Ben Hayward

Ben Hayward

Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.

Latest articles by Ben Hayward

England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

England boss Gareth Southgate urged to stay until 2026 World Cup: 'The lads would love it'

By Ben Hayward published

England manager Gareth Southgate has been urged to stay on for two more years by one of his key performers at Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate celebrates after England's win over Switzerland on penalties at Euro 2024.

'England might do a Gareth Southgate special' - Laura Woods on Euro 2024 final and manager's future after Spain clash

By Ben Hayward published

Gareth Southgate takes charge of England against Spain in the Euro 2024 final in what could be his last game with the Three Lions

Lamine Yamal celebrates a goal for Spain against France at Euro 2024.

'Lamine Yamal? I hadn't reached puberty' – Gary Lineker references Lionel Messi, Pele and Wayne Rooney as he hails Spain starlet

By Ben Hayward published

Spain sensation Lamine Yamal has been hailed by former England striker Gary Lineker ahead of Sunday's Euro 2024 final

Stories
Pele and Diego Maradona at an awards ceremony in Italy in 1987.

South American greats who never won the Copa America

By Ben Hayward published

A closer look at some of the biggest legends in South American football who never got their hands on the Copa America...

Lists
Harry Kane celebrates after scoring for England against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

Harry Kane to end trophy drought? England captain targets 'respect of footballing world' for Three Lions in Euro 2024 final vs Spain

By Ben Hayward published

England captain Harry Kane has spoken of what it would mean to lift the Euro 2024 trophy on Sunday night

Stories
England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates after his side's semi-final win over the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

'It's in our hands' – Gareth Southgate on what he wants from England in Euro 2024 final vs Spain

By Ben Hayward published

England manager Gareth Southgate has been speaking ahead of Sunday's Euro 2024 final against Spain

Stories
Kyle Walker applauds England fans after the semi-final win over the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

Euro 2024: England's Kyle Walker on how final away from Wembley could benefit Three Lions vs Spain

By Ben Hayward published

England face Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final in Berlin and Kyle Walker says playing away from home this time could help

Stories
Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero celebrate with their gold medals after Argentina's victory over Nigeria in the final of the men's football tournament at the Beijing Olympics in August 2008.

Footballers who won Olympic gold medals

By Ben Hayward published

A look at some notable players from the men's game who won Olympic gold medals in the football tournament...

Lists
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the Gunners' Premier League game at Wolves in April 2024.

Arsenal close in on Euro 2024 star, with talks over fee to take place this week: report

By Ben Hayward published

Arsenal are close to signing a Euro 2024 star, with talks over the transfer fee and final details to be discussed this week

Stories
France players line up ahead of their match against Portugal at Euro 2024.

France players at Euro 2024 share 'immense relief' at defeat for far right in elections

By Ben Hayward published

Several France players at Euro 2024 have expressed their relief after exit polls showed bad elections results for the far right

Manchester United partial owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe meets manager Erik ten Hag in January 2024.

Manchester United to rival Real Madrid with offer for French wonderkid: report

By Ben Hayward published

Manchester United are ready to rival Real Madrid for one of the most talented teenagers in Europe

Stories
Michael Olise during Crystal Palace's game against Brentford in December 2023.

Michael Olise on reasons for joining Bayern Munich over Chelsea & Manchester United

By Ben Hayward published

Michael Olise has signed for Bayern Munich and the former Crystal Palace attacker has outlined his reasons after snubbing Chelsea and Manchester United

Stories
Ange Postecoglou gestures to the Tottenham fans after defeat at Liverpool in May 2024.

Tottenham hold talks with AC Milan over defender transfer, with agreement close: report

By Ben Hayward published

Tottenham have held talks with AC Milan over the transfer of a defender this summer, with a move understood to be close

Stories
James Corden, wearing an England shirt, celebrates after scoring a penalty during the half-time interval of the Community Shield in August 2011.

England penalties vs Switzerland at Euro 2024 delay start of James Corden play

By Ben Hayward published

England beat Switzerland on penalties at Euro 2024 on Saturday and the shootout delayed the start of a James Corden play

Stories
Thiago Alcantara celebrates a goal for Liverpool against Wolves in December 2021.

Thiago Alcantara: Former Liverpool midfielder to announce retirement from football

By Ben Hayward published

Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has decided to retire from professional football

Stories
England players celebrate their win over Switzerland on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals in July 2024.

When is England's Euro 2024 semi-final?

By Ben Hayward published

England advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating Switzerland on penalties, but when will the Three Lions be in action?

Stories
Liberia President George Weah speaks during the UN Climate Change Conference COP26 at SECC on November 1, 2021 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. World Leaders attending COP26 are under pressure to agree measures to deliver on emission reduction targets that will lead the world to net-zero by 2050. Other goals of the summit are adapting to protect communities and natural habitats, mobilising $100billion in climate finance per year and get countries working together to meet the challenges of the climate crisis. (Photo by Yves Herman - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Footballers who became politicians

By Ben Hayward last updated

Football and politics do sometimes mix and here is the proof. A look at some of the footballers who went into politics...

Lists
Italy players celebrate with the trophy after winning Euro 2020.

Best Euros images

By Ben Hayward published

Featuring fans, players, celebrations and more, a selection of the best images from the European Championship...

Lists
Atletico Madrid's Cesar Azpilicueta and Athletic Club's Nico Williams during a LaLiga game at the Metropolitano in April 2024.

Teams named after other clubs

By Ben Hayward published

Many football teams across the world have drawn inspiration from other clubs. Here, a look at some notable examples...

Lists
Mattia Zaccagni celebrates with his Italy team-mates after his late equaliser against Croatia at Euro 2024.

Famous teams that play in blue

By Ben Hayward published

Boys in Blue From national sides to top clubs from around the world, a look at some famous teams that play in blue...

Boys in Blue
Raul and David Villa celebrate a Spain goal in 2006.

Best Spanish attackers

By Ben Hayward published

From legendary strikers to more modern-day forwards, a look at some of the most special attacking players in the history of Spanish football...

Lists
Jude Bellingham gestures to the England fans after his goal against Slovakia at Euro 2024.

Euro 2024: Jude Bellingham hits back at 'rubbish' criticism after late equaliser for England vs Slovakia

By Ben Hayward published

Jude Bellingham had a message for England's critics after his spectacular overhead kick forced rescued the Three Lions against Slovakia at Euro 2024

Stories
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane celebrate the midfielder's late equaliser for England against Slovakia at Euro 2024.

WATCH: Jude Bellingham overhead kick and Harry Kane header turn last-16 tie vs Slovakia around at Euro 2024

By Ben Hayward published

England midfielder Jude Bellingham hit a spectacular equaliser deep into added time against Slovakia and Harry Kane headed home early in extra time

Stories
Chelsea's Conor Gallagher challenges Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes in a Premier League game in May 2023.

Which Premier League clubs need to sell players before June 30 deadline to avoid points deduction?

By Ben Hayward published

A number of Premier League clubs need to sell before June 30 to avoid a potential points deduction

Transfers
Xavi and Andres Iniesta celebrate after the latter's goal for Spain against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.

Best Spanish midfielders

By Ben Hayward published

Spain have been blessed with some of the best midfielders in the history of football. Here, a look at some of their finest...

Lists
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