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Grab the brand-new edition of FourFourTwo magazine – available both in print and digitally – from Thursday, March 5.

Order the latest issue with home delivery included by selecting ‘April Issue 389’. Subscribe to FourFourTwo now and save – you’ll receive 13 issues every year.

A note from our editor, James Andrew:

As January rolled in and 20 Premier League matchdays had been played, it almost seemed like the season’s story had already been written. Nottingham Forest had just defeated West Ham, opening up a seven-point cushion between the two, while at the top, Arsenal were sitting six points clear of Manchester City.

Many feared the rest of the season would be a straightforward march to May, with little change in the key positions. However, by mid-February, both West Ham and Manchester City had tightened those gaps, proving once again that the Premier League remains unpredictable right through to April and May’s decisive fixtures.

In this issue, we celebrate the players who make England’s top flight one of the most exciting and unpredictable leagues in world football, as we rank the 50 best performers of the 2025–26 season.

Some may claim that the same names appear year after year, but think again. Of last year’s top 10, only three feature in this latest top 50 list, highlighting the rise of new stars from clubs like Aston Villa, Brentford, Sunderland and Fulham, among others.

If you disagree with our rankings, jump onto social media and share your thoughts using #FFTPL50.

Expect the finest features, fun reads, and football quizzes delivered straight to your inbox every week.

Enjoy this edition, and the drama that unfolds as the season reaches its finale.

FourFourTwo ranks the standout performers of 2025–26, from a master percussionist to a budding NBA talent.

After dropping to Italy’s fourth tier in 2019, Palermo are now chasing a Serie A comeback under the City Football Group umbrella. FFT travelled to Sicily’s northern coast to meet head coach Filippo Inzaghi and hear the fascinating story of how Colonel Gaddafi once tried to lure the club to Africa.

Six remaining spots for this summer’s major tournament are up for grabs later this month – keep an eye on the self-proclaimed ‘unofficial world champions’, a Pacific archipelago team, and a former Manchester United coach now leading Iraq.

Without a league title since 1960, Hearts have a genuine shot at topping the Scottish Premiership this season. FFT explores how smart management and the influence of a top recruitment expert have caught both Old Firm giants off guard.

Our latest scouting report assesses Newcastle United’s emerging talent and a player born just after Zidane’s infamous headbutt.

The winger who scored in Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England was heavily sought after, yet chose to commit to a new 10-year deal with Athletic Bilbao. FFT visited the Basque Country to meet him, discuss his decision, and uncover his father’s surprising Chelsea connection.

England’s 1–0 loss to the United States at the 1950 World Cup remains one of football’s greatest upsets – but the goalscorer, a part-time dishwasher, met a tragic fate.

The former Real Madrid full-back reflects on trading Champions League triumphs for a World Cup dream and looks back on the infamous 7–1 defeat to Germany.

Francis Jeffers opens up about being Robbie Fowler’s assistant in Saudi Arabia and leading Macclesfield to an FA Cup upset over Crystal Palace.

The Secret Manager: While many Premier League players aim for top coaching roles, Dave Kitson has chosen a completely different route.

A Dunfermline Athletic supporter recounts tales of a missing Moroccan and Victor Wanyama’s disastrous debut in Best & Worst, while Ben Foster discusses his YouTube fame and interviewing Robbie Williams.

Falling fowl of fans: Sixteen years under Venky’s ownership have clipped the wings of optimism among Blackburn Rovers’ loyal supporters.

This month’s top merchandise picks include music collaborations, footwear for pundits, and Paolo Maldini’s effortless style inspiration.

Discover how a Goldie Lookin Chain collaboration landed Newport County in trouble in our Classic Kit feature, and don’t miss our top recommendations for books, TV, and comedy.

Test your knowledge of German playmakers and famous penalty misses in our Quiz, and find out which European stadiums TNT Sports presenter Jules Breach loves most.

Theo Walcott reveals the matches that shaped his career, Jorn Andersen shares experiences coaching North Korea, and musician John Power reflects on how terrace chants have changed over time.

We also explore why Erling Haaland’s former club is handing out increasingly quirky man-of-the-match prizes and revisit the night Peter Schmeichel stopped Newcastle’s Entertainers in their tracks.

Alex McLeish recalls Birmingham City’s missed open-top bus celebration, Saul Niguez’s Champions League heartbreak, and Liverpool legend Ian Callaghan finally receiving his long-overdue 1966 World Cup medal.

Former Manchester United, Leeds, and England winger Lee Sharpe praises a gritty goalscorer and a “snail-smasher”.