Why We Love This Club

Qarabağ FK, Ağdam, Azerbaijan, and one of football’s most extraordinary stories of exile and survival are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club.

Founded in Ağdam in 1951, Qarabağ were forced from their home during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War and played their final match at the old İmarət Stadium in 1993. Chris Horwedel traces how a club that lost its ground and its city continued playing, eventually becoming the dominant force in Azerbaijani football and a regular presence in European competition.

The episode explores Qarabağ’s identity as the “refugee club,” the rise of longtime manager Gurban Gurbanov, domestic dominance, and landmark European nights against clubs including Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Braga and Copenhagen.

It also examines the more complicated history surrounding the club’s connection to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including displacement on both sides and the responsibilities that come with turning football into a symbol of national memory.

With plans underway for a rebuilt stadium in Ağdam, Qarabağ’s story remains unfinished: a club that carried the idea of home for more than three decades while waiting for the possibility of returning to it.

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Chivas, Club Deportivo Guadalajara, Liga MX, and the club’s famous Mexican-only player policy are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how one of Mexico’s biggest football institutions turned a self-imposed restriction into the foundation of its identity.

Founded in Guadalajara in 1906, Chivas grew from an internationally assembled team into a club that eventually committed itself to using only Mexican players. Chris Horwedel traces how that decision shaped everything from recruitment and academy development to transfer prices, supporter expectations and the club’s national significance.

The episode follows the rise of the legendary Campeonísimo teams, the rivalries with Atlas and Club América, major continental runs against clubs including Boca Juniors, and generations of stars such as Salvador Reyes, Omar Bravo, Oswaldo Sánchez and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández.

It also explores Estadio Akron, Chivas Femenil, the influence of the Vergara family, and the continuing debate over dual nationals and what it means to qualify for the shirt.

At its core, Chivas is a story about football and identity: a club that voluntarily narrowed its options and made that limitation part of what millions of supporters believe makes it special.

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The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Clapton Community FC, the Old Spotted Dog and supporter-owned football in East London are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, telling the story of fans who decided that preserving a football identity meant building a new club themselves.

Formed in 2018 by supporters connected to historic Clapton FC, Clapton Community was created around open membership, democratic control, published finances and equal voting rights. Chris Horwedel traces the boycott that preceded the club’s formation, the dispute over the future of the Old Spotted Dog Ground, and the supporters’ eventual purchase and restoration of London’s oldest senior football venue.

The episode also explores CCFC’s distinctive culture, from its internationally famous Spanish Civil War-inspired away shirt to its cooperative structure, community programs and commitment to keeping football affordable and accessible.

Along the way, the story touches on Walter Tull, East London football history, the Charity Commission investigation into the previous ground structure and the club’s rise through the non-league pyramid.

At its core, Clapton Community FC is a story about what happens when supporters stop asking who owns their club and decide to become the answer themselves.

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The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Derry City FC, the League of Ireland, the Troubles and the Brandywell are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, telling the extraordinary story of a Northern Irish club that crossed a national border simply to keep playing football.

Founded in 1928, Derry City became Irish League champions and European competitors before political violence and security restrictions during the Troubles made playing at the Brandywell increasingly difficult. In 1972, after other clubs rejected Derry’s return to its own stadium, the club withdrew from senior football entirely.

Chris traces the 13-year wilderness that followed, Derry’s remarkable admission into the League of Ireland in 1985, and the rapid rise that produced the historic 1988–89 domestic treble under Jim McLaughlin.

The episode also explores the Northwest Derby with Finn Harps, European nights against IFK Göteborg, Gretna and Paris Saint-Germain, financial collapse and rebirth in 2009, and the lasting importance of figures including John Hume, Liam Coyle, Stephen Kenny, Ryan McBride and Mark Farren.

At its heart, Derry City’s story is about home: a club that survived by crossing a border without ever abandoning the city or stadium that defined it.

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The Strongest, Bolivian football, La Paz, and the 1969 Viloco air disaster are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how one of Bolivia’s oldest institutions repeatedly turned survival into identity.

