Top 10 Best Football Commentators in History (Ranked)

When Sergio Aguero scored that last-minute Premier League winning goal, an average commentator might say, “Agüero scores, City win the trophy!” but the thing that differentiates between an average and the best commentator in football is how he/she make the football audience connect with the ongoing situation on the field, great football commentators make every moment unforgettable with their passion and words.

The best commentators in football turn a match highlight into unforgettable stories which people remember for years, like “ Little boy from Rosario”, “The youngster has the world at his feet”. "Aguerooooooooo" & “Tshabalalaaaa….. GOAL Bafana Bafana, Goal for South Africa, Goal for Africa” are some of the greatest lines that have been etched in every football fan's memory. Names like Martin Tyler, John Motson, and Peter Drury are legends for their epic commentary. This article ranks the top 10 best football commentators with their best commentaries, based on how they brought matches to life with their voices.

List of Best Commentators in Football History

The top 10 best commentators listed below are some of the names that have been the best in the industry. These legendary commentators have brought football’s most thrilling moments to life, their voices creating lasting memories for fans across generations and borders.

How we Ranked the All Time Best Commentators in Football?

While listing the best football commentators of all time, we have kept several ranking factors in mind, including their finest commentary. We picked the best football commentators by looking at their experience, how exciting their commentary is, and how long they’ve been great. Below are the explanations for each ranking factor:

1. Broadcasting Experience: To make sure that only the best football commentators make it in our list, we have looked at what major tournaments they have covered and how long they have been at their best.
2. Commentary Style & Iconic Moments: As we all that, we love commentators for their unique style and tone. The best commentators in football make games exciting with unique styles, like poetic words or loud passion. The way they use banters and easter eggs for a player is something fans crave between the games.
3. Longevity and Consistency: Commentators who stayed at the top for long were ranked higher in our ranking of the best English commentators in football. Doing a great job across decades, from small matches to finals, showed their talent. Consistency in delivering exciting commentary over time was a big factor.

Who is the All Time Best Commentator in Football?

Here’s the detailed list of the top 10 best football commentators, ranked for their ability to make football moments unforgettable. This list includes legendary voices known to your grandparents and those still commenting on games today. Let's kick off with the list of the 10 best commentators in football.

10. Jim Beglin - BT Sports

Jim Beglin is famously known as the co-commentator for Broadcasters like IVT and BT Sports. People around the world love his technical analysis, which puts a spotlight on some of the uncovered areas of players or a game. His tactical insights, shaped by his days as a Liverpool defender, add depth to matches. His 2004 line about José Mourinho - “That’s why they call him the Special One!”, shows how he his updated with all the things going around in the world of football. Additionally, his voice can be heard in virtual games like eFootball, which gives its users a feel of realism. His ability to analyse the game with the help of numbers and his experience with given popularity is what makes him one of the best football commentators.

Famous Quote - “That’s why they call him the Special One!”

9. Conor McNamara - 5 Live

Irish voices are always known to add more aura and Conor is no exception. Though not in the 5 Live’s ranks, his superb performance cannot be nabbed. He could be a good drinking pal, though, as he expresses astonishment and boredom while genuinely adding to his very good ability to set goals. McNamara’s first national radio commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live was Bolton v Tottenham in April 2002.

His first Match of the Day commentary for BBC television was Everton versus Aston Villa in October 2004. McNamara regularly commentates on the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. He has worked at every FIFA World Cup since 1998 and every UEFA European Championship since 2004. Each year from 2014 to 2023, McNamara was nominated as Football Supporters’ Federation Commentator of the Year and his voice is most loved amongst the fans due to his engaging style of communication.

Famous Quote: “He(Leo Messi) operates on a different plane, in a different galaxy. We are just lucky to be alive at the same time as him.”

8. Vicki Sparks - 5 Live

Vicki Sparks has paved the way for women’s commentary in recent times. Known for her ground-breaking work, starting stiffer but getting relaxed with experience, her roar at an England goal in the final for the Lionesses made her career, as you just relive the moment with your eyes closed as well. Sparks made history on 20 June 2018.

As the first woman to commentate on a live World Cup match between Portugal and Morocco on British TV during BBC One’s coverage. Despite online criticism, she received support against sexism. She later commentated at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was nominated for Commentator of the Year in November 2023. She is often considered one of the best female football commentators. She provides proper insights and understanding of the match through her descriptive, powerful commentary.

Famous Quote: “Who else but Cristiano Ronaldo? He’s made the breakthrough!”

7. Jonno Pearce - BBC

Jonno is easily considered the funniest man on TV or radio, carrying it in a droll style. Known as the opinion divider, the old attack dog yelling at history is a lot more than just a delight. Pearce joined the BBC’s Match of the Day team in 2004 and BT Sport in 2013.

