The Football History Boys
The Football History Boys, founded in 2013, explore the rich history of football. Hosts Ben Jones and Gareth Thomas bring their passion for the beautiful game to podcast form, discussing historical moments and stories. The podcast is available on various platforms and encourages listener engagement via Twitter.
Episodes
The 2026 World Cup Preview: The Future of Football?
The FIFA World Cup is about to enter a new era.In this special episode of World Cup Rewind, we look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest tournament in football history. Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and featuring an expanded 48-team format, the 2026 World Cup promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen before.But will bigger mean better?We examine the key storylines he
The Top 10 Greatest World Cups of All-Time
After travelling through every FIFA World Cup from 1930 to 2022, the time has finally come to answer the biggest question of all: which World Cups were the greatest?In this special episode of World Cup Rewind, we rank our Top 10 FIFA World Cups of all time, debating the tournaments that defined generations, produced football’s greatest moments and left a lasting impact on the global game.From Pelé
The 2022 World Cup: Controversial or Classic?
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was unlike any tournament that came before it. Held in Qatar, the first World Cup staged in the Middle East and the first to take place during the northern hemisphere winter, it arrived surrounded by controversy, debate and scrutiny. Yet once the football began, many fans were left asking the same question: was this one of the greatest World Cups ever?In this episode of Wor
The 2018 World Cup: A forgotten classic?
The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was football at its most unpredictable, dramatic and global. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit a tournament packed with shocks, superstars, VAR controversy and one of the greatest World Cup finals ever played.From Kylian Mbappé announcing himself to the world and Luka Modrić inspiring Croatia’s historic run, to England finally winning a penalty shoot
The 2014 World Cup: 7-1
🌍The 2014 World Cup Podcast In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the unforgettable 2014 FIFA World Cup, a tournament packed with drama, goals, emotion, and some of the greatest World Cup moments of the modern era. Hosted by Brazil, the competition featured 32 teams, 64 matches, and an incredible 171 goals — averaging 2.67 goals per game, the highest total since 1998.Brazil 2014 delivere
The 2010 World Cup: Iconic or Awful?
🌍The 2010 World Cup: South Africa 2010 | Vuvuzelas, Iniesta & A Historic FirstIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the unforgettable 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first World Cup ever hosted on the African continent. Held in South Africa, the tournament became a landmark moment in football history — blending incredible atmosphere, global significance, and unforgettable drama.Featuring 32
The 2006 World Cup: Golden Generation
🌍The 2006 World Cup: Germany 2006 | Zidane, Golden Generations & DramaIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the unforgettable 2006 FIFA World Cup, a tournament packed with elite quality, iconic moments, and the clash of some of football’s greatest generations. Hosted by Germany, the competition featured 32 teams, 64 matches, and 147 goals (avg 2.30 per game).This World Cup was define
The 2002 World Cup: Ronaldo’s Redemption
🌍The 2002 World Cup: Korea/Japan | Shocks, Redemption & Global DramaIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the groundbreaking 2002 FIFA World Cup, the first tournament hosted across two nations — South Korea and Japan — and a World Cup that delivered chaos, controversy, and unforgettable moments.Featuring 32 teams, 64 matches, and 161 goals (avg 2.52 per game), this was one of the mos
The 1998 World Cup: The Birth of the Modern Game?
🌍 The 1998 World Cup: France ’98 | Zidane, Drama & A New EraIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we explore the unforgettable 1998 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that marked a major turning point in the modern history of football. Hosted by France, this was the first World Cup to expand to 32 teams, creating a truly global competition and setting the standard for future tournaments.Across 64 mat
The 1994 World Cup: A Tale of Two Penalties
🌍 The 1994 World Cup: USA ’94 | Goals, Drama & A Global Game In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the unforgettable 1994 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that brought football to new audiences and helped transform the game into a truly global spectacle. Hosted by the United States, USA ’94 featured 24 teams, 52 matches, and 141 goals, averaging an impressive 2.71 goals per game. From
The 1990 World Cup: Italia ‘90
🌍 The 1990 World Cup: Italia ’90 | Drama, Emotion & A Turning Point in Football In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the unforgettable 1990 FIFA World Cup, a tournament defined as much by emotion as by football. Hosted by Italy, Italia ’90 delivered iconic moments, unforgettable atmospheres, and one of the most dramatic narratives in World Cup history. Featuring 24 teams, 52 match
The 1986 World Cup: When Maradona ruled the world
🌍 1986 World Cup Explained | Maradona, Mexico & Football’s Greatest Story In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we relive the magic of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, a tournament forever defined by one man — Diego Maradona. Hosted by Mexico for the second time, the competition featured 24 teams, 52 matches, and 132 goals, delivering drama, controversy, and moments of pure genius. At the heart of it
The 1982 World Cup: The Best Ever?
