Champions Journal, Issue 16 (European Summer)

Champions Journal is a quarterly print magazine and website driven by great writing, eye-catching design, engaging interviews and bold photography – and a love of European football.

Our aim is to offer a fresh perspective on club football’s greatest competition. As well as talking to the stars, we aim to take a wider look at the world beyond the 90 minutes – with features exploring the cities, the culture, the fans, the fashion and the music surrounding the game.

In this issue:

It all came down to one loose ball in a crowded penalty area. One moment that would define a season and change everything for Manchester City. The slice of luck where, for once, the ball drops just where you want it. And it turns out that the Spaniard was precisely the man for that moment when destiny called.

The man with the composure not to snatch at his shot, but instead with the presence of mind to pick his spot and send City’s world into tumult. In this issue, Rodri tells us exactly what it was like to score the goal that earned victory against Inter in the Champions League final and why he’s been watching it on loop ever since. On the subject of winners, we also hear from Rodri’s coach, Pep Guardiola, on getting back to the European summit after so many painful near misses.

Jesús Navas shows us just what success means to Sevilla – no matter how often they may have lifted the Europa League trophy – and we marvel at the brilliance of Barcelona, who reclaimed the Women’s Champions League crown in stunning style. It’s quite the European hat-trick.