As legendary BBC commentator John Motson has passed away aged 77, with the entire footballing community paying tribute to the great man, including Gary Lineker, we decided to revisit his 5 most iconic quotes, with some help from journalist Henry Winter.
The 5 most iconic John Motson quotes
5. “He’s off! It’s red! It’s Zidane! You can’t excuse that!”
As Zinedine Zidane famously headbutted Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup Final between France and Italy, the great man managed to sum up the stunning scenes to perfection with a short and sweet line that encapsulated just how incredible the images we were witnessing.
As John Motson quotes go, it simply does not get much better
4. “This is getting better and better! 1,2, 3 for Michael Owen!”
After England fell behind to an early Carlsten Jecker strike in the 6th minute against Germany in a World Cup qualifier, they roared back in unforgettable fashion to beat their familiar foes 5-1.
As Michael Owen scored his hat-trick to bundle in the Three Lions’ 4th goal, John Mutson encapsulated the euphoria of the entire nation, which remains one of his most famous quotes till date.
3. “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club!”
As Wimbledon beat the odds to defeat a much-fancied Liverpool side in the 1986 FA Cup Final, John Motson produced one of his most legendary quotes to sum up the incredible scenes on display in poetic fashion.
2. “Hold the cups and glasses at home. You can smash them now! David Beckham has scored for England!”
After David Beckham became England’s most vilified man after getting sent off at the 1998 World Cup against Argentina, he managed to redeem himself by converting from the penalty spot against the same opponents in 2002.
On the same day, John Motson gave context to how key the goal was for the man himself and his reputation in a Three Lions shirt, with one of his greatest quotes.
1. “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.”
As John Motson quotes go, this may well be his finest-ever work.
As Ronnie Radford equalised in emphatic fashion against Newcastle United in the FA Cup 3rd Round replay for Hereford in a game they eventually won in extra-time, the legendary commentator took the moment to another level with his words during one of his first commentaries for Match of the Day.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
