Spanish midfielder Rodri beat Vinicius Jr. to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or Best Male Player award. What made him stand out among all nominees in a year where there was no absolute favorite for the trophy? Does he deserve the honor? Also in this episode, we discuss why defenders don't often win the Ballon d'Or and whether Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Me…

The new season of the NBA sees the long awaited return of a Chinese player to the league. What can we expect from Cui Yongxi’s performance with the Brooklyn Nets? Can he earn a spot in the team rotation? Also in this episode, we touch on the first ever father-son duo in the NBA, LeBron and Bronny James, as well as whether Klay Thompson can return t…

Chinese Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu’s seat at Sauber is uncertain for 2025 as he is yet to extend his contract with the team. Will he remain an F1 driver next year? Also in this episode, we look at the fierce battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris over the driver's championship near the end of the season, and examine the reasons behind R…

The ATP Shanghai Masters features a record number of players from the Chinese mainland in the main draw. What does it say about China’s tennis progress on the men's side? Also in this episode, we list our choices of the best performers in Shanghai and discuss Novak Djokovic’s form as he returned to the Shanghai event after a five-year absence.…

Erling Haaland recently reached the quickest 100-goal milestone with one club using just 105 games, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s European record. Amid Haaland’s achievement, Sideline Story talks about the greatest strikers and players in other positions from our personal perspective. Also in this episode, we discuss which of the rising stars has th…

Top tennis talents are gathering in Beijing for the 2024 China Open, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. What can we expect from the Zheng Qinwen-led Chinese delegation at the tournament? Who can stand out in the tough men’s competition? Also in this episode, we look back at the history of the China Open and discuss what makes it a unique ev…

The new UEFA Champions League season is underway with the brand new league format, as an expanded 36 teams are put into the same pool competing for the last 16 berths. How are the reforms altering the Champions League games? How will the increaed number of games impact the players amid an already packed game schedule? Also in this episode, we take …

The European football summer transfer window closed with some significant moves of players. Which of the signings have reflected the value? Who disappointed the most in the deals? Also in this episode, we touch on why big powers in European football are spending more cautiously in the transfer market.…

Chinese tennis player Zheng Qinwen has achieved her personal best record at this year’s grand slam events. Which aspects of her game has she improved? How have other Chinese players been performing at the US Open? Also in this episode, we talk about the surprisingly early elimination of world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz and Olympic gold medalist Novak Djo…

Chinese three-time Olympic swimming champion Sun Yang has returned to competition after over four years of suspension due to an anti-doping rule violation. What level is he at having missed swimming action for this long? What does the future hold for him? Also in this episode, we look back at those athletes making memorable sports comebacks in thei…

As the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games opened, there are two Olympian table tennis players continuing their journey in the French capital as Paralympic athletes. In history, more than a dozen athletes around the world can call themselves both Olympians and Paralympians. Some of the Paralympic sports figures also take part in the Olympics in different r…

Several Chinese sports governing bodies have criticized online abuse targeting athletes and teams, saying the problem has become increasingly intense on social media since the Paris Olympics. How has a "distorted fan culture" impacted Chinese athletes? Where does it come from? Also in this episode, we recall some notorious cases internationally of …

The new season of the English Premier League is upon us. Can Manchester City defend its title facing more competitive and hungry challengers? In this episode, we look ahead to the Premier League title race and analyze the pros and cons for the top contenders. Also, we touch on how Kylian Mbappe will help an already strong Real Madrid squad, and exa…

In this episode of our "French sportsmen in China" series, we speak to French basketball trainer Patrick Regulier with the Zhejiang Lions’ youth team. Regulier has been in China for 16 years and has turned his career from a player to a trainer. He has become a crucial part in the young players’ pursuit for a professional route ahead.…

While athletes put up amazing performances at the Paris Olympics, addressing the issue of doping that undermines the integrity of the prestigious competition is crucial. In this episode, we touch on the controversies over the case where the USADA allegedly allowed athletes who tested positive for banned substances to compete at the Olympics without…

Chinese athletes have put up consistent performances at the Paris Olympics in sports they traditionally dominate, but they have had some close calls in their medal pursuit. How is the Chinese contingent looking? What are some other highlights at the Games? Also in this episode, we touch on some interesting stories that occurred away from competitio…

Frederic Moal is a French BMX racing coach in China. In charge of the Guizhou provincial team, he manages six young riders competing in various national competitions with his unique coaching methods. Affectionately known as Laofa, or the French papa, Moal has built a deep bond with his riders, who have almost become his family members. Hear Moal’s …

