10 best football commentators of all time - Sportskeeda Al Michaels, making his famous call at the 1980 Winter Olympics, Bob Costas was only 22 years old when he caught his first break as the radio announcer for the St. Louis Spirits of the American Basketball Association. By Video, 00:00:33A new 'Murrayism' on F1 Rewind, Isak has 'characteristics like Thierry' - Howe. It led to numerous other commentators trending on Twitter as fans compared the sounds of other men and women in the industry. And frankly, who cares? Then, he hit it big when NBC kingmaker Don Ohlmeyer hired him in 1980, famously saying the 28-year-old Costas "looked like a 14-year-old.". ", David Coleman:"Ovett, those blue eyes like chips of ice! after Pittsburgh's Jerome Lane shattered a backboard in 1988. (+10) Diane Abbott. Konnan is an American Cuban former professional wrestler who wrestled for national and independent promotions in Mexico and the USA. In a sport well known for prickly, sensitive players, Alliss earned acclaim for calling out players for what he thought was poor behavior, which didn't always make him the most popular guy in those circles. Joe Buck. Billy Packer, Primary networks: NBC, TNT, MSG Network, YES Network. His timing was always perfect whatever the pace of the match. Peter Withe!Other unforgettable lines from Moore include the climax toArsenals dramatic title win in 1989 at Anfield, when Moore exclaimedIts up for grabs now!as Michael Thomas fires home. Donovan Bailey, once the fastest man on earth, is a track and field legend having competed at world class level throughout the 1990s. Apart from playing for popular clubs like Arsenal and Birmingham City, Scott also represented the women's national football team. He was just as good at golf and tennis, announcing the Masters 26 times and the U.S. Open 21 times. Alex Karras was an American footballer, sportscaster, actor, and professional wrestler. Gus Johnson, calling a touchdown for Tennessee Titans running Chris Johnson, Born: March 1, 1914 (St. Louis, Missouri), Died: Feb. 18, 1998 (age 83, Rancho Mirage, California). Initially, he covered the 1984 European Championships and the 1986 World Cup commentating on semi-finals in both tournaments and was rewarded with live First Division matches from 1986. He retired after France's win in the 1998 World Cup final and died of massive heart failure in 2001, at 69 years old. Coleman also had the honour of describingGordon Banks incredible stop from Pele in the 1970 World Cup. BT Sports main commentator for the last few years is one of the best around right now. ", Sid Waddell: "This game's had more twists in it than a rattlesnake with a hernia. And its in.Also, 18 year old Michael Owens wonder goal against Argentina in Moores final tournament. We look at the finest commentators, pundits, analysts and race callers in UK sport. Stephen A. Smith is an American sports journalist, sports radio host, and sports television personality. Charlie Webster is a famous British TV presenter. Perhaps the greatest soccer commentator of all time, Brian Moore began his career in newspapers before moving to radio broadcasts for the BBC in 1961, then shot to fame as part of the broadcast team for England's 1966 World Cup victory. Davies impressed and worked on the programme for the next 35 years. That's because Walton overcame a debilitating stutter after his NBA career was over to become one of the preeminent NBA color analysts for most of the 1990s and 2000s. Ian Darke, Born: Sept. 11, 1953 (Quincy, Massachusetts), Sports: NFL, college basketball, NBA, MLB, Olympics, Tennis, Horse Racing. Rugby commentary: The golden voices - Last Word on Rugby "Waffleboarded across the net!" In 2019, she was inductedintothe English Football Hall of Fame. Curt Gowdy is best known for his baseball coverage. That's something Jim McKay never had a problem with. Ever since the advent of television and radio, the description and extensive understanding of a particular sport have become increasingly convenient for the audience. Emrick's mix of encyclopedic knowledge of the game and humor is what endears him to fans. JONATHAN PEARCE Burst on the TV scene with Channel 5 in the 90s. He then concentrated on Athletics, on which he commentated on every Olympic Games from 1960-2000, before retiring aged 74. His sidekick Gray was sacked along with host Richard Keys in 2011 for allegations of sexism, but this gave Tyler a new lease of life, as he began working with younger and more modern former players, such asGary NevilleandJamie Carragher. Walker will probably always be classed as the ultimate Formula 1 commentator. John Motson - Football Motson's voice has complemented many of football's biggest moments over the past 30-plus years. He currently works for Sky Sports but is rarely heard doing Premier League matches these days. Two years