The Rise of Football Podcasts: Do Pundits Still Matter?
- Jan Mos
- Jun 30
- 2 min read

In an era where media is increasingly decentralised and personalised, football podcasts have surged in popularity, reshaping how fans consume analysis, opinion, and engage with football media. From tactical insights to fan debates, the podcast format offers something for every type of football fan. But with this rise comes a pressing question: do traditional football pundits still matter?
Podcast Boom

Football podcasts have exploded in both number and influence over the past decade. Shows like The Rest Is Football, The Athletic Football Podcast, The Football Ramble, and Guardian Football Weekly have built loyal audiences. Former players, coaches, journalists, and fans all have taken to the mic, providing commentary that often feels more authentic, fan-centred, and free of broadcast constraints.
A key reason for this growth is convenience. Podcasts can be consumed on-demand, during commutes, or gym sessions — offering a flexibility that scheduled TV shows can’t match. But it also comes down to people getting fed up with the media narratives and disconnected views of pundits on national television they’ve been fed in recent years, leading them to want something more personal and insightful — podcasts provide that.
Why Settle for Surface-Level Punditry?
Football podcasts create a sense of community, provide a wider range of perspectives, and offer a level of authenticity that traditional TV often lacks. While television punditry remains a staple of matchday coverage, many fans now seek out podcast analysis either in addition to or instead of post-match pundit discussions.
This rise in popularity reflects a broader shift in how fans consume and engage with football media.
At the heart of this shift is trust.
Listeners often feel podcast hosts are “one of them” — passionate supporters rather than polished media personalities. The more relaxed, conversational tone of podcasts builds rapport and loyalty. In contrast, TV pundits are sometimes viewed as out of touch with the modern game or beholden to media narratives.
Is There Still a Place for TV Punditry?

Yes — but with an asterisk. Traditional pundits still play a vital role in shaping mainstream football discourse, especially for casual viewers or fans who prioritise matchday coverage over extended analysis. However, their monopoly on football discourse is over.
Podcasts have democratised football conversation. Fans now have a plethora of content to choose from, often curated to their club or league. In this new landscape, pundits must adapt — by going deeper, being more honest, or even entering the podcast space themselves.
That said, some pundits have successfully crossed over. Gary Neville’s The Overlap, for example, has found success by blending pundit insight with podcast informality. This hybrid model suggests that punditry isn’t dying — it’s evolving.
What Does the Shift Mean for Pundits?

The rise of football podcasts doesn’t spell the end for pundits — it simply means they no longer stand alone. In today’s diverse media ecosystem, fans expect more: more depth, more honesty, more voices. Traditional pundits still matter, but to remain relevant, they must tune into the changing landscape of football conversation.
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