The Soccernomics Podcast
Simon Kuper, Stefan Szymanski, Ashish Malhotra
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Get ready for the World Cup through the lens of Soccernomics. It's a New York Times Bestseller, but it's also a way of looking at the game that uncovers its hidden truths. Featuring Simon Kuper, Stefan Szymanski and Ashish Malhotra.
Recent Episodes
JUN 4, 2026
Why the Transfer Market is a Form of Human Trafficking (Part 2)
Part two of our discussion from Tuesday, we discuss antitrust, player unions the differences between player unions in Europe and the US, and compare the transfer system to the NIL in American college sports.
17 MIN
JUN 2, 2026
Why the Transfer Market is a Form of Human Trafficking (Part 1)
Today we're talking football's transfer market - a topic Stefan is so passionate about, we've had to split it into two parts. In this one, he makes the case for why world football's transfer market is a form of human trafficking. Hear him out before you dismiss it as hyperbole...
25 MIN
MAY 28, 2026
Game Theory: The Hidden Science Behind Penalty Shootouts
Every World Cup has at least one memorable penalty shootout. And this weekend's Champions League Final in Budapest between PSG and Arsenal might as well. Is there a science behind the drama? We unpack it all in today's episode, where we also learn about Ashish's childhood goalkeeping exploits, and how Simon almost helped the Netherlands to World Cup glory in 2010.
30 MIN
MAY 26, 2026
Do People Jump Off Buildings When Their Teams Lose?
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide.It's an eternal story told about soccer - that when Brazil gets knocked out of World Cups, Brazilians jump off apartment buildings. But is it really true? And could football actually be saving lives rather than leading to an increase in suicides? Need help?If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 116 123 or NHS 111 in the UK.
22 MIN
MAY 21, 2026
Why England Never Win - But Might Be Getting Closer
We all know the story. Incredible hype around England at a World Cup or European Championship, and then inevitable letdown. 60 years of hurt. But since 2018, England has actually done a lot better. Is England finally going to get over the hump? Or were recent tournaments actually missed opportunities? We discuss the expectations around England, and whether they've been realistic given the economic and societal dynamics shaping the team.
32 MIN
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