later, however, still stuck behind Brian Moore, Alan Parry and Martin Tyler in the pecking order, Brackley moved to satellite television. It's truly one of the greatest dunk calls of all time. But only a chosen few reach the peak. 10 best football commentators of all time. Hes gonna flick one. He once stacked his collected Picasso ceramics in Plexiglas under a plywood board and used it as a work desk. What a beautiful goal from Pele! 8. He was criminally underused for football during his time at the BBC, but never publicly complained, instead carried on being the gentleman and professional which gained him so much respect from colleagues and the man on the street alike. "Hello again, everybody. But Wolstenholme re-appeared to provide reports and occasional features on Football Italia, as Channel 4 won the rights to Serie A football in the early 1990s. NB due to rights restrictions there is no footage of Sir Peter O'Sulleven in this edit. Iain Dale's 100 Most Influential People On The Left - LBC He has remained ITVs main football commentator ever since, describing further Champions League triumphs forLiverpool,Chelseaand Man Utd (again) and heading their commentary team at 5 European Championships and 4 World Cups. That feeling doesn't just happen. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has given the Los Angeles Lakers a victory, and Magic Johnson is out there celebrating like they've just won the NCAA championship." Im not going to lie it was difficult, and theres probably going to be some people disagreeing with some men on this list. The greatest golf announcer of all time is Peter Alliss, who had a respectable career as a player with five top 10 finishes at the British Open in the 1950s and 1960s. Murray Walker attends the opening of McLaren London's first UK showroom at One Hyde Park on 21 June 2011 in London, England. One of the things that get lost in being a sports announcer, sometimes, is the fact that you're still a journalist and your first allegiance is to journalism. What's better than watching sports? Football has benefitted tremendously from this and the people who take the beautiful game to various homes across the world - the commentators - are widely applauded for their contributions. He held the world record for the men's 100 metres at the . An eight-time Pro Bowl running back and former NFL Most Valuable Player, Gifford became even more famous after he transitioned to the broadcasting booth. Here are some of my personal favourites: And Leeds will go mad! . His commentary style was so unique, using the less is more tactic to allow the viewer to watch the game in comfort which is also why he was so good at Tennis. Darren Fletcher BT Sport's main commentator for the last few years is one of the best around right now. Jack Buck, at the end of Game 6 of the 1991 World Series, Born: July 31, 1919 (Green River, Wyoming), Died: Feb. 20, 2006 (age 86, Palm Beach, Florida), Sports: MLB, NFL/AFL, NBA, Olympics, college basketball. Which is what a good color analyst should do. And so unnecessary." Thats it, thats it!Any other time those words would have been sufficient, although Johns was never bitter. Scully died in Aug. 2022, at 94 years old. Having been a part of ITV's commentary team for a long time and eventually taking over the reins after the great Brian Moore retired, he has made a place of his own among other legends. The way he all too often shouted 'OH' in surprise slightly grated on us. Two years later, however, it was a whole new ball game for Tyler. In. This was in the middle of a period when the BBC started to prefer Davies style, giving him the 1994 World Cup final and most of Englands matches at Euro 96, including the semi-final against Germany. It's sad that a new generation of baseball fans don't know Harry Caray. Top 15 Best Golf Commentators and Announcers | Bet Station Motson once went to cover an FA Cup tie at Wycombe Wanderers, only for the match to be called off due to a blizzard, which led to him reporting from Adams Park in a sheepskin coat; an item of clothing that he was associated with for the rest of his career. Video, 00:00:41If we want the title, we have to beat Man City - Arteta. TOP 25 Best Snooker Shots! Scottish Open 2022! - video Dailymotion He died on September 1st, 2001, the very same day that England famously beat Germany 5-1 in Munich. She also serves as an inspiration to those fighting cancer. Albert was fired by NBC after the arrest but rehired three years later. She used to cooperate and work with the Real Madrid TV channel to report football programs. After working for ITV in the 1960s, Blowers joined the BBC Test Match Special team in 1972 and was a regular until his retirement in 2017. List of ESPN personalities - Wikipedia In Rotterdam for England crucial 94 World Cup qualifier against Holland, when Ronald Koeman was standing over a dangerous free-kick, Moore knew exactly what was coming;Hes gonna flick one now. Michelle Beadle is a sports reporter best known for her association with the popular cable sports channel, ESPN. 3. 