Founded in 1908, Club The Strongest became a defining force in La Paz football, winning early championships, helping establish the Estadio Hernando Siles and later becoming a major presence in the Copa Libertadores. Chris traces the club’s connection to the Chaco War, its rivalry with Bolívar in the Clásico Paceño, and generations of important figures including Rafael Mendoza Castellón, Pablo Escobar, and Alejandro Chumacero.

At the heart of the episode is the September 1969 plane crash near Viloco, which killed 17 players along with the club’s coach, staff and delegate. Chris follows the extraordinary rebuilding effort that came afterward, including support from rival clubs and Boca Juniors, the creation of the “Strongest Símbolo” team, and a rapid return to championship football.

It’s a story about altitude, rivalry, memory, and a club whose name became less a boast than a responsibility: strength meant continuing after the worst day imaginable.

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Enyimba FC, Nigerian football, the CAF Champions League and the rise of the People’s Elephant in Aba are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, tracing how a once-relegated state-owned club became the first Nigerian team to conquer Africa.

Founded in Aba, Abia State, Enyimba spent years outside Nigeria’s traditional elite before chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu helped transform the club around the turn of the century. Chris follows Enyimba’s domestic breakthrough and the teams led by Kadiri Ikhana and Okey Emordi that changed Nigerian football history.

The episode revisits Enyimba’s landmark 2003 CAF Champions League victory over Ismaily, followed by the dramatic 2004 final against Étoile du Sahel, when goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba replaced Nigerian star Vincent Enyeama for the decisive penalty shootout.

Chris also explores Enyimba International Stadium, the Abia derby with Abia Warriors, the Oriental Derby against Rangers International, and the challenges that come with government ownership.

With nine Nigerian league championships and consecutive African titles, Enyimba proved that Nigeria’s long wait for continental supremacy could end—and then showed it was no accident.

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FC Barcelona Femení, Liga F, the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the rise of women’s football in Spain are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, tracing how a team once denied Barça’s shirt became one of football’s dominant institutions.

The story begins in 1970, when Immaculada Cabecerán recruited players through a magazine advertisement and a women’s side played at Camp Nou without permission to use the club’s name or colors. Chris follows the long road from those white shirts to formal incorporation into FC Barcelona in 2002 and full professionalization in 2015.

The episode explores defining figures including Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Salma Paralluelo and Ewa Pajor, along with Barcelona’s transformation after the painful 2019 Champions League final against Lyon.

Chris also revisits the club’s European titles, domestic dominance, record crowds of more than 91,000 at Camp Nou, and the importance of Estadi Johan Cruyff.

It’s a story about access, identity and a women’s team that stopped waiting for permission and eventually helped redefine what FC Barcelona itself could be.

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The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Atlético Nacional, the Copa Libertadores, Medellín football, and the 2016 Chapecoense tragedy are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how Colombia’s most decorated club showed that greatness can mean more than winning trophies.

Founded in 1947, Atlético Nacional grew from a regional project into the Rey de Copas, winning 18 Colombian league titles and two Copa Libertadores championships. Chris traces the club’s rise through figures including Francisco Maturana, René Higuita, Andrés Escobar, Leonel Álvarez, Miguel Ángel Borja and Reinaldo Rueda, while also confronting the violence and cartel influence surrounding Colombian football in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The episode explores Nacional’s home at Estadio Atanasio Girardot, the Clásico Paisa rivalry with Independiente Medellín, and the historic 1989 and 2016 Libertadores triumphs.

At the heart of the story is November 2016, when Chapecoense’s plane crashed en route to the Copa Sudamericana final. Atlético Nacional asked CONMEBOL to award the trophy to Chapecoense, while more than 40,000 supporters filled the stadium in white to mourn the victims.

It’s a story of success, tragedy, solidarity and one of football’s most powerful acts of sportsmanship.

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Deportivo Saprissa, Costa Rican football, Liga Promerica and the Clásico Nacional with Alajuelense are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how the Purple Monster became the most decorated club in Costa Rica.

Founded in 1935 as a youth project by Roberto Fernández with support from Ricardo Saprissa Aymá, Saprissa built its identity around player development long before becoming a national powerhouse. Chris traces the club’s remarkable 1959 round-the-world tour, its famous home at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa — La Cueva, and the historic run of six consecutive league titles from 1972 through 1977.

