The south-eastern state of Minas Gerais is one of the largest, most captivating and most mysterious regions in all of Brazil. It’s a labyrinth of luscious green valleys, rolling fertile hills and marshy savannahs that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Impeccable timing or fatal attraction? Jordan Rizzieri chose quite the summer to pay the UK a visit and take in the women’s Euros. She reflects on her experiences at the games, the legacy of the Lionesses, and the path to elevating women’s football to the level it deserves.

Due to a quirk of fate, the 2022/23 Serie B season has concocted a mixture perfect for the enjoyment of Italian football culture. There are some of Italy’s most interesting clubs: once-great teams on a journey of redemption; iconic players in the twilight of their careers; and football-fashion powerhouses — all set against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I should have known from that moment I’d eventually leave Lotto Park later that night with Anderlecht having etched a place in my heart, but as I ambled up the Tribune 4 steps - the entrance used by the Anderlecht ultras -  and onto the concourse, there was a feeling of overwhelming affection.

There have been a few milestones in the four months since her passing that have signaled I may be “getting used” to my grief: when I started sleeping through the night again, or when my appetite went back to normal. But the one thing that has taken the longest to return is my capacity to experience any form of emotion, not just grief or sorrow. How did I know it had started to come back? That’s an easy one.

French collagist SLip began his art career in the music industry of the late 90’s. Since then, the Lyon-based artist has spent over two decades cultivating a profound and thought-provoking style. A number of publications have sought to pin the central themes of his work from anywhere between Surrealism and Soviet Minimalism.

A quick, whistle-stop tour of a cultural phenomenon for only £10 a flight. This was my last chance to see the Guiseppe Meazza in person and, was I going to turn that down because it was only one night? Fuck. No.

In 1996, FC Barcelona were in desperate need of a redemptive escape from the turmoil that was plaguing the club. Enter Bobby Robson, Ronaldo Nazário and a vintage Barcelona Copa del Rey comeback.

Football culture has always had a special sentiment for those players who, statistically, don’t rewrite record books, but instead amaze and excite us with those fleeting moments of beauty. Mário Jardel was one such player.

Over the last few years, the female football scene has hit something of a boom in London. Grassroots leagues are expanding to cater to the increased number of teams all across the capital. But as amazing as it is to see the vibrant football community in London grow, the rest of the country still has some work to do to catch up.  

Beyond football, in other sports and endeavours such as music and art, access and high-quality exposure is a right for the country’s youth. Football’s part in this relationship was succinctly and insightfully revealed to me when Jón summarised the function of Fram to me as “here to serve the community.”

In Africa, we have a saying: "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm." As long as our hero’s on the field make us proud, all the noise from the outside can be ignored. 

The Cape Verdean diaspora has an important role in Luxembourgish society nowadays. Luxembourg, the country where I was born and raised, is a land of immigration and diversity. 50% of the population does not have Luxembourgish nationality and the mixture of languages and cultures of all these communities enriches life in Luxembourg and gives it a cosmopolitan air.

A left-footed defender, he will be remembered on the pitch for his Alessandro Nesta-esque tackles and his incredible work rate, always giving every he could for the team. Davide was a decisive contributor to NY International’s successive promotions and his impact both on and off the pitch cannot be understated.

“Our club aims to reflect the life-affirming aspects of football, and leverage this passion not just in the sporting side, but off-pitch as well through our mission to promote environmental justice.”

How a kid from the slums of Buenos Aires channelled the great early-19th century Romantic poets and their grandest ideas: the sublime, imagination, and revolution.

His decision to sign for the team as a free agent in September of 2000 was the most important moment in the history of Brescia Calcio.

A creative insight of Scandinavian giants AIK travelling to fifth tier Rågsved IF in the Swedish Cup. This time, Goliath got the better of David with a 0-5 win but there was still an abundance of magic.

Fierce rivalries, AFCON prospects, World Cup dreams and marvellous Mo Salah - Egyptian football is a riding a wave right now. But it wasn’t always this way.

Andrew Downie’s latest book, ‘The Greatest Show on Earth: The Inside Story of the Legendary 1970 World Cup’ shines a light on the magic of an unforgettable tournament - the cultural significance of which we are still learning about today.