Tutul Rahman
@tutul.bsky.social
Soccer. Politics. All views are my own.
This is the stuff I dream about
Free newsletter: I spent the afternoon figuring out – very, very roughly – how much GAM each MLS team has to play with.
My brain is mush.
tacticsfreezone.substack.com/p/figuring-o...
My brain is mush.
tacticsfreezone.substack.com/p/figuring-o...
Figuring out roughly how much GAM each team has
Plus the status of each team's DP & U22 usage
tacticsfreezone.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 11:28 PM
This is the stuff I dream about
This is the greatest article written about MLS salary cap mechanisms, maybe ever?
Must read!
Must read!
How the hell can Inter Miami afford to add Tadeo Allende, Micael, David Ayala, and potentially another max TAM player? We dive into the updated cap structure for Miami and answer some questions that have been floating around:
A 2026 Off-Season Update on Inter Miami
Yes, I will guide you through how Inter Miami is doing all of these deals
footyanalyticmusings.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:02 PM
This is the greatest article written about MLS salary cap mechanisms, maybe ever?
Must read!
Must read!
Reposted by Tutul Rahman
I'm saying this as much to myself as to any of you but the worst place to be when shit is really really bad is alone with your social media apps, even the least evil social media site hooks you and holds you via your worst feelings, perhaps especially when those feelings are entirely justified
January 8, 2026 at 12:10 AM
I'm saying this as much to myself as to any of you but the worst place to be when shit is really really bad is alone with your social media apps, even the least evil social media site hooks you and holds you via your worst feelings, perhaps especially when those feelings are entirely justified
The reality is managing the big clubs of "top-heavy" leagues is unfair. It's not patient, ever.
Ajax has had EIGHT managers since Ten Haag left in July 2022. That's a manager every 160 days.
Not one has made it a year.
Nor is it a death knell to a coaching career to have a disaster run
Ajax has had EIGHT managers since Ten Haag left in July 2022. That's a manager every 160 days.
Not one has made it a year.
Nor is it a death knell to a coaching career to have a disaster run
January 5, 2026 at 5:35 PM
The reality is managing the big clubs of "top-heavy" leagues is unfair. It's not patient, ever.
Ajax has had EIGHT managers since Ten Haag left in July 2022. That's a manager every 160 days.
Not one has made it a year.
Nor is it a death knell to a coaching career to have a disaster run
Ajax has had EIGHT managers since Ten Haag left in July 2022. That's a manager every 160 days.
Not one has made it a year.
Nor is it a death knell to a coaching career to have a disaster run
Reposted by Tutul Rahman
Wilfried Nancy to Strasbourg
Liam Rosenior to Chelsea
Enzo Maresca to Man United
Ruben Amorim to Minnesota United
Eric Ramsay to Celtic
Who says no? Nobody, soccer is solved
Liam Rosenior to Chelsea
Enzo Maresca to Man United
Ruben Amorim to Minnesota United
Eric Ramsay to Celtic
Who says no? Nobody, soccer is solved
January 5, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Wilfried Nancy to Strasbourg
Liam Rosenior to Chelsea
Enzo Maresca to Man United
Ruben Amorim to Minnesota United
Eric Ramsay to Celtic
Who says no? Nobody, soccer is solved
Liam Rosenior to Chelsea
Enzo Maresca to Man United
Ruben Amorim to Minnesota United
Eric Ramsay to Celtic
Who says no? Nobody, soccer is solved
Really good thought piece here about NWSL here.
I'll add, soccer is very popular in the US. The question is will the American public choose your league to follow.
The Women's Euros were +52% in viewership this year. It's not just about keeping USWNT talent. It's about being the best, period.
I'll add, soccer is very popular in the US. The question is will the American public choose your league to follow.
The Women's Euros were +52% in viewership this year. It's not just about keeping USWNT talent. It's about being the best, period.
A couple days ago I shared a thread I enjoyed from @tutul.bsky.social. Led me to write a lot of words about a question posed: Can #NWSL change its mindset from austerity to leadership?
Is it coherently written? To quote Gennaro Gattuso, "Sometimes maybe good. Sometimes maybe shit."
Is it coherently written? To quote Gennaro Gattuso, "Sometimes maybe good. Sometimes maybe shit."