The episode explores legends including Evaristo Coronado, Christian Bolaños, Álvaro Saborío and Rónald Gómez, alongside Saprissa’s deep connection to the Costa Rica national team.

Chris also revisits the club’s three CONCACAF Champions Cup titles, the unforgettable 2005 victory over Pumas UNAM, and Saprissa’s third-place finish at the FIFA Club World Championship.

With 40 national championships, a renowned academy, and one of Central America’s fiercest atmospheres, Saprissa’s story is about development, ambition and generations of Costa Rican players inheriting an extraordinary standard.

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Brunei DPMM FC, the Malaysia Super League, Singapore football and Brunei’s cross-border football story are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring a club that has needed three countries to find the right competition.

Founded in 1994 and closely connected to Brunei’s royal family, DPMM quickly outgrew the domestic game. Chris traces the club’s moves from the Brunei Premier League into Malaysia and then Singapore, where administrative chaos, FIFA sanctions and even a global pandemic repeatedly disrupted their place in the football pyramid.

The episode explores DPMM’s 2009 Singapore League Cup win, the bizarre season in which their league results were erased, and championship teams led by figures including Steve Kean, Wardun Yussof, Azwan Ali Rahman, Rafael Ramazotti, Adrian Pennock and Andrei Varankou.

Chris also examines DPMM’s rivalry with Tampines Rovers and Albirex Niigata Singapore, life at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, and the unusual financial and travel arrangements required for their current return to Malaysia.

It’s a story about geography, identity, and a Bruneian club determined to find meaningful competition beyond its own borders.

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Club Atlético Atlanta, Argentina’s Primera Nacional, Villa Crespo, and Buenos Aires football culture are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how a historic neighborhood institution survived bankruptcy and rebuilt itself through its members.

Founded in 1904, Atlanta became deeply connected to Villa Crespo and its large Jewish immigrant community, developing an identity that extends far beyond football. Chris explores the club’s famous Clásico de Villa Crespo rivalry with Chacarita Juniors, its home at Estadio Don León Kolbowski, and the antisemitism Atlanta supporters have faced because of that cultural connection.

The episode also traces Atlanta’s greatest sporting era, including the 1960 Copa Suecia, and figures such as Luis Artime, Hugo Gatti, Carlos Timoteo Griguol, Osvaldo Zubeldía and José Luis Brown.

At the heart of the story is Atlanta’s 1991 bankruptcy, the supporter campaign that kept the football team alive, and the eventual recovery of the club’s community facilities.

Today, former Atlanta player Cristian Pellerano leads another promotion push as Los Bohemios chase a return to Argentina’s top flight after more than four decades away.

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Glasgow City FC, the Scottish Women’s Premier League, Rangers, Celtic and the rise of women’s football in Scotland are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how an independent women’s club became Scotland’s most successful.

Founded in 1998 by Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne Stewart, Glasgow City built an elite program without the financial backing of a major men’s club. Chris traces the extraordinary run of 14 consecutive league titles, 16 championships overall, domestic trebles and historic UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinal appearances.

The episode explores club legends including Leanne Ross, Suzanne Lappin, Jo Love, Hayley Lauder and Lee Gibson, plus Glasgow City’s role in developing stars such as Erin Cuthbert, Lisa Evans, Jane Ross and Denise O’Sullivan.

Chris also examines the rivalry with Hibernian, the growing challenge from Rangers and Celtic, the emotional legacy of Kat Lindner, life at Petershill Park, and Lauren Davidson’s dramatic 2023 title-winning goal at Ibrox.

It’s the story of how Glasgow City helped build Scottish women’s football — and how an independent club continues competing against institutions with vastly greater resources.

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Melbourne Knights FC, Australian soccer, Croatian identity and the National Soccer League are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how Melbourne Croatia became a national champion despite being forced to change its name.

Founded by Croatian immigrants in 1953, Melbourne Knights became one of Australia’s strongest clubs, winning back-to-back NSL championships in 1995 and 1996 and developing generations of internationals. Chris traces the rise of stars including Mark Viduka, Josip Biškic, Andrew Marth, Joe Šimunić, Danny Tiatto and Ljubo Miličević, along with the club’s fierce rivalry with South Melbourne.