10 Greatest British Football Commentators Of All Time - Ranked The job of a radio commentator is so much tougher than a TV commentator because you really have to paint the picture. Packer's eccentricities off the court rubbed people the wrong way sometimes including when he hired a psychic to find the weapon in the O.J. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Its not often that a football club has the words of a commentator spread across one of their stands, but thats exactly whatAston Villahave on their North Stand Brian Moores words to describe Peter Withes European Cup final winning goal to be exact,Shaw, Williams, prepared to venture down the left. Repeating the wordsOh Yes!for Roberto Baggios sensational solo goal at Italia 90 and arguing withKevin Keeganlive on air over a blatant red card for Brazils Leonardo in USA 94 spring to mind. Those lines in Englands World Cup final win as Geoff Hurst scored their fourth goal defined Wolstenholme as a commentator, but he had already been on the scene for 15 years before that. He replaced Kenneth Wolstenholme as senior football commentator in 1971, given World Cup Finals, European Cup Finals and FA Cup Finals in the process. Doesnt his voice just take you back to your childhood and listening to the football on the radio because Sky didnt exist? That voice warmed a living room on a cold autumn afternoon. Buck was eventually fired, then rehired by the Cardinals in 1969 after Caray was fired, and gained his first measure of fame covering the team. Birthplace: St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. Beautifully pulled down by Bergkamp. Go, go USA!" He went on to be employed by both ITV and Channel 4 and his meticulous planning for every race ensured his knowledge of the drivers, teams and venues was second to none. An Evening with Peter Alliss. McKay died in 2006, at 86 years old. Famous Australian Media Personalities - The Famous People Famous Sports Commentators - The Famous People In an industry dominated by white, male broadcasters and bosses who have never given much room for women or minorities, Lesley Visser was a trailblazer. It wasn't just football, either. Her talent should have had her there much sooner. WhenWimbledonbeat Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final, Motty said,The Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club.With Liverpool being red hot favourites for the final, its a line he clearly must have thought he would never get to use, but it shows that he was ready for every eventuality. He went to 10 World Cups and 10 European Championships, with his final live match being the Euro 2008 final between Spain and Germany. There is literally no major event that Costas hasn't had a hand in covering in that time. Oh no! after Gareth Southgate had missed his penalty in Euro 96. Brian Moore. When Stan Collymore scores the last minute winner, Tyler describes it brilliantly amongst the mayhem,Collymore closing in! He then left to join ITV four years later, quickly establishing himself as the channels number two commentator behind Brain Moore. The top 10 Female Sports Reporters and Presenters for the Year 2021 are shown in the following list. Here's a selection of your favourite quotes: Barry Davies: "And you have to say, where were the Germans? Is downright criminal. Despite working at World Cup 1994 and Euro 96, Tyldesley only commentated on four live matches during his time at the BBC, due to the superiority of John Motson and Barry Davies. Your top commentators. McKay also played studio host to the FIFA World Cup twice a testament to the respect he held on the international stage. Those who watched Italian football - or played Pro Evolution Soccer - will be very familiar with Brackleys incredible voice. The Best Sportscasters Of All Time - Ranker The Lancashire man, who has a stellar career with ITV at the moment, is truly one of the best commentators that English football has ever seen. He has been both a competitor and commentator on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games. (NEW) Andrew Fisher. Probably the best commentator out there right now. Pat Summerall was a star kicker at the University of Arkansas before playing a decade in the NFL, where he even won an NFL championship with the Detroit Lions in 1952. Be the first one to comment on this story. 