John Motson, the voice of BBC football for five decades, dies aged 77

The broadcaster announced the greatest moments in English football, including 10 World Cups.

John Motson, the football commentator whose lively voice was inseparable from many of sport's greatest moments during his 50 years at the BBC, died on Thursday. He was 77.

The BBC confirmed his death, citing a statement from his family. The statement did not specify a cause or indicate where he died.

The network turned to Mr. Motson, who retired in 2018, for his best matches, including 10 World Cups, 10 European Championships and 29 F.A. Cup finals. He also offered analysis on 'Match of the Day', the BBC's weekly programme.

"John Motson was the voice of a generation of footballers" , said the director general of the BBC. , Tim Davie, said in a statement, adding that "like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the great moments".

Mr. Motson, often known by his nickname, "Motty", was born on July 10, 1945 in Salford, England. He dreamed of becoming a journalist and started his career straight out of school at 16 at the weekly Barnet Press and the daily Sheffield Morning Telegraph, according to a 2008 profile in The Independent.

He was selected to participate in the experiment of a local radio station which relied on journalists from the written press. An editor, after hearing his work on the radio, told him: "John, based on this copy, I really think you should try the world of voice acting," he told The Independent.

He thrived on local radio and joined the BBC in 1968 before starting on "Match of the Day" in 1971. He became the leading voice of the station, calling nearly 2,500 games during his career, including more than 200 involving the England national team.

He was also at Hillsborough Stadium in 1989, when police mistakes and overcrowding led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool team fans. The tragedy, which also saw over 700 supporters injured, remained in the news decades later.

For many football fans in Britain, the news of his death inspired memories of their favorite calls, many of which were tied to specific games as they enjoyed the sport. Gary Lineker, the current 'Match of the Day' host, was among those paying tribute, saying on Twitter that Mr Motson had been a "pretty brilliant commentator and the voice of football in this country for generations".

< p class="css-at9mc1 evys1bk0">Mr. Motson is survived by his wife, Anne, and son, Frederick, according to the BBC.