The episode examines Football Australia’s controversial 1993 policy removing ethnic names, the transformation from Melbourne Croatia to Melbourne Knights, and supporters’ determination to preserve the club’s Croatian colors, symbols and culture.

Chris also explores Somers Street, the collapse of the NSL, exclusion from the A-League, Melbourne’s 2023 Australia Cup semifinal run and the current push under Michael Calandrella to return to NPL Victoria.

It’s a story of migration, football identity, national success and a community that refused to let assimilation erase its history.

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Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, the CAF Women’s Champions League and South African women’s football are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how Banyana Ba Style became Africa’s defining women’s club dynasty.

Founded in 2009 under Mamelodi Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe, the team has won eight South African championships and captured the CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021 and 2023. Chris traces the rise built under longtime coach Jerry Tshabalala, including the inaugural continental title, extraordinary domestic scoring records and the development of an elite football environment at the club’s Chloorkop training complex.

The episode features key figures including Andile Dlamini, Bambanani Mbane, Boitumelo Rabale, Refilwe Tholakele, Noxolo Cesane and Nthabiseng Majiya, while examining Sundowns’ growing rivalry with Morocco’s AS FAR.

Chris also explores the competitive advantages created by Sundowns’ resources, the rapid professionalization of African women’s football, their influence on Banyana Banyana, and the challenge of maintaining dominance as clubs across Africa raise their standards.

It’s the story of how Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies helped make excellence in African women’s club football feel normal.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Kolkata Derby, Indian football history and the 1911 IFA Shield are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how one of Asia’s oldest clubs became a symbol of sporting and national identity.

Founded in 1889, Mohun Bagan built its legend in 1911 when the largely barefoot Immortal Eleven defeated the East Yorkshire Regiment to win the IFA Shield under British rule. Chris traces that historic victory through stars including Shibdas Bhaduri, Abhilash Ghosh, Gostha Pal, Sailen Manna and Chuni Goswami.

The episode also explores the fierce Kolkata Derby with East Bengal, the club’s roots around the Maidan, major matches at Salt Lake Stadium, and legendary figures including José Ramírez Barreto.

Chris examines Mohun Bagan’s transition into the Indian Super League, the controversial ATK Mohun Bagan era, supporter protests, RPSG investment and the modern Mohun Bagan Super Giant identity.

Current names including Vishal Kaith, Subhasish Bose, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Sahal Abdul Samad connect more than 135 years of history to the present.

It’s a story of football, colonialism, rivalry, identity and why Mohun Bagan remain one of Indian sport’s defining institutions.

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Detroit City FC, the USL Championship, Keyworth Stadium and supporter-driven soccer culture in Detroit are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how a grassroots amateur team became one of the most distinctive professional clubs in American soccer.

Founded in 2012, Detroit City FC grew through the passion of the Northern Guard Supporters, community investment and a remarkable campaign that raised more than $740,000 to renovate historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck. Chris traces DCFC’s rise from the NPSL to NISA and eventually the USL Championship, including league titles, playoff runs and a memorable U.S. Open Cup victory over Columbus Crew.

The episode also explores Detroit City’s inclusive supporter culture, community ownership stake, Rust Belt identity and plans for a new 15,000-seat stadium in Southwest Detroit.

Current figures including Danny Dichio, Darren Smith, Maxi Rodríguez, Devon Amoo-Mensah and Kobe Hernández-Foster carry the club into its next era.

It’s the story of how supporters, investors and a city built a football club from the ground up — before professional soccer ever arrived.

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Independiente del Valle, Ecuador’s LigaPro, the Copa Libertadores and one of South America’s best football academies are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how a small club from Sangolquí became a continental power.

Founded in 1958 and transformed after Michel Deller and his partners took control in 2007, Independiente built its rise around elite youth development rather than traditional size or spending. Chris traces the academy that produced Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, Kendry Páez, Gonzalo Plata and Angelo Preciado.

The episode also explores Independiente’s remarkable 2016 Copa Libertadores run past River Plate and Boca Juniors, Copa Sudamericana titles in 2019 and 2022, the 2023 Recopa Sudamericana victory over Flamengo and the club’s modern home at Estadio Banco Guayaquil inside the Valley of Dreams training complex.