🌍 1982 World Cup Explained | Brazil, Rossi & the Tournament That Had It All In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we head to 1982 FIFA World Cup — a competition packed with drama, controversy, and some of the greatest football ever played. Hosted by Spain, the tournament expanded to 24 teams for the first time, featuring 52 matches and 146 goals, averaging 2.81 goals per game. It was a World
The 1978 World Cup: The most controversial tournament of all-time
🌍 1978 World Cup Explained | Argentina, Controversy & Football Under the Junta In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we travel to 1978 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, a tournament remembered for brilliant football, unforgettable atmospheres, and deep political controversy. Played across Argentina during the rule of the country’s military junta, the World Cup unfolded in a charged environment whe
The 1974 World Cup: Total Football
Step back into one of football’s most fascinating tactical revolutions in World Cup Rewind: 1974 — our latest episode exploring the unforgettable 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany.In this episode we revisit the tournament that introduced the world to the brilliance of Johan Cruyff and the revolutionary Dutch philosophy of Total Football, led by coach Rinus Michels. The dazzling Netherlands natio
The 1970 World Cup: A Brazilian masterclass
🌍 1970 World Cup Explained | Brazil, Pelé & the Greatest Tournament Ever? The 1970 FIFA World Cup is widely regarded as the greatest World Cup of all time. Hosted by Mexico, the tournament delivered iconic goals, legendary teams, and football played at its most expressive — all broadcast globally in colour for the first time. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we explore a competition defi
The 1966 World Cup: Football's Coming Home
1966 World Cup Explained | England, Controversy & a Tournament That Defined an EraThe 1966 FIFA World Cup was far more than just a football tournament. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we explore England 1966 as both a sporting milestone and a cultural moment, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 1960s Britain.Hosted across England and culminating at Wembley Stadium, the tourname
The 1962 World Cup: The dirtiest tournament of all-time?
🌍 1962 World Cup Explained | Brazil, Garrincha & the Battle of Santiago The 1962 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Chile, is remembered as one of the most dramatic and controversial tournaments in football history. In this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit Chile 1962 — a competition defined by violence, brilliance, and the emergence of Garrincha as a World Cup icon. Played just two years after
The 1958 World Cup: When Pelé broke Welsh hearts
APOLOGIES FOR THE AUDIO! We had some problems with our software so the second half may dip in parts! Hope you enjoy the show!🌍 1958 World Cup Explained | Pelé, Brazil & Football’s New EraThe 1958 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Sweden, stands as one of the most important tournaments in football history. It marked the arrival of a teenage Pelé, Brazil’s first World Cup triumph, and a shift towards a
The 1954 World Cup: The Miracle of Bern
🌍 The Miracle of Bern | The Story of the 1954 World CupIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we travel to Switzerland 1954 to revisit one of the most dramatic and influential tournaments in football history. Known forever as the Miracle of Bern, the 1954 FIFA World Cup delivered record-breaking goals, tactical evolution, and one of the sport’s greatest upsets.The tournament saw 45 nations enter qua
The 1950 World Cup: Agony at the Maracana
🌍 Agony at the Maracanã | The Story of the 1950 World CupIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we relive one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking moments in football history — Brazil 1950 and the infamous Maracanazo. Played twelve years after the previous tournament, the 1950 FIFA World Cup marked football’s return after World War II and delivered a shock that still echoes through the sport.Hoste
The 1938 World Cup: Football on the brink of war
🌍 World Cup Rewind: 1938 – Football on the Brink of WarIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we revisit the 1938 FIFA World Cup, hosted by France and remembered as the final tournament before football — and the world — was paused by World War II. Played in June 1938, this World Cup unfolded against a backdrop of rising political tension across Europe.We explore the qualification process, where 37 n
The 1934 World Cup: Coppa Del Duce
🌍 World Cup Rewind: 1934 – Italy, Politics, Controversy & the First European ChampionsIn this episode of World Cup Rewind, we take a deep dive into the 1934 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Italy, then under the fascist dictatorship of Benito Mussolini and remembered as one of the most controversial tournaments in football history. It was the first World Cup held in Europe, the first to introduce for
The 1930 World Cup
Step back in time with World Cup Rewind: 1930, the first episode in our brand-new series exploring every tournament in World Cup history. In this deep-dive podcast, we break down the very first FIFA World Cup, hosted by Uruguay, and uncover how the foundations of modern football were built.We explore why Uruguay became hosts, how the Estadio Centenario was constructed for the tournament, and the p
Netherlands 1974 | How Good Were They?
Netherlands 1974: The Greatest Team Never to Win the World Cup? | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we revisit the legendary Netherlands 1974 World Cup squad, a team that changed football forever through Total Football. Led by Johan Cruyff and coached by Rinus Michels, this Dutch side wowed the world with their fluid positional play, pressing, and attacking brilliance. Bu
Bob Paisley | How Good Were They?
