Aadam Patel

Aadam Patel, a graduate of The Daily Mail Trainee Scheme, was an irrepressible force of nature for Mail Sport across the last 12 months, writes Marc Padgett, the Head of Sport at The Mail. Whether it’s hard-hitting news stories, sensational exclusive features or interviewing fans from around Europe on the streets of Germany throughout the Euros, there is nothing Aadam can’t turn his hand to. The first example of his brilliant journalism in this entry is an incredible dispatch from Wembley where he managed to enter the stadium at the Champions League final in June without a ticket. Despite the fact there was meant to be a ‘ring of steel’ around Wembley for its most high-profile event since the scenes at the Euro 2020 final, Aadam bargaining with a steward to get in for £100 (less than the cost price of a ticket) and without any body checks,. The Euros final was described as ‘a source of national shame’ in an FA-Commissioned report and Aadam’s expose of the security breach three years later led to another FA investigation which remains ongoing. Aadam’s remarkable versatility was highlighted in his second entry when he found himself at a non-remarkable Premier League match in December 2023 which threw up a remarkable story. The horrific collapse of Luton captain Tom Lockyer was covered live in a professional manner by Aadam across social media as he updated fans and then beautifully encapsulated in a back-page piece entitled “The Moment Football Stopped” with a full, thoughtful spread inside headlined “The ground fell silent as medics rushed on. Fearful fans in tears, hoping for the best”. It showcased his incredible ability to adapt to any situation and deliver accordingly. The final example in this entry came about when Aadam managed to get exclusive behind-the-scenes access with the Afghanistan cricket team in India during the Cricket World Cup, and was the only journalist to get such an insight. This was covered with a superb written piece for print and an insightful video feature across Mail Sport’s social platforms, which included interviews with players, coaches and support staff. Aadam’s infectious enthusiasm and lovely manner means that people naturally warm to him. This was never more evident than in the way the Afghanistan squad and their coach, Jonathan Trott, interacted with him as he seamlessly integrated into camp and delved into their personal stories and their motivations, in what has been a memorable spell for them, as they reached a historic World Cup semi- final. That ability to effortlessly create conversation and build connections always comes across whether Aadam is interviewing footballers or cricketers or fans at any sporting venue in the world. Aadam is truly an asset to Mail Sport - a natural, who consistently delivers exceptional journalism across platforms, and would be well deserving of this prestigious award.