Greatest John Motson Quotes As Football World Mourns Loss Of Legendary Commentator

John Motson, one of the most iconic commentators to ever grace the broadcasting world, has sadly passed away aged 77, leaving behind a rich tapestry of nostalgic quotes that are engrained into the psyche of English football fans.

His longevity is perhaps best reflected in the fact that he commentated on a total of 10 World Cups, guiding viewers through generations of players from Pele and Maradona right the way through to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The unmistakable sight of his iconic sheep skin coat, hands gripping the lip-ribbon microphone ready to wax lyrical about the unfolding action – Motson is a true British icon.

With a career portfolio spanning 50 years, we are taking a trip down memory lane to unearth some of the greatest John Motson quotes on this saddest of days.

Liverpool Stunned by Wimbledon in 1988

Wimbledon claimed the unlikeliest of wins against Kenny Dalglish’s supremely talented Liverpool side featuring the likes of Alan Hansen, John Barnes and Peter Beardsley.

In step Motson, who declared after the final whistle, “the Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club.”

FA Cup Final 14th May 1988
Wimbledon 1 – Liverpool 0

The whistle blows and John Motson provides the famous line, ‘the Crazy Gang have beaten the Culture Club’#Wimbledon #afcwimbledon #Wembley #FAcupfinal@VinnieJones65 @TheGouldfather @TerryGibson88 @AFCWimbledon pic.twitter.com/DGNjTi62ww

— The Road to Wembley (FA Cup Finals 1923 – 2000) (@FACupWembley) March 19, 2020

Diego Maradona’s Mazy Run in Mexico ’86

“Maradona. Going at them again. Brilliant run, fantastic goal! Unbelievable!”

Diego Maradona had dismantled England just days before with perhaps the most iconic solo goal in World Cup history, and Motson was on hand to add a little fanfare to the Argentine’s next world-beating effort against Belgium, on their way to becoming world champions in 1986.

Ronnie Radford’s Life-Changing Goal

“Now Tudor has gone down for Newcastle. Radford again…. what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer – Ronnie Radford. The crowd are invading the pitch.”

John Motson identified this particular game, a third-round FA Cup replay between non-league Hereford and Newcastle United, as the point in his commentating career where everything changed.

If you were a kid growing up in the 80s and you weren’t familiar with this goal and commentary then where were you hiding?

41 years ago today. Ronnie Radford, Hereford v Newcastle.

Roll John Motson… pic.twitter.com/0npPzR4UxW

— When Football Was Better (@FootballInT80s) February 5, 2023

While he has a lot to thank Ronnie Radford for after the match-winning screamer sent the crowd into raptures, Motson’s words to compliment a defining FA Cup goal remains one of his greatest moments.

England Score Five in Germany

A moment in English football that still stirs the soul for Three Lions fans, and who better to add a flourish to the game than John Motson.

After England scored five goals away to Germany in Munich, Motson couldn’t contain his excitement as he watched his nation dismantle their eternal rivals.

“This is getting better and better and better.”