Bob Paisley: The Silent Genius Who Built Liverpool’s Empire | How Good Were They?
Bob Paisley is one of the greatest managers in football history — yet he’s rarely spoken about in the same breath as Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, or José Mourinho. In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive deep into the career of the man who quietly transformed Liverpool into a European superpower.
Taking
Mia Hamm | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we explore the legendary career of Mia Hamm, one of the greatest icons in the history of football. Hamm wasn’t just a prolific striker — she was a pioneer who changed the perception of women’s sport worldwide.From her early dominance with the North Carolina Tar Heels to her professional career with the Washington Freedom, Hamm always delivered. But it was wi
Alan Shearer | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive deep into the career of Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with a staggering 260 goals. From his explosive rise at Southampton, to his title-winning heroics at Blackburn Rovers, and his legendary status at Newcastle United, Shearer’s story is one of goals, grit, and loyalty.We break down his stats, his iconic hat-tricks, and his t
Sir Alex Ferguson | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive into the legendary career of Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful football manager in British history. From winning European silverware with Aberdeen to transforming Manchester United into a global powerhouse, Ferguson's reign reshaped modern football.We explore his 13 Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions League wins, and unforgettable moments l
Ronaldinho | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we celebrate the magic of Ronaldinho Gaúcho, the Brazilian genius who turned football into pure art. From his early rise at Grêmio and PSG to his unforgettable peak at Barcelona, Ronaldinho lit up the world with skill, flair, and joy rarely seen at the highest level.
We relive his Ballon d’Or 2005 win, his role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory, and his ico
England 1966 | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we take a deep dive into the legendary England 1966 World Cup-winning team — the only Three Lions squad to ever lift the World Cup. Led by Sir Alf Ramsey and captained by the iconic Bobby Moore, this side beat West Germany 4–2 in a dramatic final at Wembley, thanks to a hat-trick from Geoff Hurst and key performances from legends like Bobby Charlton and Gord
John Charles | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive into the remarkable and often underappreciated career of John Charles — the Welsh icon known as The Gentle Giant. From his goal-scoring brilliance at Leeds United to his legendary status at Juventus, Charles was one of the rare players to excel as both a centre-forward and a centre-half. Voted Juventus’ greatest-ever foreign player and included rever
Ferenc Puskas | How Good Were They?
🎙️ How Good Were They? – Episode 4: Ferenc Puskás
In this episode, we explore the legendary career of Ferenc Puskás, the Hungarian icon whose name still defines goal-scoring greatness. From his early dominance at Budapest Honvéd to his stunning comeback with Real Madrid, Puskás racked up over 700 career goals and became one of football’s most influential figures.
We take you through his rise with
Brazil 1982 | How Good Were They?
In this episode, we explore one of football’s most beloved yet bittersweet stories — the legendary Brazil 1982 World Cup squad. Led by Telê Santana and featuring icons like Zico, Sócrates, Falcão, and Éder, this team played some of the most beautiful football the world has ever seen. But despite dazzling fans and scoring sensational goals, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Italy in on
Marco Van Basten | How Good Were They?
🎙️ How Good Were They? – Episode 2: Marco van Basten
In this episode, we dive into the dazzling yet tragically short career of Marco van Basten — the Dutch maestro whose name still echoes in football folklore. From his prolific goal-scoring spells at Ajax and AC Milan to iconic moments like that volley against the USSR in Euro ‘88 and his unforgettable hat-trick against England, we explore what ma
Paolo Maldini | How Good Were They?
🎙️ Welcome to this special episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the legendary career of one of football’s greatest defenders — Paolo Maldini. From his debut as a teenager with AC Milan to becoming a symbol of elegance, discipline, and loyalty, Maldini defined what it means to be a world-class player.In this episode, we explore what made Maldini so special. Was it his flawless positionin
Football’s Most Seismic Law Changes
The Football History Boys are back in 2024 and are kicking off the New Year looking back at some of football's history most significant and seismic law changes, from 1863, to the modern game and the scourge of VAR. Have a listen, and get involved in the conversation yourselves over on Twitter/X @TFHBs! Make sure you have a watch of some of the videos mentioned in the pod on YouTube.We are also obs
The Club Legends World Cup
The Football History Boys are back after a hiatus and are excited to be previewing our Twitter/X '#ClubLegendsWorldCup'! We have 32 legends lined up to compete in the online tournament following the success of our stadium, rivalry, crest and kit World Cups. Have a listen for the group draw and as we preview the big names. Plus we revisit VAR and have a quiz about some of football's greatest manage
The Best Thing About Football (That Isn’t Football) Is...
