Neil MacDonald

Journalist


Mohamed Al-Fayed at the unveiling of a memorial statue in commemoration of his son Dodi and Princess Diana at Harrods in London. Photo: David Lodge / FilmMagic
Mohamed Al-Fayed: The Egyptian tycoon who went shopping for Harrods

Hugely successful Egyptian businessman fought frequently with Britain's government and royalty, not least over his son's death in Paris alongside Princess Diana in 1997

September 01, 2023
Silvio Berlusconi addresses a rally in Rome, in April 2022. Reuters
Silvio Berlusconi: Larger than life but tainted by scandal

Three-time Italian prime minister craved power and the public eye but was often embroiled in controversy

June 12, 2023
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 28:  Captain Paolo Maldini if Milan lifts the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League Final match between Juventus FC and AC Milan on May 28, 2003 at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
How AC Milan became a football superpower under Berlusconi

Media tycoon, who passed away on Monday, took over an underperforming club and transformed them into a winning machine

June 12, 2023
Scotland, pictured here before beating Israel in October 2021, start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign against Cyprus in Glasgow on Saturday, having been revived under manager Steve Clarke. PA
Food for thought: Why Scotland are now punching above their weight

National team under Steve Clarke are moving with the times, while anecdote from former players explains why previous squads made a meal of it

March 23, 2023
Pope Benedict XVI greets worshippers gathered in St Mark's Square in Venice, Italy, in May 2011. Getty Images
Pope Benedict XVI: 'Pilgrim of peace’ whose shock resignation shook the world

Long-time ally of predecessor John Paul II endured an awkward papacy, blighted by cases of historic abuse in the priesthood

December 31, 2022