I think English commentators are slept on as masters of language. They are vocal wordsmiths literally using words to entertain millions 90 minutes at a time.
I’m a FC Barcelona fan, and I have enjoyed Ray Hudson’s guttural grunts and squeals of ecstasy — especially during Lionel Messi’s peak years.
But the British elevate commentary to an art form. And it’s not just about the accent. Here’s one from Peter Drury when AS Roma knocked Barca out of the 2018 UEFA Champions League:
“Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek god in Rome! The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes. This was not meant to happen, this could not happen… this is happening! …It is a Greek from Mount Olympus who has come to the seven hills of Rome and pulled off a miracle.”
My man casually delivering classical mythology lessons in the chaos of a Champions League knockout tie. As a Barca fan, I can’t even be mad.
Here’s another one from Messi and Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup final:
“Argentina! Champions of the world again at last! Messi has conquered his final peak! Lionel Messi has shaken hands with Paradise. He climbs into a galaxy of his own. He has his crowning moment….The little boy from Rosario, Santa Fe, has just pitched up in heaven!”
Peak poetry.
Originally posted on Substack Notes, October 2025.