Heroes & Humans of Football

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 statistics 04:58: Growing up poor and ostracised in Argentina 12:06: Pro debut and lift from poverty 16:18: The cage of global fame and war in the Falklands 21:39: Drugs, drinking, and stardom 26:14: Napoli comes calling 29:45: Maradona and the mafia 34:52: The 1986 world cup and the ‘hand of god’ goal 50:23: The symbolic defeat of the imperial master (England) 56:19: Private life gets complicated 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/heroesandhumans [https://www.patreon.com/heroesandhumans?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan] FOLLOW @HEROESANDHUMANS EVERYWHERE. * Instagram [https://instagram.com/heroesandhumans] * TikTok [https://tiktok.com/heroesandhumans] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heroesandhumans] * X [https://twitter.com/heroesandhumans] Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com [http://heroesandhumans.com/]

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 everywhere Instagram TikTok Facebook X Visit our website for news & updates: heroesandhumans.com [http://heroesandhumans.com]

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: Introduction 3:07: First thoughts and career statistics 5:45: Growing up in rural Argentina 10:51: Scouting by Bielsa and a weird knock on the door at 2am… 17:31: A good-but-forgettable footballing career—the ultimate footballer NPC 27:53: 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 English 50:35: Non-verbal communication and call to Spurs 58:36: Rise and fall at Tottenham Hotspur 1:04:31: Move to Paris Saint Germain and a hollow victory 1:08:30: Chelsea comes calling 1:10:57: 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/heroesandhumans [https://www.patreon.com/heroesandhumans?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan] FOLLOW @HEROESANDHUMANS EVERYWHERE. * Instagram [https://instagram.com/heroesandhumans] * TikTok [https://tiktok.com/heroesandhumans] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heroesandhumans] * X [https://twitter.com/heroesandhumans] Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com [http://heroesandhumans.com/]

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 style 08:58: 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 Giggs 21:04: Ruthlessness, egomania, and ways to instill fear in players 26:18: Money and empathy in the era of hyper-rich football 35:00: ‘Fergie time’ and putting the pressure on extra time 42:16: Signing Cristiano Ronaldo and scouting new talent 46:10: Nearing retirement age but not ready to give up 54:51: Last blaze of glory and retirement 59:31: Working with Manchester United after retirement 1:01:49: Brain haemorrhage and influencing from the sidelines 1:07:49: Legacy of a brutal, almost political, figure 1:16:47: Applying the Ferguson leadership style to other industries 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/heroesandhumans [https://www.patreon.com/heroesandhumans?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan] FOLLOW @HEROESANDHUMANS EVERYWHERE. * Instagram [https://instagram.com/heroesandhumans] * TikTok [https://tiktok.com/heroesandhumans] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heroesandhumans] * X [https://twitter.com/heroesandhumans] Visit our website for news & updates heroesandhumans.com [http://heroesandhumans.com/]

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: Introduction 06:47: Growing up working class in Glasgow  16:23: Violence as a lasting influence 26:17: Welcome to H&H’s new AI friend… 28:40: Career as an ‘international’ footballer and almost-emigration to Canada 34:12: A record £60,000 transfer and move to coaching 39:33: Figuring out his coaching style in Scottish clubs 46:58: Anger, alcoholics, and temperance 51:14: Religious divisions and sacking from St Mirren 56:45: Move to coaching Aberdeen  1:03:42: Assistant Manager of Scotland and the death of Jock Stein  1:07:06: On Manchester United’s radar 1:12:53: Early coaching at Manchester United 1:18:57: The angry lunatic vs. the people person at Manchester United 1:25:09: 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 https://www.patreon.com/heroesandhumans?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fanpatreon.com/heroesandhumans [https://www.patreon.com/heroesandhumans?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan] FOLLOW @HEROESANDHUMANS EVERYWHERE. * Instagram [https://instagram.com/heroesandhumans] * TikTok [https://tiktok.com/heroesandhumans] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heroesandhumans] * X [https://twitter.com/heroesandhumans] Visit our website for news & updates http://heroesandhumans.com/heroesandhumans.com [http://heroesandhumans.com/]