Current figures including Junior Sornoza, Richard Schunke, Emerson Pata, Matías Perelló and Joaquín Papa continue a model built on scouting, education, coaching and reinvestment.

It’s the story of how Independiente del Valle turned an academy into one of South American football’s smartest competitive advantages.

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The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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SV Austria Salzburg, Austrian football, Red Bull Salzburg and supporter ownership are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how fans rebuilt their club after its traditional identity was transformed by a corporate takeover.

Founded originally in 1933, Austria Salzburg reached the 1994 UEFA Cup final, won three Austrian league titles and competed in the Champions League before Red Bull purchased the professional club in 2005. When violet and white were replaced by red and white, supporters formed Initiative Violett-Weiß and re-established SV Austria Salzburg from the lower leagues.

Chris traces the club’s remarkable climb from the seventh tier, repeated promotion battles, financial setbacks and eventual return to Austria’s 2. Liga. The episode also explores the symbolic 2023 cup meeting with Red Bull Salzburg, the Max Aicher Stadion, fan ownership and the continuing debate over football identity and continuity.

Current figures including Christian Schaider, Luca Meisl, Manuel Krainz, Christian Gebauer and Tamar Crnkić connect the rebuilt club to its next chapter.

It’s a story of supporter power, club identity and why Austria Salzburg’s violet colors became something worth fighting for.

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FC Rosengård, the Damallsvenskan and the changing landscape of Swedish women’s football are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how one of Europe’s great independent women’s clubs went from near-perfection to a fight for survival.

Rooted in Malmö FF Dam and later known as LdB FC Malmö, Rosengård have won a record 14 Swedish league championships while developing and attracting stars including Marta, Caroline Seger, Therese Sjögran, Anja Mittag, Manon Melis and Lena Videkull.

Chris explores Rosengård’s identity in Malmö, its community programs, home at Malmö IP, and growing rivalry with the newly promoted women’s team of Malmö FF.

The episode also examines the dramatic contrast between Rosengård’s dominant 2024 title season and its struggles in 2025 and 2026, plus the return of coach Joel Kjetselberg and current players including Moa Edrud, Thea Sørbo, Ria Öling, Remy Siemsen and Anam Imo.

It’s a story about women’s football history, independence, professionalization and whether the clubs that built the game can survive the new era they helped create.

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Club Universidad Nacional, Pumas UNAM, Liga MX and Mexico City football culture are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how one of Mexico’s most distinctive teams grew directly from the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Founded as a professional club in 1954, Pumas UNAM have won seven Liga MX championships and three CONCACAF Champions Cups while building one of Mexican football’s most respected youth systems. Chris traces the club’s history through legends including Hugo Sánchez, Jorge Campos, Manuel Negrete, Luis García and Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti, along with the famous cantera that helped develop generations of Mexican internationals.

The episode also explores the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, its Diego Rivera mural and UNESCO World Heritage setting, plus the fierce Clásico Capitalino rivalry with Club América and major battles with Cruz Azul.

Modern Pumas feature Keylor Navas, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Pedro Vite, Uriel Antuna and Robert Morales, while new manager Esteban Solari attempts to end the club’s long Liga MX title drought.

It’s the story of a football club shaped by university identity, Mexican art, youth development and one of the most recognizable badges in world soccer.

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TP Mazembe, the CAF Champions League and football in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how a team from Lubumbashi became one of Africa’s most successful and internationally significant clubs.

Founded in 1939, TP Mazembe have won 20 Congolese league titles and five African championships while building a continental powerhouse under longtime president Moïse Katumbi. Chris traces the club’s rise through stars including Trésor Mputu, Robert Kidiaba, Stopilla Sunzu, Rainford Kalaba and Mbwana Samatta.

The centerpiece is Mazembe’s extraordinary 2010 FIFA Club World Cup run, when victories over Pachuca and Internacional made them the first African club ever to reach the final, where they faced Inter Milan.

The episode also explores the Lubumbashi derby with FC Saint-Éloi Lupopo, rivalry with AS Vita Club, the Stade TP Mazembe, the club’s mining-region identity, its powerful recruitment network and the success of the TP Mazembe women’s team, winners of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League.

