Samantha Johnson

Presenter • Host • Moderator • Keynote Speaker • Doha • @AJEnglish @FIFAcom • IG: @miss_samjohnson • Views are my own

[Samantha Johnson @MissSamJohnson]

I published this episode last November because I felt it was important to highlight a side of Eusebio’s story that many people may have overlooked.
Yes, he is, and always will be, an icon. But his name should never be used as a shield to excuse or deflect racism.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

Vinicius Jr says he faced racist abuse during Real Madrid’s match against Benfica. Jose Mourinho cited icon Eusebio as proof the club is not racist.

But Eusebio, born in colonial Mozambique, was also used by Portugal in the 1960s to project 'racial harmony.' #AJArchive

[AJE Sport @AJE_Sport]

For Iran, the road to the 2026 World Cup is about more than football. From security fears to the weight of a nation at war, Team Melli faces many challenges. In an exclusive interview, Mehdi Taremi speaks to @MissSamJohnson ahead of one of the most politically charged World Cups.

[AJE Sport @AJE_Sport]

Who actually gets to go to the World Cup? With US President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies, some fans may never make it past the American border. Because while teams qualify on merit, passports don’t.

Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson explains.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

The Masters is a prestigious sporting event, but its history is tied to segregation. From the PGA’s “Caucasian-only clause” to Black caddies who knew Augusta best but couldn’t compete. Tiger Woods’ 1997 win reshaped the game.

Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson explains.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

As several Iranian women’s football players choose to return home from Australia, difficult questions are being raised about athlete safety, agency and Western intervention.

@MissSamJohnson looks at how they became involved and whether they were used as political pawns.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

Morocco were awarded the 2025 AFCON title following an appeal to CAF regarding Senegal’s walk-off protest in final. Senegal ‌have condemned the decision and plan to appeal.

Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson explains.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

For years now, athletes have been encouraged to use their platform to make a difference. But after backlash over Messi's White House visit to England players feeling forced to be "political spokespeople", are we seeing a shift?

Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson looks at the debate.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

With under 100 days to go until the 2026 World Cup, Iran’s spot in the tournament may be in doubt. @MissSamJohnson breaks down the political, structural and symbolic implications of a possible withdrawal and asks Professor Simon Chadwick: can sport ever truly be neutral?

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

Vinicius Jr says he faced racist abuse during Real Madrid’s match against Benfica. Jose Mourinho cited icon Eusebio as proof the club is not racist.

But Eusebio, born in colonial Mozambique, was also used by Portugal in the 1960s to project 'racial harmony.' #AJArchive

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

India vs Pakistan will finally go ahead at the #T20WorldCup. But this wasn’t just a fixture under threat, it was a test of power, money and governance in global cricket.

Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson talks to the ICC's ex-chief of communications Sami Ul Hasan about this U-turn.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

French figure skater Surya Bonaly was the first to do a backflip and land on one blade. A move banned by the International Skating Union in 1977, but she did it to make a point.

Al Jazeera's Samantha Johnson looks at Bonaly’s legacy and how she challenged the sport’s rules.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

French figure skater Surya Bonaly didn’t 'lack grace'. She just didn't fit the mould and challenged the sport’s rules and racial boundaries. Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson looks at her legacy and why Black women athletes are often told they’re 'too much.' ⤵️

[Carl Anka @Ankaman616]

Every time you think football has grown boring, or this sport has shown you everything there is to show, there is AFCON.
You ask "Why is that team good now?" and you end up a journey of history, politics, economics, colonialism and language.
AFCON is so so special.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

At #AFCON25, one Congolese fan stood motionless in the stands for 90 minutes. Not for a player, but for history.

The pose honoured Patrice Lumumba, the DRC’s first PM. Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson looks at the history behind the gesture, and why it still matters.

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

The group stage is done and the stakes are higher. #AFCON25’s last 16 brings together hosts under pressure, heavyweights in form and underdogs with nothing to lose.

The knockout stages start now. Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson explains 👇

[WorldSportsSummit @WSS]

Explore the speakers at the World Sports Summit 2025, December 29-30
Join Live

تعرفوا على المتحدثين في القمة العالمية للرياضة 2025, 29-30 ديسمبر
تابعوا البث المباشر

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

Jake Paul, a YouTuber, faces former heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua in Miami. The fight isn’t about titles. It’s about attention and money. Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson asks what does boxing value more today, belts or buzz?

[Al Jazeera English @AJEnglish]

Football, under French colonial rule, was built to exclude them. So Algerians built their own club. MC Alger, founded in 1921 sparked a statement of identity, resistance and belonging. Al Jazeera's @MissSamJohnson looks at the club that fought colonial rule.

[Samantha Johnson @MissSamJohnson]

@Slippersfisher @KikoBarraza 👀

[Samantha Johnson @MissSamJohnson]

@DPatz13 @FIFAWorldCup Back to the Chelsea TV days! All good, hope you're doing well too 🙏

[Samantha Johnson @MissSamJohnson]

To be the co-conductor of a @FIFAWorldCup technical draw not once, but twice, is something I could never have imagined. It’s more than an honour. I’m truly blessed and never take these moments for granted.