Emerging sports including break dancing and sports climbing have injected fresh impetus in the Paris Olympics with more attention from Generation Z spectators. In this special edition of Sideline Story, we speak to two Chinese participants in the two sports, who share their insights of competing at Paris 2024.…

In this special episode of Sideline Story, we bring you the story of Yaya Sanogo, a French professional footballer now playing at Chinese club Qingdao Red Lions. Sanogo became a household name when he joined the English Premier League side Arsenal when he was just 19 years old. Having played in Europe only, Sanogo decided to explore a new chapter b…

The Olympic Summer Games is returning to Paris after 100 years. What has made Paris 2024 different from previous editions of the Olympics? Also in this episode, we give our expectations of Chinese athletes' performances in France and our personal anticipations of the highlighting action of the Games. We touch on how the new trendy sports among Gene…

In this special edition of Sideline Story, we bring you exclusive interviews with former LPGA world number one Feng Shanshan and Chinese women’s hurdler Wu Yanni. Feng, retired now from professional golf, was an Olympic medalist in Rio 2016, while Wu, making her Olympic debut in Paris, represents new forces of Chinese track and field athletes. The …

The season's last major golf tournament is underway in Scotland. We discuss this year's Open Championship that gathers golf's elite players including one from China. We also look into how Chinese golfers have fared so far this season, and who we think has the potential to become a leader in the sport.…

Football fans have enjoyed a dream summer of football as Euro 2024 and Copa America coincide this year. While appreciating both tournaments, what have fans felt about the differences between the two events? Also in this episode of Sideline Story, we analyze the success of Spain at the European Championship, preview the Copa America final featuring …

A record number of 11 Chinese players participated at Wimbledon this year, including Zhang Zhizhen, who became the first seeded men’s singles player from the Chinese mainland since the Open era at the grass court Grand Slam. What does it say in China’s tennis development? Also in this episode, we touch on Novak Djokovic’s speedy return after knee s…

In this special edition of Sideline Story, we bring you an exclusive interview with Chinese heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei. Zhang labored to an impressive knockout win over former WBC world champion Deontay Wilder in the fifth-round in Riyadh last month. The 41-year-old shared his thoughts about his next opponent, the possibility that he would retu…

Euro 2024 saw some unexpected results after the group stage, good or bad. Who triggered the biggest shock? Who disappointed the most? Who stands out as the favorite so far? We try to unpack those in this episode of Sideline Story. Also, we touch on the Chinese elements appearing in the continental tournament and what roles they have played.…

In this special edition of Sideline Story, we bring you exclusive interviews with Olympians Yohan Blake and Armand Duplantis. Veteran Jamaican sprinter Blake will be participating in his fourth Olympic Games, hoping to win the gold medal in the men’s 100m for the first time in his career. Duplantis is going to Paris as the defending champion in men…

Chinese basketballer Cui Yongxi is taking part in the 2024 NBA draft. We share our opinions on whether the 21-year-old could become the 7th Chinese player to make it in the NBA and what challenges he faces. We also discuss if the Boston Celtics can repeat their NBA championship in the following seasons.…

England is among the top favorites for the Euro 2024 title with a luxurious squad at head coach Gareth Southgate’s disposal, but what might hinder them from going forward? Also in this episode, we touch on host Germany’s potential for going deep on home soil, Cristiano Ronaldo’s last shot at the European Championship, and teams that may surprise ev…

Indian coach Rahul Dravid has announced his departure after the T20 Cricket World Cup. Will it impact India’s campaign as the team aims to win the title for the first time since the inaugural edition in 2007? Also in this episode, we touch on the United States as the co-host of the tournament as well as cricket’s expansion globally over the years.…

Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the French Open opening round for the first time in his career after a straight sets defeat to Alexander Zverev. Does it mean the end of his era as the King of Clay? Will we see his return at Grand Slams? Also in this week’s Sideline Story, we touch on Novak Djokovic's French Open title hopes as well as Chinese star …

Manchester City has won a historic fourth consecutive English Premier League title, setting a new record. But does it mean they have become the most dominant Premier League team ever, even in comparison with Manchester United in the 1990s and early 2000s? Also in this episode, we analyze how Leverkusen managed to complete an unbeaten season in the …

With the early postseason exit for superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and more big names, the NBA Playoffs seems to have switched to a new era with more up-and-coming stars in spotlight. Is the dominance of the old guns truly over? Also in this episode, we touch on the surprising performances by some of the teams seldom mentioned …

