Ben Hayward

Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is Weekend Editor for FourFourTwo. A European football writer with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa América - and has spent much of that time in Spain. He currently divides his time between Barcelona and London.

Latest articles by Ben Hayward

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe celebrate after the Argentine's goal against Strasbourg in Ligue 1 in May 2023.

Lionel Messi's goal seals Ligue 1 title for Paris Saint-Germain with draw at Strasbourg

By Ben Hayward published

The Argentine attacker is set to leave this summer, but helped the Parisian club to their fifth French title in six seasons on Saturday

Luton's Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu c elebrates with fans after his side's Championship semi-final play-off win over Sunderland in May 2023.

Luton Town's Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu makes history with promotion to Premier League

By Ben Hayward published

Luton's Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu will make history next season following his side's promotion to the Premier League on Saturday

Luton players celebrate after beating Coventry on penalties at Wembley in the Championship play-off final in May 2023.

Luton promoted to Premier League after beating Coventry on penalties at Wembley

By Ben Hayward published

Luton beat Coventry 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Wembley and will become the 51st club to play in the Premier League

Magdalena Eriksson celebrates with Chelsea team-mates after scoring against Arsenal in the Women's Super League in May 2023.

Chelsea Women WSL champions again in double win as Manchester United miss out

By Ben Hayward published

Emma Hayes' side have won the Women's Super League for a fourth season in a row to complete a domestic double in 2022-23

Xavi celebrates Barcelona's LaLiga title at Camp Nou in May 2023.

Barcelona's Camp Nou farewell 'will be emotional' ahead of Montjuic move - Xavi

By Ben Hayward published

The Spanish champions will play their final game at the famous old stadium on Sunday as renovations begin in earnest this summer

Lionel Messi during PSG's Ligue 1 game against Auxerre in May 2021.

Lionel Messi is football but fans expected more, says PSG coach Christophe Galtier

By Ben Hayward published

The Argentine has two matches left with Paris Saint-Germain this season and is expected to leave the Parc des Princes this summer

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.

Manchester City have to win Champions League to be one of greatest – Guardiola

By Ben Hayward published

Manchester City celebrated their fifth Premier League title in six seasons on Sunday, but the Sky Blues could still win the treble

Conor Gallagher reacts during Chelsea's 1-0 loss at Manchester City in May 2023.

Chelsea bottom-half finish confirmed after defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad

By Ben Hayward published

The Blues' 1-0 loss against the champions on Sunday means they now cannot finish in the top half of the Premier League this season

Manchester City players celebrate after Julian Alvarez scores the winner against Chelsea in May 2023.

Champions Manchester City set another goals record in win over Chelsea at Etihad

By Ben Hayward published

Manchester City celebrated their latest Premier League title in a party atmosphere at the Etihad by beating Chelsea on Sunday

Brighton players celebrate one of their goals in the 3-1 win over Southampton in May 2023.

Brighton & Hove Albion qualify for Europe for the first time in the club's history

By Ben Hayward published

Sunday's 3-1 win at home to Southampton means Seagulls are guaranteed a top-seven finish and will probably end even higher

Rodrigo Moreno and his Leeds team-mates look dejected after conceding in their 3-1 loss at West Ham in May 2023.

Leeds left needing a miracle to stay up after Big Sam's side are beaten 3-1 at West Ham

By Ben Hayward published

The Whites have picked up just one point in three since Sam Allardyce was appointed and their survival hopes hang in balance

Barcelona Femeni's Alexia Putellas reacts during defeat to Madrid CFF in Spain's Liga F in May 2023.

Barcelona Femeni beaten by Madrid CFF in first Liga loss since 2021 as record run ends

By Ben Hayward published

Barcelona's women are already champions, but were unable to match last season's invincible season after defeat in the capital

Feyenoord coach Arne Slot celebrates his side's Eredivisie title in May 2023.

Feyenoord GM Dennis te Kloese rejected Tottenham, expects coach Arne Slot to stay

By Ben Hayward published

Feyenoord are Dutch champions for the first time since 2017 and their impressive work has not gone unnoticed in north London

Carlo Ancelotti reacts to Real Madrid's defeat at Manchester City in the Champions League in May 2023.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists he'll be in charge at the club next season

By Ben Hayward published

The future of the Italian has been under scrutiny following Wednesday's loss at Manchester City, but he claims he's staying

Manchester City players celebrate a goal against Arsenal in April 2023.

Manchester City confirmed as Premier League champions after Arsenal defeat

By Ben Hayward published

Arsenal's 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest means Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fifth time in six seasons

Roberto Firmino takes a selfie with Liverpool fans after his last match at Anfield, against Aston Villa in May 2023.

WATCH: Roberto Firmino gets emotional send-off after late equaliser vs Aston Villa

By Ben Hayward published

The Anfield crowd paid their respects to the Brazilian forward in his final home game for the Reds after eight successful seasons

Tottenham striker Harry Kane applauds the fans after defeat to Brentford in May 2023.

WATCH: Is this Harry Kane saying goodbye to Tottenham fans?

By Ben Hayward published

The Spurs striker applauded the fans after the 3-1 loss to Brentford and his future at the club is very much uncertain

Harry Kane applauds the Tottenham fans after their defeat to Brentford in May 2023.

Has Harry Kane made his final appearance for Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

By Ben Hayward published

Harry Kane applauded the Tottenham fans before heading down the tunnel after defeat to Brentford on Saturday. Will he be back?

David Brooks in training for Bournemouth.

David Brooks makes first Bournemouth start in 598 days after cancer recovery

By Ben Hayward published

The midfielder has been named in the Bournemouth starting line-up to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday

Tottenham striker Harry Kane scores from a free-kick against Brentford in May 2023.

WATCH: Harry Kane's rocket free-kick gives Tottenham the lead vs Brentford

By Ben Hayward published

The Spurs striker crashed home a ferocious free-kick after the ball was laid off to him by Dejan Kulusevski in Sunday's early game

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and captain Martin Odegaard look dejected during the Gunners' 3-0 loss to Brighton in May 2023.

'Unacceptable; no hope' – Odegaard and Arteta downbeat as Arsenal title hopes fade

By Ben Hayward published

Arsenal's 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday means Manchester City need only one win to claim the title

Barcelona players celebrate Robert Lewandowski's goal at Espanyol on the day they won LaLiga in May 2023.

Barcelona pummel Espanyol in derby to clinch first LaLiga title since Messi exit

By Ben Hayward published

Barcelona stormed to a 4-1 win away to city rivals Espanyol to wrap up their first LaLiga title in four years and their 27th in total

Feyenoord players celebrate in May 2023 after winning their first Dutch title since 2017.

Feyenoord thrash Go Ahead Eagles to win Eredivisie for the first time since 2017

By Ben Hayward published

The Rotterdam club beat Go Ahead Eagles 3-0 on Sunday to clinch their first Eredivisie title in six years and their 16th in total

Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo celebrate after Brighton's win over Manchester United in May 2023.

Moises Caicedo & Alexis Mac Allister set to leave Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi admits

By Ben Hayward published

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi expects the two midfielders to leave this summer, but insists others will be better off staying

Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel and Thomas Partey look dejected during Arsenal's 3-0 loss at home to Brighton in May 2023.

Arsenal title hopes all but dead as Gunners' loss to Brighton leaves Man City on brink

By Ben Hayward published

Arsenal were beaten 3-0 at home to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday, leaving Manchester City one win from the title

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