David Goldblatt

David Goldblatt is a writer, academic and journalist. He is the author of books including 'The Ball is Round: A Global History of Football', 'The Game of Our Lives: The Making and Meaning of English F

Football has for too long been in Putin’s pocket. It’s time for reform

Sport had the chance to speak out against Russia in 2014 and 2018. It has only acted now because it has been forced to do so

By David Goldblatt

/ 2 Mar 2022

Football has for too long been in Putin’s pocket. It’s time for reform

Beijing 2022: No snow at the Winter Olympics? You’d better get used to it

Climate change is making winter sports increasingly unviable – but the industry prefers the fig leaf of social responsibility to meaningful change

By David Goldblatt

/ 28 Jan 2022

Beijing 2022: No snow at the Winter Olympics? You’d better get used to it

Will the latest review into English football bring about any real change?

On conflicts of interest and bodies being unable to regulate themselves, the UK Parliament knows more than most. So can it reform English football?

By David Goldblatt

/ 26 Nov 2021

Will the latest review into English football bring about any real change?

Sport must accept its role in the climate crisis and change its game

The industry’s response to climate change faces a series of problems – now, at COP26, it must resolve them

By David Goldblatt

/ 2 Nov 2021

Sport must accept its role in the climate crisis and change its game

The Euros haven’t started, but Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is already a winner

The far-Right Fidesz government has invested heavily in football to consolidate its power. But is change on the way?

By David Goldblatt

/ 11 Jun 2021

The Euros haven’t started, but Hungary’s Viktor Orbán is already a winner

English football fans point the way to change

The proposed reform of club ownership is an opportunity for a wider debate about society, so let’s make the most of it

By David Goldblatt

/ 14 May 2021

English football fans point the way to change