Real Madrid knocked out Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a dramatic comeback victory at home. What happened to Bayern in the final minutes? Who should shoulder the blame for the German giants’ loss --- Manuel Neuer, Thomas Tuchel or the referee? Also this week, we discuss Borussia Dortmund’s road to the Champions League f…

Arsenal is again trying to catch Manchester City in the final stages of this season's English Premier League title. Will the Gunners learn lessons after coming up short in last season’s duel? Is Man City truly unshakable in the remaining fixtures? Also on this week’s Sideline Story, we look into the reasons why Liverpool dropped out of the three-wa…

Inter Milan has secured its 20th Serie A title after a dominant season in Italian football. How did the club build the championship winning team amid financial struggles? What role has Chinese boss Zhang Kangyang played in rebuilding the Inter squad? Also on this week’s Sideline Story, we analyze the unexpected fall of Napoli this season and the st…

The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix has returned after a three-year hiatus. The meaning of the race is two-fold, as it also features the first ever Chinese F1 driver - Zhou Guanyu – competing on home soil. How significant is Zhou’s appearance for China’s motorsport? What are the most classic moments from past Shanghai races? Listen to Sideline Story…

Real Madrid and Manchester City are back at the starting line after an eye-catching draw at Bernabeu in the opening leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. How are things looking for Real? Will they falter like they did in last year's 4-0 semifinal return leg? Is Bayern Munich a different team at the Champions League? And did Arsenal show n…

Novak Djokovic is in a search of a new coach after a shocking decision to part ways with his title winning partner Goran Ivanisevic. Is it a wise move in his pursuit of more Grand Slam titles? Has Jannik Sinner replaced him as the best men’s tennis player as things stand? Is it time for Andy Murray to hang up his racquet after suffering another maj…

Toni Kroos has emerged from retirement from international football and rejoined “Die Mannschaft.” He wasted no time in proving his worth in the team’s two most recent friendly wins. What is the significance of his return as Germany prepares to host Euro 2024? Is it a light at the end of the tunnel for Germany after a period of struggles?…

China’s national football team has begun another quest for the FIFA World Cup under new coach Branko Ivankovic. What has the Croatian got to work with and can he accomplish the task of taking the Chinese squad into the tournament in 2026? Join us on Sideline Story for thoughts on whether it’s finally time for a breakthrough and how Team China can a…

Three teams are leading what could be the closest title race for the English Premier League this season. Will Liverpool win it as a farewell gift to Jurgen Klopp? Is City still as strong in its title defense? Can Arsenal avoid a repeat of history last season and finally win a long-awaited trophy? Join Sideline Story this week to find out which team…

LeBron James is the first person in NBA history to reach the 40,000-point milestone in an illustrious career that has lasted two decades and is still going. This week's Sideline Story takes a look at whether he is basketball's GOAT, as well as the season so far and what might happen after.

The new Formula One season gets underway in Bahrain this weekend. Will it be another season of Red Bull dominance? How will Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next year shape things in 2024? Why is this a crucial season for Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu? Join this episode of Sideline Story to hear what we are most excited about before it all begins.…

Bayern Munich is at risk of its first trophy-less season in more than a decade. In this episode, we share our thoughts on the reasons behind their struggles, whether replacing coach Thomas Tuchel will make things better, and who do we think are candidates for the job.

Steph Curry didn't make it into this year's NBA All-Star starting lineup, but he gets a chance to challenge the WNBA's Sabrina Ionescu in a three-pointer shootout. Also among this year's star-studded list is LeBron James who is making his 20th appearance in the event. In this week's Sideline Story, we examine whether Curry deserves to be among the …

Why isn’t NFL as popular globally as in U.S.? The Super Bowl is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the American sports calendar. However, this event and the NFL in general do not appear to have the same level of popularity on a global scale. Join us on this week’s episode of Sideline Story where we discuss the Super Bowl, the NFL, and th…

Chinese sensation Zheng Qinwen finished as runner-up at the Australian Open, becoming the second Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam final. The men’s singles competition also has a young champion after Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev on his way to a first Grand Slam title. This week on Sideline Story, we share our thought…

The AFC Asian Cup concluded far too early for Chinese fans. China’s performance was disappointing after a winless group stage campaign with no goals scored, posing a lot of questions about the team’s future. In this episode, we analyze the status of the Chinese men’s national football team and discuss whether coach Aleksandar Jankovic should should…

Novak Djokovic’s first two matches at the Australian Open ended tougher than expected. Did the world number one struggle from fatigue? How is his title defense looking? Also in this episode, we chat about some of China's top performers that will be looking to build on the success that was achieved in 2023. In addition, we also take a look at Naomi …