Thoughts on the NWSL in 2026 and Beyond
Some thoughts on the league, the recent news about HIP, and the 'Beyond the Boys' Club' panel that Jessica Berman participated in at the 2025 World Sports Summit in Dubai.
thewosoroundup.beehiiv.com
January 2, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Really good thought piece here about NWSL here.
I'll add, soccer is very popular in the US. The question is will the American public choose your league to follow.
The Women's Euros were +52% in viewership this year. It's not just about keeping USWNT talent. It's about being the best, period.
I'll add, soccer is very popular in the US. The question is will the American public choose your league to follow.
The Women's Euros were +52% in viewership this year. It's not just about keeping USWNT talent. It's about being the best, period.
Diego Chara has played more times for the Portland Timbers than Roy Keane did for Manchester United. He's set up to be the first person in MLS history to represent his club 500 times.
(And Jonathan Osorio may end up passing Chara in a few years)
(And Jonathan Osorio may end up passing Chara in a few years)
MLS Clubs All-Time Caps Leaders Heading Into 2026.
POR - Chara, 483
SEA - Frei, 422
RSL - Rimando, 420
SKC - Zusi, 408
DC - Moreno, 406
SJ - Wondo, 401
TOR - Osorio, 395
NE - Farrell, 386
LAG - C. Jones, 368
CHI - Brown, 349
FCD - Hedges, 349
HOU - Davis, 327
PHI - Blake, 324
VAN - Teibert, 301
POR - Chara, 483
SEA - Frei, 422
RSL - Rimando, 420
SKC - Zusi, 408
DC - Moreno, 406
SJ - Wondo, 401
TOR - Osorio, 395
NE - Farrell, 386
LAG - C. Jones, 368
CHI - Brown, 349
FCD - Hedges, 349
HOU - Davis, 327
PHI - Blake, 324
VAN - Teibert, 301
January 2, 2026 at 7:22 PM
Diego Chara has played more times for the Portland Timbers than Roy Keane did for Manchester United. He's set up to be the first person in MLS history to represent his club 500 times.
(And Jonathan Osorio may end up passing Chara in a few years)
(And Jonathan Osorio may end up passing Chara in a few years)
MLS Clubs All-Time Caps Leaders Heading Into 2026.
POR - Chara, 483
SEA - Frei, 422
RSL - Rimando, 420
SKC - Zusi, 408
DC - Moreno, 406
SJ - Wondo, 401
TOR - Osorio, 395
NE - Farrell, 386
LAG - C. Jones, 368
CHI - Brown, 349
FCD - Hedges, 349
HOU - Davis, 327
PHI - Blake, 324
VAN - Teibert, 301
POR - Chara, 483
SEA - Frei, 422
RSL - Rimando, 420
SKC - Zusi, 408
DC - Moreno, 406
SJ - Wondo, 401
TOR - Osorio, 395
NE - Farrell, 386
LAG - C. Jones, 368
CHI - Brown, 349
FCD - Hedges, 349
HOU - Davis, 327
PHI - Blake, 324
VAN - Teibert, 301
January 2, 2026 at 4:03 AM
MLS Clubs All-Time Caps Leaders Heading Into 2026.
POR - Chara, 483
SEA - Frei, 422
RSL - Rimando, 420
SKC - Zusi, 408
DC - Moreno, 406
SJ - Wondo, 401
TOR - Osorio, 395
NE - Farrell, 386
LAG - C. Jones, 368
CHI - Brown, 349
FCD - Hedges, 349
HOU - Davis, 327
PHI - Blake, 324
VAN - Teibert, 301
POR - Chara, 483
SEA - Frei, 422
RSL - Rimando, 420
SKC - Zusi, 408
DC - Moreno, 406
SJ - Wondo, 401
TOR - Osorio, 395
NE - Farrell, 386
LAG - C. Jones, 368
CHI - Brown, 349
FCD - Hedges, 349
HOU - Davis, 327
PHI - Blake, 324
VAN - Teibert, 301
Happy New Years to all my fellow soccer fans. Next year is a very important year for American soccer and an opportunity for both national teams and leagues.
Here's what I'm looking for in 2026:
USMNT: Can this team break into "very good" category?