'Oh I say!' Your top commentators - BBC Sport His calm demeanour meant that if he did raise his voice, it was worth getting out of your chair. Read about our approach to external linking. Former Arsenal and Leicester City player Alan Smith is one of the few professional commentators who have played the game at the top level themselves. But I cant take it, man, when I see kids be given a raw deal." He began working as a radio announcer in the 1920s and was thought, along with his father, to have broadcast the first horse race, ever, alongside his father in 1925. He is you know. Greatest Sports Announcers of All Time | Stadium Talk Tyldesleys commentary ofAnd Solskjaer has won it!has gone down in Manchester United folklore. They are our eyes and ears in the ground. A sportscaster is also known by other names such as sports announcer and play-by-play announcer. Gifford was at his best on "Monday Night Football." You can just imagine how Moore would have loved to have commentated on that game. A sportscaster is a person who gives information and news about sports events on television or radio. From the 1960s and 70s when live matches were only shown on BBC and ITV, to the present day where Sky has the bulk of modern day football, certain names never leave you. He also worked for ABC and ESPN throughout his career. This footnote was added on Sunday June 1 2008. Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelly once wrote of Jackson: "That voice, low and rumbling, like the first shake of a giant earthquake, told us this game was worth watching. One of the great corporate pitchmen of all time, Madden was reportedly earning around $5 million per year for the last decade of his career leading up to his retirement in 2009. Foster Hewitt, Died: Sept. 1, 2001 (age 69, Greater London, England). Peter Drury is perhaps the best football commentator in the Premier League at the moment. Birthdate: April 25, 1969. Although he retired from active commentary in 2008, Motson did a lot of highlight packages and Match of the Day specials for BBC. In 2007, he so nearly left to go to the doomed network, Setanta Sports, to commentate on their Premier League matches, but ended up signing a new contract with Sky. His brother Aaron Rodgers is a popular football quarterback. Bill Leslie (commentator) Adam Leventhal Phil Liggett Dan Lobb Gabby Logan Angus Loughran Ted Lowe M Kenny Macintyre (sports broadcaster) Howard Marshall (broadcaster) Len Martin Anthony McCrossan Derek McCulloch Ross McFarlane Lee McKenzie Billy Monger Dave Moore (motorsport commentator) Sophie Morgan John Murray (sports broadcaster) N Adnan Nawaz Our team of experienced snooker analysts and commentators . He was so much more than just his most famous line: "They think it's all over, it is now!". "Jordan, open, Chicago with the lead!" Hottest female sports presenters - from Iker Casillas' gorgeous ex to The arc and influence of his career is still felt in every sports broadcast we view today. Gifford, who was posthumously diagnosed with CTE, died in 2015, at 84 years old. Joe Buck, son of renowned sportscaster Jack Buck, is known for his stint with Fox Sports, where he worked as a play-by-play announcer for the network's NFL and MLB coverage. Well established and experienced. She is the lead sideline reporter for Fox Sports' NFL broadcasting team. Lakers win. Also, the sixth entry was in fact said by Ron Pickering, not David Coleman. Video, 00:00:43, I'm proud of my players - Chelsea's Hayes, Will Bellingham stay or move? ALAN WEEKS Remembered more for his BBC commentaries on Ice Skating and Ice Hockey, but worked on Match Of The Day for 20 years and went to 5 World Cups. A famous name in Australian Football League, McGuire was honored with the Australian Sports Medal in 2001. Most of these were at the Olympic Games, of which he went to 12 and twice commentated on the opening and closing ceremonies. "They're all gone." In 2013, she was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and journalism, while BBC Radio 4s Womens Hour included Balding on their list of the 100 most powerful women in the UK. Jim Rosenthal An old school voice of ITV and also a very decent presenter. In 1992, Sky won the rights to the new Premier League and together with his co-commentator Andy Gray, Tyler spearheaded the coverage, which he still does to this day. However, their job remains largely underrated as many people still fail to understand the importance of their work behind the camera. 