Football Daily

The Commentators’ View: Arctic Ali & owls vs bats

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. Ali reveals what life is like in the Arctic as he watches Tottenham...

Europa League Debrief: Manchester United and Spurs into Europa League final

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After underwhelming Premier League seasons for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur is the Europa League more important for Ruben Amorim or Ange Po...

Euro Leagues: Inter’s old men and pulsating PSG – but are Barca fragile?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Bennett is joined by Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and Mina Rzouki. After another memorable week in the Champions League, the team unpick all t...

Monday Night Club: Trent leaves Liverpool and happy Kane!

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Chapman is joined by Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Pat Nevin to discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool and Harry Kane winning his first ...

The Commentators’ View: Bowls drama, stanchions & worldies

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball have their weekly catch-up to talk about their love of football, travel and language. Ian reflects on his...

Euro Leagues: The next Messi, the genius of Lamine Yamal and Mr Trousers

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From PSG’s great win to the thrilling draw at Barca – this week’s Champions League action unpicked. Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and James Ho...

Champions League Debrief: PSG silence Arsenal

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do Arsenal still have what it takes to make it to the Champions League final? An early goal from Ousmane Dembélé and another impressive european nig...

Monday Night Club special: Premier League & World Cup final official Darren Cann

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recently retired assistant referee Darren Cann joins Mark Chapman, Steph Houghton, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith on the Monday Night Club to provide som...

That Season When . . . Jose Mourinho & Chelsea became “The Special” Club

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In June 2004, Jose Mourinho made headlines around the world by claiming ‘I think I’m a special one’ at his unveiling as Chelsea manager. Just un...

The Commentators’ View: Conor goes viral & Ian’s Bantam tantrum

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball discuss Liverpool and Celtic being on the verge of titles. They’re joined by Conor McNamara after he we...

Women's Football Weekly: Chelsea and Arsenal face uphill battles in the Champions League

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines react to the Women’s Champions League semi-final first legs. They are joined by BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders w...

In Focus with Nedum Onuoha and Claude Makelele

19 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The former Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele sits down with Nedum Onuoha to talk through the Frenchman's career. Makelele describes his time at Chel...

The Commentators’ View: Emotional times & top top top…

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a full house as Ali Bruce-Ball returns with John Murray & Ian Dennis. Ali gives a behind the scenes insight to Masters golf commentary at Aug...

The Debrief: Maguire sends Man Utd through in Europa League classic

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester United produced a classic comeback, coming from 4-2 down in extra time to beat Lyon and reach the Europa League semi-finalsKelly Cates pres...

Champions League Debrief: Impressive Arsenal cruise past Real Madrid

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just how impressive was Arsenal’s display against Real Madrid in the Champions League? And can Mikel Arteta’s side go all the way this season?Stev...

How To Win The Champions League: Jose Mourinho

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of the mini-series on How To Win The Champions League, we hear from two-time winner Jose Mourinho. He talks us through his victor...

Monday Night Club: The tale of two keepers

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Crossman is alongside Chris Sutton, former England captain Steph Houghton, and The Athletic’s Adam Crafton discuss whether Ruben Amorim’s ca...

In Focus with Dion Dublin & Anthony Elanga

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Elanga chats to Dion Dublin about life at Nottingham Forest, working under Nuno Espirito Santo and the secret to Forest's consistency.He also ...

The Commentators’ View: Salah signs up & John with sirens

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Conor McNamara joins John Murray & Ian Dennis to talk commentary life as Mo Salah signs Liverpool deal. John reveals how he ended up in a French a...

The Europa League Debrief: Onana errors leave Man Utd level with Lyon

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What next for Andre Onana and Manchester United after his mistakes against Lyon? And how did Rangers show the spirit to hold on against Athletic Bilba...

Euro Leagues: Forgotten Messi, PSG’s Salah and the new De Bruyne

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Bennett is joined by Guillem Balague, James Horncastle and Kristof Terreur. They unpick the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final ties....

Champions League Debrief: Bend it like Declan - Arsenal rampant against Real Madrid

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kelly Cates is alongside the BBC’s Senior Football Reporter Ian Dennis & former Arsenal and West Ham defender Matthew Upson at the Emirates Stad...

Monday Night Club: Is modern Premier League football rubbish?

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After the Manchester Derby turned into a damp squib, Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Michael Brown discuss whether over-coaching, micro-man...