He has commentated on the FA Cup, League Cup, Championship, five World Cups, four European Championships, three Women’s World Cups, and a Women’s European Championship. Pearce is also a front-line BBC commentator alongside Guy Mowbray, Steve Wilson, and Simon Brotherton. His vast experiences, energy and descriptive commentary are second to none.

Famous Quote: “I wouldn’t trust Newcastle’s back five to protect my garden gnomes from squirrels.

6. Guy Mowbray - BBC

Everyone thinks you’re biased when being a MOTD commentator, however, Mowbray has been running the show for quite some time, remaining one of the few distinctive voices to date. His flat Yorkshire tones fit the bill when conveying how unimpressed he is by something, and we all need that sometimes. He was part of the Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 as well as the 2002 World Cup.

As ITV held the rights for Premiership highlights, Mowbray was a regular commentator alongside Clive Tyldesley, Peter Drury, and Jon Champion on the Saturday night highlights show for three seasons. His style is fast-paced and energetic, suited to big tournaments and the world.

Famous Quote: “He’s an American, qualified to play for Wales because he has a Welsh grandmother, who was on the bench against Switzerland.”

5. Ian Dennis - TNT Sports

Like all the best, the commentary is in his park, where we all pay a visit. Although he remains a private fella, his work is more technical than most. Dennis brings us the scores on Saturdays, a task he has mastered with time. His judgment cut through perfectly in quiet moments, making a hard thing sound easy. It’s a real work of art.

He has all the commentator’s attributes, from command to statistical analysis, but at times, it sounds like he loses it, while overwhelmed, by unfolding action. In 2002, he left Radio Leeds to work as a football commentator for Radio 5 Live, for which he has covered four major international tournaments. He has a calm and authoritative voice on the mic, coupled with proper game knowledge, insights and in-depth analysis.

Famous Quote: “Drogba… and Chelsea are the champions of Europe!”

4. Clive Tyldesley - CBS/Paramount Plus

Clive has been in a league of his own, the last of the generation of great mic men, despite having mixed opinions on games featuring the younger performers for England. His voice is absolutely compelling and superbly prepared as if it should be a part of football.

Tyldesley commentated on every Champions League final between 1998 and 2015 for ITV. He was ITV’s lead commentator at the European Championships from 2000 to 2016 and the World Cup finals between 2002 and 2018. He has more than 6 decades of experience in this field, something that is reflected in his style of commentary, excellent command of language, strong voice, full of knowledge and research.

Famous Quote: “Jari Litmanen should be made compulsory.”

3. Peter Drury - Sky Sports

Peter has brought a poetic style to the game and his words add the required impact to the high and low moments of the game. Even though, a previous SA commentator of the year a few years ago, some get annoyed by the nature of his work, he remains a unique broadcaster, which is all that matters. Formerly an ITV Sport’s second-choice football commentator (1998–2013), and freelanced widely post-2013. He is one of the main Sky football commentators in the EPL.

He covered the Premier League for Premier League Productions (until May 2022), UEFA Champions League and Europa League for CBS Sports (2020-2022), EFL Cup for Pitch International (2022), Premier League for Amazon Prime (2022-23), UEFA leagues for BT Sport (2022-23), and FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022). His style of commentary is exceptional, narrating the games as poems with his spell-binding words of wisdom.

Famous Quote: “Roma have risen from their ruins!” and “If you know your history, you will understand just what it means.”

2. John Motson - Retired

The commentator was widely popular by the name of Motty. He used to be a BBC legend who had covered more than 2,000 matches in his commentator career. His vast knowledge and excited tone made every game, from FA Cup upsets to World Cup finals, feel thrilling. His enthusiastic tone makes him one of the best football commentators on this planet.

His commentary on Ronnie Radford’s 1972 FA Cup goal is a classic, which keeps him and the player alive in fans' memories. Motson's way of storytelling is something that makes him stand apart from the rest of the commentators.

Famous Quote: “Oh, what a goal!” (Ronnie Radford, 1972)

1. Martin Tyler - Sky Sports

The Number 1 spot in our list of best English commentator/best football commentator goes to the man behind the iconic "Agueroooooooo!" call - Martine Tyler. Martin Tyler is the voice of the Premier League, loved for his calm tone that explodes during big moments. His tone, expression and satire are something that people of all generations like about him. And trust us, you can not be Martin Tyler until you have a good amount of ball knowledge and a strong hold on word selection.

Tyler’s deep knowledge, gained from decades at Sky Sports, makes every game feel special. His ability to capture the drama of football, from local matches to title deciders, has made him a legend behind the mic.

Famous Quote: “And it’s Agüero! Manchester City have done it!” (2012)