Legendary soccer commentator, John Motson, has passed away on February 23, 2023, his passing away was announced by his family in a statement that read “It is with great regret that we report that John Motson OBE passed away quietly in his sleep today”.
John is regarded as one of the greatest commentators ever as he was quite impressive with his art and made special moments even more special with his voice. Motson was known for his breathtaking commentary during FA Cup, and World Cup and was a regular on Match of the Day with Gary Lineker.
Fans all around the globe have paid tribute to the legendary commentator and many called him the ‘voice of football’. Motson commentated for over 50 years covering 10 World Cups and giving his voice to over 2000 games over the years.
A fan wrote: “💔💔💔RIP Mr. Motson, the voice we resonate with football.”
💔💔💔RIP Mr Motson, the voice we resonate with football.
— 𝕾𝖆𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖍𝖆 𝕹𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖆𝖑𝖊 (@samnight74) February 23, 2023
Another fan talked about how Motson was a regular voice for soccer fans across the previous decades and they also wished gaming company, EA Sports to include John Motson’s special commentary pack in the next edition of FIFA as it would make the game feel special.
They wrote: “Absolutely for me as a child in a great era for footy 2004-2009 ish on match of the day Saturday night and then re-watching on Sunday morning he was by far my favourite commentator I wish he was in FIFA would make the game so much better”
Absolutely for me as a child in a great era for footy 2004-2009 ish on match of the day Saturday night and then re watching on Sunday morning he was by far my favourite commentator I wish he was in FIFA would make the game so much better
— Ben Dodsworth (@BenDodsworth4) February 24, 2023
Motson was born in Salford, United Kingdom on July 10, 1945, and joined BBC as a sports presenter later in his career. He made his debut as a commentator in an FA Cup match between Hereford and Newcastle United and didn’t look back from there and went on to create a legacy.
John Motson’s best work
John Motson has immortalized many moments of magic with his voice over the years but there are certain that stand apart from the rest one of which was his commentary during David Beckham’s brilliant free kick during the World Cup qualifiers match between England and Greece at Old Trafford in 2001.
Making those special moments, even more special. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/5vBxCCJ6hz
— Jogo Bonito (@ufcfooty) February 23, 2023
Motson had a thing for David Beckham’s brilliant shot-taking abilities as he was on the commentary team for Beckham’s goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon in 1996. He described the goal as: “A goal that will be talked about and replayed for years.”
“A goal that will be talked about and replayed for years.” pic.twitter.com/aUX7kx8PzF
— Jogo Bonito (@ufcfooty) February 23, 2023
There are many more such moments in the history of the game that would have been left empty if not for the words of Motson and it is very unfortunate that the new generation of soccer fans wasn’t able to listen to his voice anymore.
John Motson’s net worth and earnings
Motson’s net worth has been estimated to be approximately around $10 million and much of this has been earned through his long commentary career covering numerous tournaments such as FA Cup, World Cup, and UEFA Championships.
We are deeply saddened to learn that legendary and beloved commentator John Motson OBE, who had a remarkable 50-year career with the BBC, has died aged 77. John’s incredible career in sports broadcasting was honoured with a Special Award at the 2018 BAFTA TV Awards. pic.twitter.com/cbbbtyFzFj
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 23, 2023
Apart from his monetary earnings, Motson was also inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame, was honored with the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2001, and was awarded with many more honors throughout his lifetime.