1/
Here's what I'm looking for in 2026:
USMNT: Can this team break into "very good" category?
1/
December 31, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Happy New Years to all my fellow soccer fans. Next year is a very important year for American soccer and an opportunity for both national teams and leagues.
Here's what I'm looking for in 2026:
USMNT: Can this team break into "very good" category?
1/
Here's what I'm looking for in 2026:
USMNT: Can this team break into "very good" category?
1/
Hes going to be back at Columbus for 2026 kickoff isnt he?
After watching a few minutes of Dundee-Celtic I think it's a real question whether Wilfried Nancy can coach down to this level
December 17, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Hes going to be back at Columbus for 2026 kickoff isnt he?
Would be a great podcast series!!
fuck i should do an mls pantheon shouldn't i
December 17, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Would be a great podcast series!!
Turned out it was the most watched MLS Cup of all time!
4.6m reported with 3.6m is TV & streaming (and likely to get higher with full Nielsen read).
Previous record was 3.5m with MLS Cup 2016.
4.6m reported with 3.6m is TV & streaming (and likely to get higher with full Nielsen read).
Previous record was 3.5m with MLS Cup 2016.
This Vancouver - Miami MLS Cup is gonna be awesome, imo.
Miami favorites, but this Whitecaps team is special.
I'll be interested to see the full marketing blitz from the league as well. Has every chance to be the most watched MLS Cup of all time.
Miami favorites, but this Whitecaps team is special.
I'll be interested to see the full marketing blitz from the league as well. Has every chance to be the most watched MLS Cup of all time.
December 13, 2025 at 4:10 AM
Turned out it was the most watched MLS Cup of all time!
4.6m reported with 3.6m is TV & streaming (and likely to get higher with full Nielsen read).
Previous record was 3.5m with MLS Cup 2016.
4.6m reported with 3.6m is TV & streaming (and likely to get higher with full Nielsen read).
Previous record was 3.5m with MLS Cup 2016.
Inter Miami (red) vs Inter Milan (blue) in Google search interest in the last 30 days.
The country's shade is determined by which team they searched more of. The sole Euro country that had more Inter Miami? Germany.
The country's shade is determined by which team they searched more of. The sole Euro country that had more Inter Miami? Germany.
December 8, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Inter Miami (red) vs Inter Milan (blue) in Google search interest in the last 30 days.
The country's shade is determined by which team they searched more of. The sole Euro country that had more Inter Miami? Germany.
The country's shade is determined by which team they searched more of. The sole Euro country that had more Inter Miami? Germany.
From a worldwide Google search standpoint, Miami winning MLS cup had as much as Messi originally signing with Miami. The other spike right before was the Son signing.
December 8, 2025 at 12:10 AM
From a worldwide Google search standpoint, Miami winning MLS cup had as much as Messi originally signing with Miami. The other spike right before was the Son signing.
The triple post giveth and the triple post taketh away.
December 6, 2025 at 10:02 PM
The triple post giveth and the triple post taketh away.
The game was decided when Gauld came in for Ali Ahmed and not Thomas Muller
December 6, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The game was decided when Gauld came in for Ali Ahmed and not Thomas Muller
Here's the groups ranked by average ELO score that the POT A teams have to face (assuming top team in qualifiers get through)
1) USA - 1829
2) POR - 1783
3) FRA - 1777
4) NED - 1764
5) CAN - 1737
6) ENG - 1728
7) MEX - 1726
8) ARG - 1719
9) BRA - 1716
10) ESP - 1681
11) GER - 1669
12) BEL - 1657
1) USA - 1829
2) POR - 1783
3) FRA - 1777
4) NED - 1764
5) CAN - 1737
6) ENG - 1728
7) MEX - 1726
8) ARG - 1719
9) BRA - 1716
10) ESP - 1681
11) GER - 1669
12) BEL - 1657
Here's how the groups stack up in terms of average ELO ratings.
