Presenter • Host • Moderator • Keynote Speaker • Doha • @AJEnglish @FIFAcom • IG: @miss_samjohnson • Views are my own
Joined October 2010
- Tweets 14,929
- Following 2,258
- Followers 10,846
- Likes 17,188
444 Photos and videos
Pinned Tweet
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.
Feb 18
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
14
35
4,741
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Jun 11
As Bosnia and Herzegovina prepare to face Canada in their 2026 World Cup opener, many eyes will be on Esmir Bajraktarevic. Born in the US, to a family affected by the Srebrenica genocide, his journey is about far more than just football.
3
16
43
15,000
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Jun 5
Iranian footballer Mehdi Taremi says the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become about far more than just football for the Iran national team.
Watch our exclusive Game Theory interview with Taremi, hosted by Al Jazeera’s @MissSamJohnson.
▶️ youtu.be/vJizxYyXRq0
2
14
44
13,298
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Jun 3
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.
7
64
171
73,591
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Apr 30
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.
8
30
54
15,898
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Apr 9
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.
6
44
82
22,590
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Mar 19
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.
8
28
71
20,622
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Mar 18
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.
12
42
149
46,778
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Mar 13
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.
11
30
91
24,291
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Mar 5
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?
16
57
164
25,171
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Feb 18
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
60
1,405
3,423
233,716
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Feb 12
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.
9
15
69
15,378
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Feb 11
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.
37
621
1,657
55,911
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Feb 5
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.' ⤵️
10
74
175
20,566
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Jan 18
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.
8
575
3,441
70,793
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Jan 17
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.
9
275
640
43,329
Samantha Johnson retweeted
Jan 2
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 👇
4
13
33
14,377
Samantha Johnson retweeted
28 Dec 2025
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
1
3
895
Samantha Johnson retweeted
18 Dec 2025
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?
2
14
38
22,434
Samantha Johnson retweeted
12 Dec 2025
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.
1
33
96
18,219