It’s the story of a Congolese superclub that permanently changed Africa’s place in global club football.

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Tokyo Verdy, the J1 League and the history of professional football in Japan are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how Japan’s original superclub lost its dominance, spent 15 years in the second division and rebuilt itself around youth development and local identity.

Founded in 1969 as Yomiuri Football Club, Verdy became the inaugural J.League champions in 1993 and defended the title in 1994 behind stars including Kazuyoshi Miura, Ruy Ramos, Tsuyoshi Kitazawa and Bismarck. Chris traces the club’s move from Kawasaki to Tokyo, its rivalry with FC Tokyo, ownership crisis and long exile in J2.

The episode also covers Itsuki Someno’s dramatic 2023 promotion playoff penalty, Verdy’s return to J1, the importance of its academy, and the influence of Tokyo Verdy Beleza in Japanese women’s football.

Modern figures including Hiroshi Jofuku, Koki Morita, Hiroto Yamami and Daiki Fukazawa connect the rebuilt club to its ambitious past.

It’s a story of Japanese football, corporate power, relegation, community and how Tokyo Verdy learned that becoming local mattered more than remaining a national superclub.

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Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, Brazilian Série A, Corinthians Democracy and São Paulo football culture are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring one of the most politically significant and passionately supported clubs in world football.

Founded in 1910 by railway workers inspired by England’s Corinthian Football Club, Corinthians grew into the “team of the people,” winning seven Brazilian championships, four Copa do Brasil titles, the Copa Libertadores and two FIFA-recognized world club championships.

Chris explores the famous Democracia Corinthiana movement of the early 1980s, when Sócrates, Wladimir, Walter Casagrande and Adílson Monteiro Alves introduced player and staff voting while Brazil remained under military dictatorship.

The episode also covers the Palmeiras Derby Paulista rivalry, the Neo Química Arena, the Fiel supporter culture, legends including Basílio, Marcelinho Carioca, Ronaldo, Cássio and Paolo Guerrero, and Corinthians’ dominant women’s team.

Modern names including Fernando Diniz, Yuri Alberto, Memphis Depay, Jesse Lingard, Hugo Souza and Breno Bidon connect that history to the current club.

It’s a story of football, politics, working-class identity and why Corinthians remain one of Brazil’s defining institutions.

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The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Bury FC, Gigg Lane and the club’s remarkable rise through English non-league football are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how supporters rebuilt one of England’s oldest football institutions after its 2019 EFL expulsion.

Founded in 1885, Bury Football Club won two FA Cups, spent decades in the Football League and developed players including Colin Bell, Neville Southall, Lee Dixon and Nick Pope. But financial collapse under owner Steve Dale left players unpaid and ultimately saw the EFL remove Bury from the league.

Chris traces the extraordinary supporter-led recovery: the creation of Bury AFC, the campaign to purchase Gigg Lane, and the eventual merger that reunited the historic name, stadium and football team under community ownership.

The episode also covers Bury’s back-to-back promotions in 2024–25 and 2025–26, manager Anthony Johnson, leading scorer Kai Evans, and the club’s new challenge in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

It’s a story about fan ownership, football finance, community identity and what really remains when a football club’s company collapses.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, the Frauen-Bundesliga and German women’s football history are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how an independent women’s club rose from East Germany to become a European powerhouse.

Founded in 1971, Turbine Potsdam developed under longtime coach Bernd Schröder, surviving political restrictions in the German Democratic Republic before emerging after reunification as one of Europe’s elite women’s teams. Chris traces the club’s six unified German championships, three German Cups and two European titles, including the historic 2010 UEFA Women’s Champions League final against Lyon.

The episode features legendary players including Nadine Angerer, Anja Mittag, Conny Pohlers, Ariane Hingst and Tabea Kemme, while examining the importance of Turbine’s renowned academy and the Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion.

Chris also explores Turbine’s modern struggle to compete with increasingly wealthy women’s teams backed by Bundesliga giants, recent relegations, and the rebuilding effort under Steen Gravgaard Ladefoged.

It’s the story of a club that proved women’s football could create its own history, supporters, academy and European champions without relying on a famous men’s team.

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FC Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldovan football, Transnistria and the UEFA Champions League are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring one of the strangest and most politically complicated clubs in world football.

