The VERSUS Podcast

Football's relationship with fashion remains one of the most influential intersections in modern culture. As more luxury brands look to football for inspiration, Burberry continue to show why their connection to the game feels authentic, drawing on a history deeply rooted in British culture and everyday life. Their latest campaign captures the unmistakable atmosphere of a football match while refl...

This summer marks a huge moment for Scotland, the chance to showcase their greatness on the world’s biggest stage for the first time since 1998. Leading the team is head coach Steve Clarke who has spent the last seven years preparing his squad for the relentless nature of tournament football. But before the team jet off across the globe, Clarke sat down with VERSUS and EE for an open conversation...

Across this tournament cycle, brands have gone bigger than ever before — and for the USMNT, a home World Cup turns their kit into something more than just a shirt. It becomes a signal of identity, ambition, and where the game is heading. In this episode, the VERSUS team break down how Nike’s latest drop speaks to the future of football in the US — and why kits are now one of the most powerful tool...

South Asians remain one of the most underrepresented groups within football due to systemic issues. However, a new generation is challenging this and becoming role models for themselves and others. We sat down with Brown Girl Sports founder Miriam Walker-Khan to discuss the importance of visibility, the challenges faced by the South Asian community, and how one idea has created a community so many...

The Premier League remains the biggest league in the world. But while that status looks set to continue, the perception of its quality is being questioned more than ever. From managers to fans, debates around the league’s current state are dominating timelines and back pages alike. In this episode, we ask whether those concerns are valid, and whether football has a duty to entertain. The VERSUS Po...

Wesley Fofana, Hannibal Mejbri, Tolu Arokodare, Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez were all sent monkey emojis on social media this past weekend. Different players. Same message. The cycle is familiar by now: abuse, outrage, statements, silence. In this episode, we ask what it would actually take to break that loop. The VERSUS Podcast brings you into our world as our team have the conversations...

Under Armour are offering once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to young athletes across London through their UA Next programme. The VERSUS team breaks down why this approach matters, what it gets right, and how it could help shape the next generation of future stars. We also look ahead to AFCON, why excitement around the tournament feels higher than ever, and take a moment to pay respect to a true leg...

Nike and Palace have joined forces for a collaboration that has the streets talking. While the product drop grabbed the initial headlines, the creation of a South East London community hub has become the real story. The VERSUS team breaks down why this is a true example of what good brand partnership in football looks like — exploring its social impact and what it means for both Nike and Palace. W...

Are the people who vote for the Ballon d'Or winner actually watching women's football? The VERSUS team break down the controversy surrounding the 2025 Ballon d'Or Féminin winner and assess the prize's relevance in contemporary football culture. We also look at why players are freeing it more than ever on social, Moise Kean's arrival on the EA Sports FC soundtrack, and pay tribute to the life and c...

The Barclays WSL has returned for its biggest ever season and VERSUS has linked up with Sky Sports to drop the ultimate guide for a brand new season. Hosted by Mayowa Quadri, ‘Welcome Home’ is a hype show for the new season that goes deep on some of the most important issues in the game and its wider culture right now. From breaking down the biggest transfers of the summer to exploring how Chloe K...

Women's football is about to blow up. Again. With England still celebrating the second consecutive European crown, the WSL starting the new season with competitive changes, and WAFCON making more headlines than ever – the stage is set for the women's game to undergo another big boom. The VERSUS team breaks down why English football can't afford to make the same mistakes twice, the biggest changes...

England are headlining another summer of women’s football with a Euros final on the horizon – but while Europe takes the spotlight, too many stories from the women’s game around the world are still going untold. The VERSUS team breaks down why women’s football outside Europe deserves more respect, and explores the reasons why the coverage gap at tournaments like WAFCON and Copa América Femenina ex...

