FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup will unveil the draw of the participating teams in December after the final berth is taken. What level of excitement can it produce? Why has FIFA insisted on the project amid opposition from some players and clubs? Also in this episode, we give our expectations on the Club World Cup next summer and discuss what organizers can do to avoid too much fatigue for players.

Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has given the English club’s fans some hope after leading his current team, Sporting, to a 4-1 upset of Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. What changes could he bring to the Red Devils after he officially takes charge of the team later this month? Can he lift United out of their recent struggles? Also in this episode, we discuss which United manager did a better job in the post Alex Ferguson era.

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 Messi can be in the Ballon d'Or conversation again in the future.

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 to his prime with the Dallas Mavericks.

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 Red Bull's decline midway through the season.

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 the potential to win the most number of Ballon d’Or awards.

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 event.

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 a look at the performance of the high-profile teams after the first round.

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 Djokovic in the men’s singles game.

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 their careers.

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 roles. In this Sideline Story special, we take a closer look at these athletes with double duties.

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 aggressive fans across different sports.

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 examine his potential success with the Spanish giant.

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 facing proper sanctions, while launching criticism over the food contamination incident involving Chinese swimmers. In addition, we talk about the...

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 competition in Paris.

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 story and find out more about the team in this episode of Sideline Story.

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 football 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 by signing with a Chinese team in March, 2024. The decision has led to his new perspective about this country and its football culture.

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 Generation Z have changed the Olympic dynamic as well.

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 two sportswomen shared their thoughts about competing in the Olympics and their anticipation for Paris 2024.

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.