Who was Brian Glanville? Legendary football writer and novelist dies at 93
Image Source: Getty
Aged 93,
Brian Glanville
, possibly the best ever
football writer
, died on 16 May 2025. In a career that lasted more than seven decades, Glanville applied intellectual rigor and forensic analysis to his coverage of football, notably during a long association with The
Sunday Times
.
A pioneering voice in football journalism
Born on 24 September 1931 in Hendon, Middlesex, Australia, Glanville was just 19 when he took his first steps into journalism, co-writing a biography of Arsenal legend Cliff Bastin. He became a prodigious journalist, novelist, and screenwriter, writing for the Sunday Times for 30 years and World Soccer magazine for more than 50. His work reached outside the United Kingdom, and his work garnered international praise, including from Sports Illustrated's Paul Zimmerman, who hailed him as 'the greatest football writer of all time.'
Glanville has written several influential football books, including the definitive 'The Story of the World Cup' and 'The Puffin Book of Football.' He also wrote and scripted the 1967 World Cup documentary 'Goal!' and even had plays and a musical put on. In his novel 'The Dying of the Light,' he examined the post-retirement difficulties faced by a former football player, demonstrating an insight into the game's effects on the lives of those who play it.
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A legacy of insight and integrity left by Brian Glanville
Glanville, who never minced his words and had harsh words for several England managers, including Sir Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson, still counted players from both England and other countries, including Bobby Moore, as friends. His criticism darted from a place of such deep love for the game and such a commitment to journalistic purity. He was also an early proponent of studying systems of play, such as catenaccio, and introduced British readers to modern European trends in soccer long before they were adopted as mainstream concepts.
Glanville's impact was not confined to his own writing. He was part of the jury that votes on the Ballon d'Or each year and was known for his generosity and approachability, treating young journalists and people he barely knew with warmth and respect.
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With the passing away of Brian Glanville, a curtain has fallen on an era of football journalism. His unmatched expertise, insightful analysis, and tireless devotion have helped him to make an indelible mark on the world of football. He is also survived by his four children: Mark, Toby, Elizabeth, and Josephine.
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