliga transfer window has reshaped several of Germany’s biggest clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season. Markus and Keven Bader discuss Bayern Munich’s additions of Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown, Borussia Dortmund’s new generation following the departures of Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt, and the significant rebuilds taking place at Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig. They also assess Dortmund’s failed pursuit of Saïd El Mala, Leipzig’s sale of Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, Schalke’s move for Robin Gosens and reports that Niclas Füllkrug could return to Werder Bremen.👇 Which club has had the best window? Who has taken the greatest risk? And has anyone built a squad capable of challenging Bayern? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Please note: Füllkrug’s return has since been confirmed. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more English-language news, analysis, and interviews from across German football. 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights & exclusive interviews! 🎧 Listen to The Fussball Podcast on all audio platforms: 👉 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-fussball-podcast/id1635935563 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6fiEdUFUH89Ix9WDPD5o?si=d835b6e515ec46f4 Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft Timetamps: 0:00 Intro 02:00 Are Bayern's Transfer Business Complete? 03:59 How will Wsmael Saibari fit into Bayern? 05:56 Ole Book's Dortmund Rebuild: What Can We Expect? 10:58 Leverkusen & RB Leipzig: The Rebuild 13:29 Stuttgart & the importance of RETAINING Players 15:52 Hoffenheim, Eintracht & Other Notable Transfers 20:35 Niclas Füllkrug Tribute 22:03 Top 5 Bundesliga Transfers

FSG has agreed to sell a close to 40% minority stake in Liverpool to a consortium led by Amit Bhatia and backed by investors connected to the Mittal family, Eduardo Saverin and Jeff Bezos. The Athletic’s James Pearce joins Markus to explain the agreement, what the investors can contribute under PSR and what Liverpool’s deal tells us about the changing direction of football ownership. 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more football content and ANALYSIS with special guests! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights & exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on YouTube and join our 50k+ community! https://youtu.be/DScpKLuLHyA Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft 00:00 Teaser 01:22 What FSG has agreed with 1892 Holdings 04:33 Is this the beginning of FSG’s exit? 05:54 What the investors can contribute under PSR 10:29 Why billionaires want to invest in football 14:30 Is football moving towards an American ownership model? 17:41 Sport’s value in the battle for attention18:27 Should football fans be concerned?

The journalist who broke the story joins us. The Times’ Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler joins Jan Åge and Markus Fjørtoft to take us inside Gianni Infantino’s failed attempt to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial and competition busines, including the World Cup, to private investors. We discuss how Martyn broke the story, how some of football’s biggest stories emerge from behind closed doors, what it reveals about Infantino and the power structures inside FIFA, the growing opposition to his presidency, and the question now facing world football: can Infantino survive? 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments. ⬇️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more football content and REACTION episodes! 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! 📲 Subscribe for more insights & exclusive interviews! 🎧 Watch The Fussball Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@janaagefjortoft9 Follow us on social media: 📲 Jan Åge Fjørtoft: @janaagefjortoft 📲 Markus Fjørtoft: @markusfjortoft Timestamps: 0:00 Teaser 01:16 How Martyn Broke The Story! 03:04 Did Infantino underestimate the football world? 05:28 Why are People Staying Silent? 08:55 What UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF's Joint Statement Means? 10:17 What's UEFA's Strategy? Election or Remove Him? 12:07 Would FIFA Change if Infantino Was Removed? 15:08 What Will Happen Now? 18:18 What Does The Future Of Football Look Like?