Founded in 1997 and backed by the powerful Sheriff corporation, FC Sheriff quickly transformed Moldova’s football hierarchy, winning 20 league titles and 14 Moldovan Cups while operating from Tiraspol, the capital of the unrecognized territory of Transnistria.

Chris traces Sheriff’s rise through its rivalry with Zimbru Chișinău, the development of the Sheriff Arena, and the international recruitment model that made the club a regular presence in UEFA competition.

The centerpiece is Sheriff’s extraordinary 2021 Champions League run under Yuriy Vernydub, featuring victories over Shakhtar Donetsk and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Sébastien Thill scored one of the competition’s most memorable late winners.

The episode also explores Sheriff’s connection to Transnistrian politics and business, the impact of the war in Ukraine, and the modern squad’s attempt to reclaim domestic dominance.

It’s the story of a club that is simultaneously a football powerhouse, corporate project, and symbol of a territory the world does not recognize as a country.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Auckland City FC, the OFC Champions League and New Zealand football are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how an amateur, membership-run club became the most successful team in Oceania.

Founded in 2004 and rooted in Auckland’s Croatian immigrant football community, Auckland City FC have won 13 OFC Champions League titles and repeatedly represented Oceania at the FIFA Club World Cup. Chris traces the club’s remarkable 2014 run to third place, featuring Ivan Vicelich, Ryan De Vries and Ramón Tribulietx, and its unforgettable 2025 Club World Cup draw with Boca Juniors after matches against Bayern Munich and Benfica.

The episode also explores the club’s home at Kiwitea Street, links to Central United, volunteer-driven structure, dominance of New Zealand football and rivalry with Wellington Olympic.

Current figures including Rudy Mozr, Regont Murati, Gerard Garriga and Angus Kilkolly help carry forward a club whose players still balance football with jobs and study.

Auckland City’s story is about how community, continuity and amateur football can still reach the world stage.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Angel City FC, the NWSL and the growth of women’s soccer in Los Angeles are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how a club became one of the most valuable women’s sports teams in the world before winning a major trophy.

Founded by Natalie Portman, Kara Nortman and Julie Uhrman, with early investment from Alexis Ohanian, Angel City launched in 2022 with a star-studded ownership group including Mia Hamm, Serena Williams, Billie Jean King and Abby Wambach. Chris examines how the club built huge crowds at BMO Stadium, developed supporter culture through La Fortaleza, and tied sponsorship revenue directly to community programs.

The episode also covers the signing and comeback of Christen Press, Angel City’s first NWSL playoff appearance, the ownership takeover by Willow Bay and Bob Iger, and the club’s rapid rise to a reported $335 million valuation.

On the field, Chris looks at Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Maiara Niehues, Sarah Gorden, Ally Sentnor, Sydney Leroux and Claire Emslie, plus Angel City’s rivalry with San Diego Wave and the challenge of turning commercial success into sustained NWSL winning.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Athletic Club, LaLiga, Bilbao and the Basque Country are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring one of world football’s most distinctive identities and the player policy that has defined the club for more than a century.

Founded in 1898, Athletic Club has remained in Spain’s top flight since LaLiga began while winning 8 league championships and 25 Copa del Rey titles. Chris explores the club’s famous recruitment philosophy, which limits players to those born or developed in the Basque football region, and the crucial role of the Lezama academy in sustaining it.

The episode features club legends Pichichi, Telmo Zarra, José Ángel Iribar and Iker Muniain, along with modern stars Unai Simón, Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, Oihan Sancet and Aymeric Laporte.

Chris also covers San Mamés, the Basque derby with Real Sociedad, Athletic’s member-owned structure, the return of La Gabarra after the 2024 Copa del Rey triumph, and the arrival of Edin Terzić.

It’s the story of a club proving that identity can still be a competitive choice.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kaizer Chiefs, the Soweto Derby and South African football history are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring how one of Africa’s biggest football institutions grew from a split with Orlando Pirates into the famous Glamour Boys.

Founded in 1970 by Kaizer Motaung after his success with the Atlanta Chiefs in the NASL, Kaizer Chiefs quickly became a powerhouse in South Africa. Chris traces the club’s rise through legendary players including Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe, Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, Marks Maponyane and Collins Mbesuma, along with domestic championships, cup success and the 2001 African Cup Winners’ Cup.