How to win the Champions League: Liverpool 2019

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of our mini-series on how to win the Champions League, Andy Robertson and Alisson look back on Liverpool’s win in the 2019 edi...

The Commentators’ View: Stonewall penalties & Skjoldar/Vats/Vik/Vind

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk commentary life. From Ian’s penchant for pies at Celtic to whether the ‘dull’ Premier League s...

In Focus with Lucy Bronze and Alex Scott

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea and England defender Lucy Bronze speaks exclusively to Alex Scott about her experience being autistic and living with ADHD.Lucy's mum, Diane, ...

The Commentators’ View: Peckish for pies & Ali Bruce-Burglar

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The trio are back together as John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk commentary life. Expect more football lookalikes, a tight Clash of the...

Euro Leagues: Pet turtles and the two-metre Messi

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Who keeps four turtles in their fridge? And who is the two-metre Messi? John Bennett is joined by Julien Laurens, Rafa Honigstein and Mina Rzouki for ...

That Season When: Blackburn won the league

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sir Kenny Dalglish, Chris Sutton and Alan Shearer are among the guests as Kelly Cates looks back on Blackburn's famous title win in 1995.Midfielder Ma...

The Commentators’ View: Sadiq Mourinho & Roy of the Rovers

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray & Ian Dennis are joined by former BBC Wales football correspondent Rob Phillips. They discuss his journey following the Wales national...

Mark Chapman meets….JJ Watt

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NFL legend and Burnley co-owner JJ Watt chats to Mark Chapman. They discuss everything from bench pressing with the Burnley players to the uncertainty...

Destination New Jersey: Host tensions, expansion beneficiaries & the Comoros dream

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is the tension between World Cup co-hosts USA, Canada and Mexico a concern? Can Comoros complete the ultimate underdog story? Plus, will Chris Wood an...

BONUS: A first glimpse at Tuchel’s England

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When did Dan Burn find out he was in the running for a place in the England squad? And how did Thomas Tuchel break the ice with Morgan Gibbs-White to ...

The exclusive Michail Antonio interview: 'I was close to dying'

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In an exclusive interview with BBC Morning Live’s Helen Skelton, Michail opens up about just how badly injured he was, what he remembers of the day,...

The psychology evolution in football – how elite managers cope with pressure

15 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rick Edwards heads to Brentford’s training ground to speak to head coach Thomas Frank and the club’s psychologist Michael Caulfield.They sit down ...

The Commentators’ View: Arriving late & Ian’s caught sticky-handed

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Conor McNamara returns with Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball to tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. On the agenda this week: being late for ...

Sir Jim Ratcliffe talks Man Utd finances, stadium plans & Ruben Amorim

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sits down exclusively with BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan. They discuss his ‘challenging’ first year at t...

Introducing......Football on Trial: The Manchester City Charges

09 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Clive Myrie tells the football story of the century: the rise of Manchester City and the Premier League allegations of financial rule-breaking that th...

In Focus with Frank Lampard and Dion Dublin

08 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dion Dublin visits Coventry City's training ground to speak with manager Frank Lampard.The Sky Blues find themselves 5th in the Championship, with eig...

The Commentators’ View: Media caviar & the Bayern buffet

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ian Dennis is back with John Murray & Ali Bruce-Ball to tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From John’s fancy food at PSG to seeing...

The Commentators’ View: Peter Drury & episcopal eutopia

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Drury goes behind the microphone with John Murray and Alistair Bruce-Ball. He talks through his early days as a 5 Live football commentator, his...

In Focus with Matheus Cunha

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha welcomes Kelly Somers to the club for a sit-down, where he talks about life in the Premier League, battling relegation an...

The Commentators’ View: Yeo-ho-ho & Everton Stadium

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray and Alistair Bruce-Ball are joined by Chris Coles to talk commentary life. From keeping warm with Oliver Glasner to cringey early commenta...

In Focus with Graham Potter and Kelly Somers

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

West Ham boss Graham Potter speaks with Kelly Somers after a month in charge at the club. Potter took the West Ham job after nearly two years out of...

The Commentators’ View: Ian’s Moscow mistake & Las Naranjas

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball tell the tales you don’t normally get to hear. Hear Ian’s story about his ‘clanger’ at Leeds U...

Vincent Kompany: The Golden Boy

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds. Vincent Kompany is one of European football’s most exciting young managers – so exciting, he got handed ...

