Share

cover art for Guillem Balague interview about Champions League documentary

World Soccer Talk

Guillem Balague interview about Champions League documentary

Ep. 1492

Guillem Balague is one of soccer's most famous journalists, regardless of country. Renowned for his ability to capture the emotion and personality of the game, he is a major part of CBS's developing and entertaining soccer coverage. And, with a new documentary series on Paramount Plus, there is no better time to learn more about Balague.


In this interview, Balague talks about Destination: European Nights, which is now available on Paramount Plus. The six-part documentary series has the Spanish journalist travel around Europe during the UEFA Champions League. World Soccer Talk's Kyle Fansler asks Balague about what it is like to travel around and get to know all these different cultures. With visits to Georgia, Israel and the usual cathedrals of the sport, Balague has a better understanding of European soccer than most.


Outside of that, Balague also discusses his work with non-League side Biggleswade United, which is in the ninth tier of the English pyramid. There, he is the chairman of the club. Finally, Balague talks about his relationship with Grant Wahl. Like Balague, Wahl was an influential journalist, particularly in the American soccer scene. The two were colleagues, and Balague was with Wahl just before the latter passed away during the World Cup.

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 1554. The Beautiful Game Remembered: 2006 to 2025

    28:07||Ep. 1554
    After a break of several months from podcasting, host Christopher Harris and co-host Kartik Krishnaiyer explain the absence and what the future has in store for the podcast. During the open and frank conversation, Chris and Kartik discuss the history of the podcast, many of the accomplishments we achieved as well as what an honor it has been to continue sharing our episodes with you the listeners from 2006 to 2025. This is definitely not an episode to miss.
  • 1553. Gary Neville interview x It's Called Soccer!

    17:31||Ep. 1553
    Gary Neville is our guest on the latest episode of the World Soccer Talk Podcast, where we interview the Manchester United and England legend about his new digital series called 'It's Called Soccer!' which also includes Rebecca Lowe and Jamie Carragher.Gary Neville discusses what to expect in the series, as well as his memories of how close he was to becoming a co-commentator for a US television broadcaster, his thoughts on promotion and relegation, and how "It's Called Soccer!' plans to differentiate from the competition.Episode 1 of 'It's Called Soccer!' debuts on September 18, 2024 on the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TheOverlapUS
  • 1552. Paramount+ saves the day for Serie A and EFL viewers

    01:02:16||Ep. 1552
    Kartik Krishnaiyer and Christopher Harris are back to share their analysis regarding the latest announcement from CBS Sports where they reveal the new soccer rights they've acquired in the United States.We dive into what the EFL and Serie A deals mean for soccer fans, as well as how it'll impact viewers in the United States.In other discussions, we answer your questions in the Listener Mailbag about what's best for the USMNT players wanting to raise their levels, what France's Ligue 1 should do with their US media rights, and how the Canadian national team gets disrespected by a lot of soccer analysts and fans in the United States.Also discussed are the similarities between playing Football Manager and working as an executive at a real soccer club.
  • 1551. The pain of England's loss: Euro 2024 wrap-up

    27:42||Ep. 1551
    Nick ends the Inside Euro 2024 series with his memories of England's journey in major tournaments during his lifetime from World Cup 1966 to Euro 2024. It's a sad tale of depression, defeat, and the Dutch (as well as the Germans).Memories of Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Luke Shaw and Harry Kane, it's a story of heartache and heartbreak.Thanks for joining us on Nick's travelogue around Euro 2024.
  • 1550. Wrapping up Euro 2024 semifinals

    13:27||Ep. 1550
    Nick Webster is back in the United States where he shares his thoughts about the Euro 2024 quarterfinals and semifinals. Watching the games in Los Angeles at a local pub, he adds his thoughts about England's win versus the Netherlands, and what a complete performance it was.
  • 1549. EuroCopa: Chris & Kartik return

    01:33:28||Ep. 1549
    Kartik and Chris return to give you their honest opinions about everything from Euro 2024 vs Copa America to FOX's coverage of both competitions. Chris discusses what he experienced watching soccer while traveling through Europe, while Kartik dives into his new job at a USL club has impacted his viewing experience.Chris and Kartik also share their uncensored analysis about the United States Men's National Team under Gregg Berhalter, as well as Gareth Southgate's England, in addition to the national teams of Brazil and Canada.Last but not least, we discuss how US media created the "golden generation" tag, and why they built up a team only to knock them back down again.
  • 1548. Turkey vs Austria Delight

    17:38||Ep. 1548
    Nick Webster travels to Leipzig for one of the best match atmospheres in Euro 2024 for the Turkey against Austria game, playing us the sounds from the stadium including the national anthem and post-match celebrations.Nick gets ready to head back to the States where he'll record more podcast episodes before wrapping up this series of Inside Euro 2024.
  • 1547. Euro 2024: There's no Crying in Football

    13:37||Ep. 1547
    Nick's travels continue through Germany where he reflects on the France versus Belgium game. Plus he shares what it's like traveling around Frankfurt, Germany, and what the match atmosphere is like inside the stadium there.He also shares his thoughts on Portugal versus Slovenia, and how some segments of the crowd came specifically to watch Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Portugal or Slovenia. Nick includes audio recorded live inside the stadium during the national anthems for both countries.
  • 1546. England's Great Escape at Euro 2024

    14:43||Ep. 1546