John Motson: Biography, Cause Of Death, Wife, Children, Net Worth

John Motson, a retired English football commentator who was widely regarded as one of the most iconic and recognisable voices in football broadcasting history, has been confirmed dead.

John Walker Motson died on 23 February 2023, at the age of 77.

The news of his death was confirmed by a statement released by his family on Thursday morning read; “It is with great sadness we announce that John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep today (Thursday).”

Brief Biography of John Motson:

He was born on July 10, 1945, in Salford, England. Motson began his career as a sports journalist and joined the BBC in 1968 as a radio commentator. He made his television debut in 1971 and quickly became known for his distinctive voice, encyclopedic knowledge of the game, and colourful turn of phrase.

He went on to cover countless matches and major tournaments, including ten World Cups, and was awarded an OBE in 2001 for services to sports broadcasting.

Motson retired from full-time commentary in 2018 after 50 years in the industry. Throughout his career, he became known for his love of football and his ability to convey the excitement of the game to millions of viewers and listeners around the world.

Motson worked for BBC Sport for ten years, covering ten World Cups, ten European Championships, and 29 FA Cup finals before retiring in 2018.

Motson’s career was not without controversy. In 2004, he was criticized for his comments about a female linesman during a match between Chelsea and Liverpool. He was accused of sexism and later apologized for his comments.

Even after he retired, he continued to work as a pundit and commentator on a part-time basis, and also wrote a column for the Daily Telegraph.

John Motson Cause Of Death:

As of the time of this post there have been no released documentation about what actually caused his death but per the statement released by his family, John Motson OBE died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday.

John Motson Wife

John Motson was married to Anne Motson. The couple got married in 1972 and has been together ever since. Anne Motson is a former teacher and has been a supportive partner to John throughout his long and successful career as a football commentator.

John Motson Children:

Well, the question most are asking is this how many children does John Motson have, Well John Motson and his wife, Anne Motson had only one child, a son called Frederick Motson. Frederick was born in 1977 and is an actor, writer, and director.

This is not confirmed by per Townflex’s research, some reports also claimed the couple had two children, a boy and a girl, per our check the girl is called Elizabeth Motson, and she was born in 1980 and is a successful journalist who has worked for the BBC and other major news organizations. Both of John’s children have pursued careers outside of football, but they have supported their father throughout his long and illustrious career as a commentator.

John Motson Net Worth:

Motson was an English football commentator with a net worth of about $11 million.

Tributes To John Motson:

“John Motson was the voice of a footballing generation – steering us through the twists and turns of FA Cup runs, the highs and lows of World Cups and, of course, Saturday nights on Match of the Day,

“Like all the greats behind the mic, John had the right words, at the right time, for all the big moments.” said BBC director-general Tim Davie.

Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: “John Motson was a giant of broadcasting with a career spanning over 50 years and his distinctive voice has gone hand in glove with so many great footballing moments.

“For so many of us, John’s voice will have provided a special memory and commentary line that still strongly resonates.

“He had an extraordinary passion for the game and his enthusiasm behind the microphone captured the experience and excitement felt by fans in the stands, all delivered with his unique style. Our condolences and thoughts are with his family.”

Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler said: “I was very shocked to hear the news. I didn’t know John had been ill and I’m finding out now that he had been a little bit ill over the past year or so. I hadn’t seen him so much since he disappeared from the gantry, but I saw 45 years of him on the gantry!

“First of all, he was somebody I admired in terms of the profession enormously. His preparation was second-to-none, his attention to detail, his wish to know everything possible about the game he was about to broadcast. He was a real example to me for that.

“Before my first television game back in 1974, he sent me a telegram, which said ‘Talk little, but say a lot’. And I think that summed up John, really. He was economical with his words, but he punched them out when he spoke and they had great resonance.

“He was a funny guy away from the microphone, a bit quirky as a person, and had a great sense of humour. He helped a lot of people as well; he certainly encouraged me at the beginning and we virtually went round the world together, first of all when I was working for ITV and he was with the BBC and when I moved to Sky, the same thing applied.

“What I think helped him, though he might not have thought it at the time, was the rivalry with Barry Davies. I think the BBC did very well to push the two of them, with the two encouraging each other a bit like Ronaldo and Messi, to try and strive to those high levels. The Beeb were blessed to have two suich great voices.

“It is very sad that we have lost somebody who has been at the real top of a profession that I’ve strived to be part of. On the back of losing Dickie Davies in the last few days as well, broadcasting has taken a double hit.

“We were friends but rivals in a way as well, I suppose. Yet I was full of admiration for him and my deepest sympathies go to his family at such a sudden loss.”