The Commentators’ View: Coconut flat whites & ‘verticality’

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray and Ian Dennis are joined by Jacqui Oatley to lift the lid on life behind the microphone. Jacqui reveals how she got into football media a...

Euro Leagues: The man who built Ronaldo

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Bennett is joined by Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and James Horncastle.How has Cristiano Ronaldo elongated his career? The Portuguese striker ...

In Focus with Alexander Isak and Alan Shearer

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alan Shearer makes the short trip to Newcastle United's training ground to speak to in-form striker Alexander Isak. The Swedish international expla...

In Focus with Arne Slot and Gary Lineker

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Lineker visits Liverpool's training ground Melwood to speak with manager Arne Slot. The Liverpool manager talks about his success at the club ...

The Commentators’ View: UCL brain fog & Shrewsbury shame

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball lift the lid on life as 5 Live commentators. They reflect on the table-watching drama of the final rou...

In Focus with Matthijs de Ligt

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dion Dublin visits Old Trafford to chat with Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt.The 25-year-old talks about United’s season so far since Ru...

The Commentators’ View: Parisian pleasures & the Monaco giraffe

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

5 Live commentators John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball tell the stories you don’t normally get to hear. From the delights on offer at t...

How To Win The Champions League: Real Madrid

18 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Madrid are the most successful team in the history of the Champions League/European Cup with 15 titles. But how have they achieved this? Steve Cr...

In Focus with Thomas Frank and Gary Lineker

18 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Lineker invites Brentford manager Thomas Frank round his house for a chat and spot of lunch The Danish manager talks about the journey he's tak...

Remembering Denis Law CBE

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Darren Fletcher is joined by Football Correspondent John Murray, Manchester United journalist Andy Mitten, and former Scotland international Joe Jorda...

The Commentators’ View: Hotel underpants & Haaland’s deal

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

5 Live commentators John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball answer listener questions. From John’s Cyprus underpants story to Ali’s old pe...

When Shearer met Haaland

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After Erling Haaland signs a new long-term deal with Manchester City club - listen back to when the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer Alan...

The Commentators’ View: FA Cup Special

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball present an FA Cup Special. They discuss the magic of the FA Cup, from giant killings to pigeon-infeste...

In Focus with Jay-Jay Okocha

04 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Paris, to Bolton – Premier League legend Jay-Jay Okocha sits down with Dion Dublin in this Football Daily special. The former Nigeria internati...

The Commentators’ View: Subbuteo, Slipknot & electric socks

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

5 Live commentators John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball answer listener questions. From how they got into football to how they relax while...

Euro Leagues – players to watch in 2025

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Bennett is joined by Guillem Balague, Julien Laurens and Rafa Honigstein for the first Euro Leagues of 2025. They discuss the match they are most...

BEST OF The Commentators' View

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ali Bruce-Ball, John Murray and Ian Dennis present a selection box of stories from life as 5 Live commentators. From getting a wasp in the mouth mid-c...

72+: Neil Warnock’s Christmas Treat

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Neil Warnock joins Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff for a festive Christmas treat and to look back on some of his favourite memories in football.From bowli...

In Focus with Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan Sutherland travels to Naples to speak to two Scots who are starring in Serie A.Napoli's Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour chat to Jonathan ab...

The Commentators’ View: Moscow cops & Tuchel’s tailoring

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray returns with Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball to lift the lid on life as a commentator. From being pulled over by police in Moscow to talking...

The Commentators’ View: Wasp in the mouth & Conor’s printer

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Conor McNamara joins Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball to reveal the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From Conor taking a printer to games, to...

Saudi Arabia Awarded 2034 FIFA World Cup

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's been confirmed the FIFA World Cup will be returning to the Middle East in 10 years' time after FIFA awarded Saudi Arabia the hosting rights to th...

In Focus with Tammy Abraham

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of the Football Daily Nedum Onuoha travels to Italy to have a typical Milanese dinner with AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham to d...

The Commentators’ View: Ian gets wet & Ali goes deep

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball reveal the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From commentating in the pouring rain with colleagu...

Mark Chapman meets: Ruben Amorim

30 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a special interview, new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim speaks to Mark Chapman about his appointment.Amorim explains why he already feel...

The Commentators’ View: Tip troubles & satnav struggles

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alistair Bruce-Ball, John Murray and Ian Dennis tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries, from getting lost in Portugal to navigating the new C...