I (🇫🇷🇸🇳🏁🇳🇴) – 27
D (🇺🇸🇵🇾🇦🇺🇪🇺) – 31
F (🇳🇱🇯🇵🇪🇺🇹🇳) – 31
J (🇦🇷🇩🇿🇦🇹🇯🇴) – 32
L (🏴🇭🇷🇬🇭🇵🇦) – 32
C (🇧🇷🇲🇦🇭🇹🏴) – 33
K (🇵🇹🏁🇺🇿🇨🇴) – 35
H (🇪🇸🇨🇻🇸🇦🇺🇾) – 38
A (🇲🇽🇿🇦🇰🇷🇪🇺) – 42
E (🇩🇪🇨🇼🇨🇮🇪🇨) – 42
B (🇨🇦🇪🇺🇶🇦🇨🇭) – 42
G (🇧🇪🇪🇬🇮🇷🇳🇿) – 44
I (🇫🇷🇸🇳🏁🇳🇴) – 27
D (🇺🇸🇵🇾🇦🇺🇪🇺) – 31
F (🇳🇱🇯🇵🇪🇺🇹🇳) – 31
J (🇦🇷🇩🇿🇦🇹🇯🇴) – 32
L (🏴🇭🇷🇬🇭🇵🇦) – 32
C (🇧🇷🇲🇦🇭🇹🏴) – 33
K (🇵🇹🏁🇺🇿🇨🇴) – 35
H (🇪🇸🇨🇻🇸🇦🇺🇾) – 38
A (🇲🇽🇿🇦🇰🇷🇪🇺) – 42
E (🇩🇪🇨🇼🇨🇮🇪🇨) – 42
B (🇨🇦🇪🇺🇶🇦🇨🇭) – 42
G (🇧🇪🇪🇬🇮🇷🇳🇿) – 44
December 5, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Here's the groups ranked by average ELO score that the POT A teams have to face (assuming top team in qualifiers get through)
1) USA - 1829
2) POR - 1783
3) FRA - 1777
4) NED - 1764
5) CAN - 1737
6) ENG - 1728
7) MEX - 1726
8) ARG - 1719
9) BRA - 1716
10) ESP - 1681
11) GER - 1669
12) BEL - 1657
1) USA - 1829
2) POR - 1783
3) FRA - 1777
4) NED - 1764
5) CAN - 1737
6) ENG - 1728
7) MEX - 1726
8) ARG - 1719
9) BRA - 1716
10) ESP - 1681
11) GER - 1669
12) BEL - 1657
This is true & we're also currently the lowest in ELO ranking of the group (assuming Turkiye get through)
The #USMNT get an extremely favorable World Cup draw.
🇦🇺 Australia
🇵🇾 Paraguay
🇪🇺 Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
By no means am I saying this *will* happen, but Poch's team can reasonable expect to win all three games. They'll be favored in all three.
🇦🇺 Australia
🇵🇾 Paraguay
🇪🇺 Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo
By no means am I saying this *will* happen, but Poch's team can reasonable expect to win all three games. They'll be favored in all three.
December 5, 2025 at 7:20 PM
This is true & we're also currently the lowest in ELO ranking of the group (assuming Turkiye get through)
Assuming Turkiye get through, we would've played all of our World Cup opponents in friendlys this year:
We beat Australia & Paraguay 2-1, lost to Turkiye 1-2.
We beat Australia & Paraguay 2-1, lost to Turkiye 1-2.
December 5, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Assuming Turkiye get through, we would've played all of our World Cup opponents in friendlys this year:
We beat Australia & Paraguay 2-1, lost to Turkiye 1-2.
We beat Australia & Paraguay 2-1, lost to Turkiye 1-2.
Reposted by Tutul Rahman
Our annual surveys are my favorite piece of content we do, and this year was by far the best. We had almost 3,500 responses!
Fans want looser roster rules, are torn on the calendar shift, and are getting tired of Messi mania.
Read here ⤵️
www.sixonefivesoccer.com/2025-mls-fan...
Fans want looser roster rules, are torn on the calendar shift, and are getting tired of Messi mania.
Read here ⤵️
www.sixonefivesoccer.com/2025-mls-fan...
MLS Fan Survey: Supporters weigh in on calendar switch, roster rules, and Lionel Messi
Nearly 3,500 fans from 33 countries gave their opinions on the state of Major League Soccer in our third annual fan survey
www.sixonefivesoccer.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Our annual surveys are my favorite piece of content we do, and this year was by far the best. We had almost 3,500 responses!
Fans want looser roster rules, are torn on the calendar shift, and are getting tired of Messi mania.
