From broadcasting legends like Brian Moore and John Motson to modern-day narrators such as Darren Fletcher and Seb Hutchinson, commentators have always played a key role in bringing football to life for the TV audience.
The best football commentators have the ability to transform the game for television viewers. By describing the action in a unique way, the industry's greatest voices can make a dull match worth watching.
Without further ado, here are the top five UK football commentators right now.
5. Martin Tyler
Martin Tyler has worked for Sky Sports for more than three decades, making him one of the most recognisable voices in the industry. To this day, the legendary figure commentates on the majority of Sky’s high-profile Premier League matches.
Although Tyler’s popularity has waned in recent years – with many believing that the 77-year-old's best days behind the microphone are in the past – few would argue that he is not among the best UK football commentators.
4. Darren Fletcher
Coming in at number four on our list of the top football commentators in the UK is Darren Fletcher. The 50-year-old has worked for BT Sport since 2013, providing commentary for the network’s Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League coverage.
Best known for his passionate approach and vast knowledge of the game, Fletcher has become one of the most popular commentators on UK television. Like Tyler at Sky, Fletcher invariably works on all the major matches on BT Sport.
3. Derek Rae
If you’re a fan of the FIFA video game series, the chances are that you’re familiar with the voice of Derek Rae. Martin Tyler used to provide the commentary for the iconic EA Sports game, but Rae took on the mantle for FIFA 21.
The 55-year-old Scot is famous for his unrivalled pronunciation of players’ names and his extensive research. Rae is also an expert on European football and often commentates on the Bundesliga and La Liga, in addition to Premier League games for Amazon Prime Video.
2. Clive Tyldesley
Clive Tyldesley is undoubtedly one of the best UK football commentators of all time, having worked on multiple World Cups, European Championships, Champions League finals and FA Cup finals for ITV and other broadcasters.
In recent years, Tyldesley has also provided commentary for Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of the Premier League. The 68-year-old is renowned for producing iconic quotes, while his description of the game always enhances the viewing experience.
1. Peter Drury
Famed for his poetic delivery and passion for the beautiful game, Peter Drury takes the number-one spot on our list of the top UK football commentators. The expressive Englishman boasts an elite style of commentary, using unique words and phrases to describe each match.
Although Drury now spends the majority of his time working for US company NBC Sports, the 55-year-old still works for BT Sport and Amazon Prime Video in the UK, delivering iconic commentary moments on a regular basis.
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