The world received very sad news this morning when we learned that legendary English football commentator John Motson, whose career spanned decades (and included very long stints in video games), had passed away at the age of 77.
Even the most laid-back English-speaking football fan will know his work, whether they knew his name or not. One of the sport’s most endearing commentators, Motson began his career on radio in the 1960s before moving to television shortly thereafter. He just retired 2018after completing ten World Championships, ten European Championships and, unbelievably, more 2500 Games in total, both on TV and radio, nationally and internationally.
As familiar as Motson’s work was to anyone watching a game on TV or radio, it will be familiar to a generation of gamers. Given his prominent position in the actual commentary booth, Motson was selected as EA Sports’ first (English) voice. FIFA
Motson’s last FIFA game as the main commentator FIFA 06, after spending a decade working alongside some of the industry greats like Ally McCoist. However, he made a nice little return over a decade later Theas part of FIFA 19 Single player story campaign that included a flashback moment that only Motson’s iconic commentary could bring to life:
Motson, who died “peacefully in his sleep,” is survived by his wife Anne and son Frederick.