On this episode of Side Story Sports, we sit down with Favian Renkel — bilingual sports journalist, creative director, and founder of Futwrk — to talk about the evolving landscape of soccer media, storytelling outside the box score, and what it takes to survive (and thrive) as a multipurpose creator in today’s connected media world.

Favian opens up about what it’s like to juggle press conferences at 3 a.m. with family life, the tension between journalistic integrity and content marketing demands, and the ways in which digital platforms (newsletters, podcasts, social media, newsletters) have reshaped what “covering soccer” even means. Along the way, we discuss Leagues Cup as a case study in American soccer’s identity shift, the pitfalls of algorithm-driven journalism, and why Favian believes “wearing many hats” is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Whether you’re a sports fan, a media watcher, or someone trying to tell stories in a world where every channel demands its own version, this episode digs into the practical reality and the philosophical trade-offs of modern sports journalism.

Key moments:

* Favian’s early career and founding Futwrk

* The Japan press conference marathon: what it taught him about family, ambition, and time zones

* Why modern journalists must also be content strategists

* Coverage of Leagues Cup and what it reveals about soccer’s changing culture in the U.S.

* Lightning-round reflections on creativity, burnout, and storytelling in a digital world

Links & resources:

* Favian Renkel on Urban Pitch / Leagues Cup

* Favian on X / Instagram: @FavianRenkel / @iamfavianrenkel

* Subscribe to Futwrk and follow his side projects

* Join us next time as we unpack another side story from the world of sports, where the real action is happening off the field.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sidestorysports.substack.com