Read here ⤵️
www.sixonefivesoccer.com/2025-mls-fan...
Fans want looser roster rules, are torn on the calendar shift, and are getting tired of Messi mania.
Read here ⤵️
www.sixonefivesoccer.com/2025-mls-fan...
My top 5 Yanks Abroad clips from games over the weekend:
5) Pepi gets back on the scoresheet for PSV with a slick finish. He also had an assist in the match.
streamain.com/OU5WheLU6Q0h...
5) Pepi gets back on the scoresheet for PSV with a slick finish. He also had an assist in the match.
streamain.com/OU5WheLU6Q0h...
Streamain — Watch — bandicam 2025-11-30 18-40-42-261.mp4
streamain.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:13 AM
My top 5 Yanks Abroad clips from games over the weekend:
5) Pepi gets back on the scoresheet for PSV with a slick finish. He also had an assist in the match.
streamain.com/OU5WheLU6Q0h...
5) Pepi gets back on the scoresheet for PSV with a slick finish. He also had an assist in the match.
streamain.com/OU5WheLU6Q0h...
Front page of TSN right now (who's broadcasting MLS Cup in Canada)
November 30, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Front page of TSN right now (who's broadcasting MLS Cup in Canada)
Also, MLS Cup is the on big FOX on linear TV on the US ... the day after the World Cup draw.
I'd imagine we'lll be seeing a heavy amount of cross promotion there for the game.
I'd imagine we'lll be seeing a heavy amount of cross promotion there for the game.
MLS Cup is set for Saturday afternoon (ET) but will be Saturday primetime in Europe.
The only competing games on from the Big 5 would be Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Hellas Verona v Atalanta and PSG vs Rennes.
Busi & Alba's (maybe Suarez?) final game.
Muller vs Messi.
Free on AppleTV
The only competing games on from the Big 5 would be Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Hellas Verona v Atalanta and PSG vs Rennes.
Busi & Alba's (maybe Suarez?) final game.
Muller vs Messi.
Free on AppleTV
November 30, 2025 at 5:53 AM
Also, MLS Cup is the on big FOX on linear TV on the US ... the day after the World Cup draw.
I'd imagine we'lll be seeing a heavy amount of cross promotion there for the game.
I'd imagine we'lll be seeing a heavy amount of cross promotion there for the game.
MLS Cup is set for Saturday afternoon (ET) but will be Saturday primetime in Europe.
The only competing games on from the Big 5 would be Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Hellas Verona v Atalanta and PSG vs Rennes.
Busi & Alba's (maybe Suarez?) final game.
Muller vs Messi.
Free on AppleTV
The only competing games on from the Big 5 would be Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Hellas Verona v Atalanta and PSG vs Rennes.
Busi & Alba's (maybe Suarez?) final game.
Muller vs Messi.
Free on AppleTV
November 30, 2025 at 5:49 AM
MLS Cup is set for Saturday afternoon (ET) but will be Saturday primetime in Europe.
The only competing games on from the Big 5 would be Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Hellas Verona v Atalanta and PSG vs Rennes.
Busi & Alba's (maybe Suarez?) final game.
Muller vs Messi.
Free on AppleTV
The only competing games on from the Big 5 would be Athletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid, Hellas Verona v Atalanta and PSG vs Rennes.
Busi & Alba's (maybe Suarez?) final game.
Muller vs Messi.
Free on AppleTV
This Vancouver - Miami MLS Cup is gonna be awesome, imo.
Miami favorites, but this Whitecaps team is special.
I'll be interested to see the full marketing blitz from the league as well. Has every chance to be the most watched MLS Cup of all time.
Miami favorites, but this Whitecaps team is special.
I'll be interested to see the full marketing blitz from the league as well. Has every chance to be the most watched MLS Cup of all time.
November 30, 2025 at 4:12 AM
This Vancouver - Miami MLS Cup is gonna be awesome, imo.
Miami favorites, but this Whitecaps team is special.
I'll be interested to see the full marketing blitz from the league as well. Has every chance to be the most watched MLS Cup of all time.
Miami favorites, but this Whitecaps team is special.
I'll be interested to see the full marketing blitz from the league as well. Has every chance to be the most watched MLS Cup of all time.