'Oh I say!' Your top commentators, Up Next. In 2018 and 2019, he was named Commentator of the Year by CBS Sports. In 2014, Davies did commentate on a one-off game for Match Of The Day, to celebrate their 50th anniversary of the programme. Hes gonna flick one. Frank Gifford, Born: Feb. 25, 1940 (Wellsville, New York). Can you imagine what the reception for the longtime Cubs announcer would have been like in the era of social media? "A tradition unlike any other." Brian Moore was far better. Football Commentating Years On TV:1981-present day (BBC, ITV, Sky). Only in 2018 did Davies retire from sports commentary completely, after covering his 33rd consecutive Wimbledon tennis tournament. His antics with the mic over Sergio Aguero's fabulous goal against Queens Park Rangers in the 2011/12 season will be remembered for years to come. He was also a part of EA Sports' FIFA videogame series for a long time. Liverpool lead in stoppage time! Football Commentating Years On TV:1974-present day (ITV, Sky). Motson also commentated on the 1989 FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough, unfortunately watching the tragedy unfold before his very eyes, and was eventually called as a witness during the enquiry afterwards. P.S. 10. And it got us thinking: Who is the greatest British football commentator of all time? The 74-year-old is still a full-time commentator, and his longtime partnerships with Peter Drury, Jim Beglin and Alan Smith have earned the tag of folklore in English football's history. Although Davies was given European Cup finals and big tournament matches, he only ever commentated on two FA Cup finals for the BBC in 1995 & 1996. Anybody want to tell us what's more iconic than his "Do you believe in miracles?!" One of Corbyn's most trusted lieutenants, he is likely to become even more influential over the next twelve months as he starts drafting some firm policies. In fact that World Cup was the only time ITV have beaten the BBC when going head-to-head for football, with viewers turning over to the channel in their droves to see the new-style coverage. Over the years, she has hosted important shows for various networks, including ESPN. A BBC regular now for 16 years. John Motson, who began his illustrious career in 1971, is one of the most senior football commentators in the circuit, having covered close to 2000 games on TV and radio. Here is a list of some of the most famous sportscasters of all time. During much of the 70s and 80s, as well as commentating, Moore presented The Big Match for LWT, before it became the sole highlights programme on ITV. Tyldesley is often seen commentating on Champions League games (he has covered the last seventeen finals) as well as important FA Cup matches. Exactly what the whole country was thinking. Please logout and login again. Hearn died from injuries sustained in a fall at his home in 2002. OH WHAT A GOAL! Fans of the Premier League sorely miss the services of expert commentator Jon Champion, who moved to the United States of America ahead of the 2019-20 season. Football Commentating Years On TV:1989-present day (BBC, ITV). You have to say he was magnificent. Alex Scott is an English TV presenter and former professional football player. Football fans responded in anger and disbelief as they couldnt believe one of the greatest commentators Britain has ever heard was being substituted. He studied sports journalism at university and, in 2011, started writing for GiveMeSport alongside his studies. He worked for Southern, Yorkshire and Granada, before signing for the main channel and leading their coverage of the 1982 World Cup. JOHN HELM Went to 4 World Cups with ITV (commentating on a 1994 semi-final), despite working mainly for Yorkshire television. In 1998, he made a special appearance for the EA Sports video game, World Cup 98, as a commentator for the games classic World Cup matches from the past. Simpson murder trial and when he started a legal defense fund for falsely accused Olympic bomber Richard Jewell. Benaud was lightyears ahead of Blofeld. The legendary Brian Moore, who is unofficially considered to be the father of English football commentary, was perhaps the first man to have brought the profession into the realm of the general public. As well as those World Cup finals, Johns oversawManchester Uniteds 1968 European Cup triumph and Englands infamous 1-1 draw with Poland in 1973 which denied them a place at the following years World Cup. Thats because he was a fantastic commentator in his own right, covering four World Cups between 1966-78. Moore also headed their World Cup programmes from the 1970 tournament onwards, chairing their highly innovative coverage with a studio of former and current players. Known for his poetic style. Top: 10 Hottest Female Sports Reporters and Presenters of 2022 Although he has worked extensively with BBC Radio and Sky Sports in the past, Darke has also been employed by ESPN. Jordan Rodgers is a sports commentator. Id like to have a role like Jack Whitaker. We still love you, Motty. ( Getty: Stu Forster-ICC ) Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article Nevertheless, she has been named Best Commentator by Tennis Magazine (1988-91), Best Commentator by World Tennis magazine (1986) and Broadcaster of the Year by the Women's Tennis Association (1981 and 1985). Walker was voted the greatest sports commentator of all time in a poll conducted by British sports fans in late 2009 to underline just how much he was loved.