The Commentators' View: Ian’s floppy disk & ‘Kevin Dalglish’

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

John Murray and Ian Dennis join Alistair Bruce-Ball to lift the lid on life as 5 Live commentators. From Ian’s floppy disk of research to pre-interv...

In Focus with Morgan Rogers

09 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Morgan Rogers joins Liam MacDevitt to talk about his career so far and aspirations for the future. He recalls the decision to join Aston Villa from Mi...

In Focus with Brennan Johnson & Kelly Somers

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Spurs winger Brennan Johnson talks form, influences, Son Heung-min & Ange Postecoglou. He discusses how comfortable he feels now he is in his seco...

In Focus with Russell Martin & Glenn Murray

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Southampton boss Russell Martin talks life as manager, tactics and stubbornness. Still without a win this season, Russell talks about what three point...

In Focus with Riccardo Calafiori & Roman Kemp

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Riccardo Calafiori speaks to Roman Kemp about his career so far. They chat about life before Arsenal, growing up wanting to become a footballer and a ...

Mark Chapman meets: Rob Page

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In an exclusive interview – Chappers speaks to the former Wales manager Rob Page who joins the pod for the very first time after being sacked from h...

In Focus with Kelly Somers & Aaron Ramsdale

05 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Aaron Ramsdale chats to Kelly Somers about leaving Arsenal for Southampton, his relationship with David Raya and maturing on and off the pitch. He al...

In Focus with Alisson and Joe Hart

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of the Football Daily, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart travels to Liverpool to meet Alisson Becker for an exclusive deep di...

In Focus with Rodri and Joe Hart

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Manchester City’s Rodri joins Joe Hart to talk Guardiola, trebles & chess. He also speaks about his Spain's side Euros triumph over England and ...

Remembering Sven-Göran Eriksson

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Chapman presents a special edition of the Football Daily reflecting on the life of former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. Mark is joined by...

Mikel Arteta’s People and Places

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come inside Mikel Arteta’s home as he sits down, in his living room, with Guillem Balagué to chat about all the great moments in his life – both ...

What Can Manchester United Fans Expect From Jim Ratcliffe?

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new era begins for Man Utd but what can fans expect? Sir Jim Ratcliffe sits down with BBC sports editor Dan Roan after completing his deal to buy a ...

In Focus with Sir Elton John and Gary Lineker

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of a new book launch, 'Watford Forever' by John Preston – which tells the story of how Sir Elton John and Graham Taylor saved Watford, the pop...

Lionel Messi: Destiny

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lionel Messi has won his eighth Ballon d’Or and Guillem Balague gives a behind-the-scenes account of how in Qatar, the Argentinian won the World Cup...

Remembering Sir Bobby Charlton

21 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special episode celebrating the life of England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton. Mark Chapman is joined by former England st...

72+ Top 10: Play-off Moments

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Football Daily’s 72+ team of Aaron Paul, Phil Brown & Jobi McAnuff discuss and debate their EFL top 10s in this brand new mini-series. In ep...

The Making of Mikel

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A BBC World Service documentary revealing the untold stories behind Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s journey to the top.In Barcelona, former Liverpool...

75 years of Sports Report

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

75 years ago, we heard Sports Report for the first time. On this podcast, Mark Chapman and Pat Murphy speak to fans, broadcasters and those who’ve b...

Remembering Pelé

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special episode celebrating the life on and off the pitch of arguably the greatest player ever, Pelé. Aaron Paul is joined by those who pla...

In Focus with Pep Guardiola

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Crossman speaks to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola about playing golf and spending time with family during the summer break, why emotions ...

In Focus with Mike Dean and Mark Chapman

02 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a special Football Daily pod where Mark Chapman sits down to chat to Premier League referee Mike Dean on his extraordinary career, after annou...

Remembering Diego Maradona

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this special episode of the Football Daily podcast Mark Chapman is joined by correspondent John Murray and South American football expert Tim Vicke...

Euro Leagues: Greatest Champions League XIs

21 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Crossman and guests select their Greatest Champions League XIs

Euro Leagues: Chris Waddle on his Marseille career

10 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Crossman is joined by Guillem Balague and Kristof Terreur on this week's Euro Leagues show.The team bring us the latest on the return of the Bun...

The key matches of Rafa Benitez’s career

25 Apr 2019

Contributed by Lukas

From Valencia to Istanbul and Inter to Tyneside - Rafa Benitez tells Guillem Balague about the key matches from his managerial career