As headline sponsors of Baller League, O2 invited us down to take over the O2 Blueroom and create a bespoke space for O2 Priority members, Baller League talent, and VIP guests ahead of the night’s action. With DJ Teddy supplying the vibes, and an all-star crowd in attendance, the O2 Blueroom set the tone for a huge finale. VERSUS hosted a ‘Future of Football’ panel led by the brand’s very own Chie...

Just as Boots Only Summer has arrived, Nike begin the roll-out for their new Cryoshot silhouette. It’s an innovative new drop, but it's not the first time the Swoosh has transformed football boots into sneakers. The VERSUS team breaks down why Nike is doubling down on this approach after the relaunch of the Total 90. We also dive into why the Unity Cup was such a success, and why the media terming...

Chelsea’s domestic treble is the latest proof that proper investment drives success in the women’s game — and with fresh backing from Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, the Blues are only getting stronger. The VERSUS team break down what this game-changing move means for the WSL, and what other clubs can learn from it. We also dive into the rise of the underdog, as Crystal Palace lift their first-ever...

Spotify and Travis Scott might have just delivered the best-ever collaboration between football and music. In their latest artist-led activation, Spotify partnered with Travis for a weekend takeover in Barcelona – including an exclusive live show on the eve of El Clásico and a full capsule collection drop. The VERSUS team break down why the collaboration resonated so strongly and how it could rede...

New Balance are once again showing how to create real change. Their recent Furon V8 event showcased their support for Ebere Eze both on and off the pitch. Whilst they continue to make great product, they are also showing elite athlete partnerships should go far beyond exchange of goods. With new gen ballers having more to say and showcase than ever before, storytelling is more important than ever....

Nike are officially bringing back the OG Hypervenom. After running back the Total 90 earlier this year, the Swoosh are once again tapping into its heritage by reissuing the T90 silhouette successor. The 2013 release might feel too recent to reload to some, but the move represents how the sportswear giant are ensuring no nostalgia stone is left unturned following the successful relaunch of the adid...

Arsenal sent the timeline into a spin last week with the news that they’re going to launch a dating show for fans of the North London club. While many couldn’t understand why a football club would want to create entertainment content, the reality is it’s just the latest sign of major clubs recognising their role as global content and culture brands. The VERSUS team talks about why Arsenal are one...

Football is growing in new ways. With Sidemen having sold out Wembley and Baller League finally launching in the UK, there are more ways than ever to consume football – all under the guise of entertainment. The VERSUS team reflects on whether these alternative football provisions are ushering in a new era for a beautiful game and whether the established order needs to learn from it. We evaluate th...

VERSUS has just released its fifth annual insights report titled ‘The Future of Football’, exploring the thoughts of our community about the most important issues and trends facing football, culture and society right now. In this episode, the VERSUS team reflects on these insights including the identity crisis within the women’s game, the evolution of football's relationship with fashion, and how...

Raheem Sterling is one of the greatest British players of his generation. Recent discourse on his form and stature have been a stark contrast to when he broke out on the scene. The VERSUS team reflects on whether fan culture is too quick to disregard players and forget about their contributions. Elsewhere, we highlight AC Milan and Off-White’s most recent contribution to fashion and football with...

Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis announced they're expecting their first child this week – but what was supposed to be a cause for celebration ended up leading to a torrent of misogynistic and homophobic abuse directed at Kerr and Mewis. The VERSUS team reflects on what this means for the current state of fan culture and the decline of ‘Football Twitter’ as a safe space. Elsewhere, we ask whether declin...

Corteiz and Nike just linked up again to drop one of the most iconic campaign films in a minute, bringing together some of the most influential ballers and cultural tastemakers past and present. We break down the significance of this moment and why it showcases that football’s cultural impact is bigger than ever before. We also ask whether the Ballon d’Or is fit for purpose following a controversi...

Jonas Eidevall’s departure from his role as Arsenal manager highlights a new moment in the fan culture of women’s football. While some quarters deem the criticism he received a sign of women’s football becoming toxic, the VERSUS team breaks down why passionate fans and intense competition are essential for the growth of the game. We also discuss the England team’s relationship with nationalism in...