The episode explores the fierce Orlando Pirates rivalry, the cultural importance of the Soweto Derby, Chiefs’ connection to FNB Stadium, the 2001 Ellis Park tragedy and the remarkable story behind the Kaiser Chiefs rock band’s name.

Chris also examines the club’s recent trophy drought, 2025 Nedbank Cup success, return to continental competition and the current era featuring Fernando da Cruz, Brandon Petersen, Inácio Miguel, Flávio Silva and Mfundo Vilakazi.

It’s the story of Amakhosi: glamour, rivalry, history and one of African football’s most powerful supporter cultures.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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FC Vaduz, Liechtenstein football and the Swiss Super League are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring one of the strangest and most fascinating structures anywhere in European football.

Founded in 1932, FC Vaduz represent Liechtenstein but compete every week in the Swiss football pyramid because their country has no domestic league. Their route into UEFA competition instead comes through the Liechtenstein Cup, a tournament Vaduz have won an extraordinary 52 times.

Chris explores the club’s historic 2022 UEFA Conference League run, including victories over Konyaspor and Rapid Vienna, and its home at the scenic Rheinpark Stadion beside the Rhine and Swiss border.

The episode also covers Liechtenstein legends Franz Burgmeier, Mario Frick and Nicolas Hasler, Vaduz’s 2025–26 Swiss Challenge League championship under Marc Schneider, and key players including Marcel Monsberger, Dominik Schwizer and Lutfi Dalipi.

From dominating its national cup to battling Switzerland’s biggest clubs, FC Vaduz occupies a unique place between two football systems — giving one of Europe’s smallest nations a genuine professional club and a recurring path onto the European stage.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Club Deportivo Palestino, Chile’s Liga de Primera and the Palestinian community in Santiago are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, exploring one of world football’s most distinctive stories of migration, identity and belonging.

Founded by Palestinian immigrants in 1920, Palestino has won 2 Chilean league titles and 3 Copa Chile trophies while competing against giants including Colo-Colo, Universidad de Chile and Universidad Católica. The episode traces the club’s rise through stars such as Elías Figueroa, Óscar Fabbiani and Roberto Coll, its historic 44-match unbeaten run and memorable Copa Libertadores campaigns.

Chris also explores Palestino’s powerful connection to the Palestinian diaspora, from its red, green, black and white shirts and map-inspired crest to the controversial 2014 jersey design that sparked an international dispute.

The story includes Estadio Municipal de La Cisterna, the Clásico de Colonias rivalry with Unión Española and Audax Italiano, modern players Bryan Carrasco, Enzo Roco and Nelson Da Silva, manager Guillermo Farré, and Rania Sansur’s historic connection between Palestino and the Palestine women’s national team.

It’s a remarkable story of Chilean football, Palestinian identity and a club representing a community across two continents.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

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Thanks for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bohemian FC, the League of Ireland Premier Division and Dublin football culture are the focus of this episode of Why We Love This Club, as Chris Horwedel explores the history, fan ownership and identity of one of Ireland’s most distinctive clubs.

Founded in 1890 and still 100% member-owned, Bohemians have won 11 League of Ireland titles and 7 FAI Cups while building a fierce rivalry with Shamrock Rovers. The episode traces Bohs from Phoenix Park to Dalymount Park, the historic Dublin ground that has hosted Republic of Ireland matches, Pelé and Santos, Bob Marley, Thin Lizzy and generations of Irish football history.

Chris also examines Bohemians’ community activism, collaborations with Fontaines D.C. and Kneecap, support for Palestine and refugees, and the long-awaited redevelopment of Dalymount Park.

On the pitch, the story includes club legends Jackie Jameson, Kevin Hunt and Glen Crowe, plus current names Dawson Devoy, Colm Whelan and Ross Tierney as Bohemians pursue another significant League of Ireland season.

It’s a story of Irish football, fan ownership, music, politics, community and why Bohemian FC matters far beyond the table.

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If you enjoyed this show, you may like these other soccer podcasts by Chris.

The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered

The Underdog Football Show

Thanks for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.