I realize now that, as a child, I used to sit cross-legged before the TV, my eyes just glued to the screen while the World Cup was going on. But it was not only the amazing goals or the fancy footwork that had me spellbound; the voices narrated each moment, painting pictures with words and making my heart race with their excitement. Those football commentators never just called the game; in large part, they provided the background for our soccer memories.
So, grab that jersey you like, and let’s go back in time as we look at the greatest soccer commentators ever graced our ears.
Quick List of the best football commentators
- Martin Tyler
- John Motson
- Andrés Cantor
- Peter Drury
- Jon Champion
- Ian Darke
- Clive Tyldesley
- Ray Hudson
- Kenneth Wolstenholme
- Vin Scully
1. Martin Tyler
Tyler’s voice sounds like a warm cup of tea on a rainy match day. And a shiver still runs down my spine each time he shouts, “Agueroooo!” Tyler rose to immense popularity during the Premier League era and was, of course, the number-one commentator for Sky Sports. Now, with him taking a step back from the channel in 2023, his voice will still be making that iconic appearance on international broadcasts, to the happiness of fans worldwide.
2. John Motson
Motson was the person you could always find in his infamous sheepskin coat, and it became almost a part of the British football experience. His immense football knowledge and infectious passion made every game seem so special. Motson commentated on over 2,000 televised games, including 29 FA Cup finals and 10 World Cups. Though he retired from BBC in 2018, having John Motson commentate on a soccer game is simply irreplaceable.
3. Andrés Cantor
“Goooool!” What more can I say? Cantor’s goal calls are legendary, and he brought Latin American passion to English-language broadcasts in the US. He is so beloved that he became known throughout both Spanish- and English-speaking households. Cantor remains one of the voices calling matches for Telemundo to this day and even provides his voice for soccer video games, ensuring new generations of fans experience his iconic style.
4. Peter Drury
With the microphone, Drury automatically becomes a poet and can set beautiful phrases in stone, making even the most uninspiring, blood-red matches a pleasure to listen to. His popularity has surged over the years, where clips of his most lyrical calls frequently go viral. He remains very active to this day, currently doing the lead Premier League commentary for NBC Sports in the United States.
5. Jon Champion
Witty, insightful, and always ready with a clever quip, Champion’s commentary is like chatting with a friend who loves football. He gained prominence in the UK with the BBC and ITV before becoming a favorite. in the US. Champion currently commentates on Major League Soccer for ESPN, bringing his British charm to American audiences.
6. Ian Darke
From his “Go, go, USA!” call in the 2010 World Cup to his work on Premier League matches, Darke’s excitement is infectious. His popularity in the United States skyrocketed after that famous call, leading to a long stint with ESPN. Darke continues to be a prominent voice in soccer, currently working for BT Sport (now TNT Sports) in the UK and making guest appearances on US broadcasts.
7. Clive Tyldesley
To a generation of fans, he was the voice of Champions League nights, delivering the biggest of matches with drama and an epic narrative. He was a lead commentator for ITV, covering major tournaments and Champions League matches for 21 years. While he stepped down from the role in 2020, he still occasionally comments on different broadcasters and is an esteemed, ongoing giant in the industry.
8. Ray Hudson
Love him or loathe him, you simply can’t ignore him. Hudson’s over-the-top metaphors and unrestrained zeal turn every little turn Messi takes into a musical art piece. His special style has won him millions of subcultural devotees among soccer fans, especially in North America. Currently, Hudson commentates for beIN Sports, where his colorful descriptions of La Liga matches continue to amuse fans.
9. Kenneth Wolstenholme
“They think it’s all over. it is now!” His call on England’s 1966 World Cup victory is part of soccer history. Wolstenholme may have died in 2002, but his place in the pantheon of soccer commentary cannot be dismissed. He was the benchmark followed by successive generations of commentators and will always be a legendary name in British broadcasting.
10. Vin Scully
Renowned for his work on baseball, Scully did a brief stint in soccer commentary during the 1982 World Cup.
While Scully, who passed away in 2022, didn’t continue in soccer commentary, the very brief action that he did, epitomized how a truly great broadcaster can adapt to following any sport, leaving a huge impression on the fans of the beautiful game.
Conclusion
These voices have been our companions through heartbreaks and triumphs, last-minute winners, and crushing defeats. They’ve explained the beautiful game to newcomers and added depth for die-hard fans.
It’s truly gratifying to see how many of them have adapted to the radically changing media environment: broadcast, streaming, podcasts, and social media.
Who’s your favorite commentator? Did I miss someone on this list? Let me know in the comments below; I would love to hear from you. There may be some that I have not heard yet, and he would become one of my favorites.
