On The Continent - A European Football Podcast

Cristiano Ronaldo managed to outlast every Portugal manager until Jorge Jesus came along. His dramatic exit, followed by a mind-blowing statement, makes it look like Ronaldo has played straight into Jesus’ hands. Has it cost him any chance of a fond farewell like his lifelong rival, Lionel Messi? And why are Portugal actually better for his exit?Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to dig through the rubble of a fiery few days in the Portugal camp. Plus, will Kylian Mbappé ever truly fit the mould of a Real Madrid superstar? And what do new deals for both Harry Kane and Raphinha tell us about their importance - on and off the pitch - at Bayern Munich and Barcelona?Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

All eyes are on Manchester City as the fallout from their guilty verdict continues to unravel. With the Premier League's dominance under renewed scrutiny, is this a chance for Europe's other top leagues to close the financial and competitive gap they’ve been chasing for so long?Jonathan Johnson joins Andy and Dotun to assess how the continent is reacting. Plus, has Zinedine Zidine's willingness to bring in new players been a welcome change for Les Bleus? Why have Greece been so good during the international break? And, after a vociferous celebration by the aforementioned France manager, we pick out some of our favourite manager celebrations. Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

It's been 23 years since Cristiano Ronaldo made his Portugal debut. 234 appearances and 146 goals later, his time as a Portugal international might now be over. After abruptly leaving Jorge Jesus' camp, have we seen the last of him in a Portugal shirt?Jonathan Johnson joins Dotun and Andy to discuss the fallout to that. Plus, Lamine Yamal continues to shine for Spain and Jürgen Klopp risks becoming the first Germany boss to lose his first three games in charge of the national side.Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

The emergence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as one of European football's modern greats has been well-told at elite club level. After leaving Napoli for PSG in 2025 he hasn't looked back, winning two Champions League titles and becoming a firm contender for this year's Ballon d'Or.But at international level, the story is very different. Andy and Lars head to Kvaratskhelia's native Tbilisi to find out just how much of a significant figure he has become.Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

It wasn't just Jürgen Klopp who was starting his fresh project last night, but his opposite number too! Xavi's Netherlands side were the first to try their luck against Klopp's Germany, and in the end the points were shared. But what exactly did we learn from the former Liverpool boss' first game in charge?Kevin Hatchard joins Andy to discuss that. Plus, Jorge Jesus keeps Cristiano Ronaldo in the fold for his first game in charge, but only for 67 minutes. And Erling Haaland's brace helps Norway to victory over near neighbours Denmark.Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

It's the dawn of a new era for both Italy and France on the international stage. Roberto Mancini, at the second time of asking, is set for his first game back in charge of the Azzurri. Can an old face bring fresh ideas to a nation so desperate for success?Nicky Bandini joins Dotun and Andy to preview what his second spell in charge might bring. Plus, France begin their new venture under the man, the myth, the legend Zinedine Zidane. Can he do what Didier Deschamps couldn't and finally put Spain to the sword? And finally, José Mourinho is back in the headlines. But will his latest tirade really wash with Real Madrid?Ask us a question on X, Instagram and TikTok, and email us here: otc@footballramble.com.For ad-free shows, head over to our Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***