The Football History Boys are back and are thinking about what makes football so great. Often it isn't the 90 minutes on the pitch, it is the whole day out that goes with it, or the thinking about football you do in the week. So we are trying to narrow down our 'best thing about football' and are holding a tournament to find the best over on Twitter. Do you love sticker collecting? Fantasy footbal
How To Win The World Cup
The Football History Boys are joined by journalist and author @ChrisEvansWrite to discuss his new book, 'How to Win the World Cup: Secrets and Insights from International Football’s Top Managers'. Join us as we chat the difference between international and club management, the perils of qualification campaigns, the curse of attempting to retain the trophy and World Cup managerial controversies. We
Happy 10th Birthday TFHB!
The Football History Boys are back with a special 10th birthday episode! We remember the early days of TFHB and share our top 10 moments from 2013-2022, check out Ben's choices here, and Gareth's here. We also make our predictions for the end of this season, will Liverpool make the top 4? Will Cardiff survive in the Championship?Get involved over on Twitter: @TFHBs
World Cup 2022 Preview
The Football History Boys are back for a World Cup preview podcast. Join us as we chat about our disappointment of where this World Cup will take place, reminisce of our interaction with disgraced former FIFA executive Chuck Blazer, discuss our favourite World Cup matches of all time, share our hopes for Wales at the tournament, run through our World Cup wallchart of predictions & invent a new
TFHB World Cup Qualification Special
TFHB are back from an 18 month hiatus to celebrate Wales' qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. We discuss our feelings about Wales' first World Cup qualification in 64 years, our favourite World Cups in our living memory, our iconic World Cup moments and take some of your views too. ... Plus we have some exciting personal news for us both!Make sure you check out our Twitter to continue t
S2 Episode 4 - The TFHB Women’s 100
TFHB are searching for the 100 best women's footballers to have ever played the beautiful game. We discuss the players who have made the long-list, your opinions, who would make our top 5 and are joined by some special guests. Make sure you head over to our Twitter to vote so your favourite doesn't miss out in our finals tournament. A big thank you to Emma Coolen, Professor Laura McAllister, Alex
S2 Episode 3 - The TFHB Men’s 100
As we approach our 8th birthday, we are looking for the 100 best men's footballers to have ever played the game. We discuss the players who have made the long-list, your votes so far and who would make our top 5. Make sure you head over to our site to vote so your favourite doesn't miss out! We also consider the sacking of Frank Lampard from Chelsea, and think ahead to Euro 2020... held in 2021! G
S2 Episode 2 - They think its all over... Or is it?
Our second season is back after a long break, but hopefully back with a bang! We dicuss some of football's finest late goals, some of the best Manchester United v Liverpool games from years gone by, the FA Cup and let you know all about our exciting new book.Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys
S2 Episode 1 - Project TFHB Podcast
Our second season kicks off with catching up on the Premier League so far, but with important dicussions about football Pay-Per-View (PPV), Project Big Picture and the ever looming threat of the European Super League.We also hear some of our listener's opinions about who would be your dream line-up for a penalty shootout, along with who you would currently pick for Wales' starting XI at Euro 2020(
Episode 16 - The Most Significant Season in Football History is...
TFHB were able to meet up for a socially distanced chat face to face for our end of season pod! As an season closer for us, we review this weird COVID impacted campaign, whilst considering what seasons we believe to be the 'most significant' in the history of the game... 1888/89, 1923/24, 1953/54, 1966/67, 1988/89 and 2004/05, have a listen to our reasons why as we share some of your opinions too.
Episode 15 - Ricki Herbert, the greatest 5-a-side coach of all-time!
TFHB asked you: if you had to make a dream 5-a-side team with just one player from each football confederation, who would you pick? We take a look at our teams and your ideas, we also consider the most 'underrated' manager of all-time, and we share some 'unpopular' football opinions! Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://
Episode 14 - What do you do when there’s no Euros?!
TFHB is back as football returns after the enforced COVID-19 suspension. We chat the inital return of the Premier League and THAT Hawkeye error, as well as thinking about some of your favourites Euros of all-time, with Euro 2020 postponed. We also review our pre-season predictions, how have we done? We certainly didn't predict a 100 day coronavirus suspension!!Get involved by tweeting us: https://
Episode 13 - #TFHBsGreatest’s International Sides of All-Time
TFHB is back with a 'lockdown' special! We have been on a search to find the greatest international team to ever play the beautiful game. 32 teams entered the competition and via Twitter we have narrowed it down to a last 4. With the final coming, we stop to discuss some of the 32 teams and why they could rightly be considred #TFHBsGreatest!We also take time to remember the 1949 Superga Disaster t
Episode 12 - Curry with Chips, Rice or Half and Half?
TFHB is back amidst the Coronavirus outbreak! Thanks to the wonders of Zoom, we can meet for a pod to discuss our newly released book and answer some of your questions: What would be moment 51 of the book? What do we make of football's hooligan literature? How would we get football up and running again after the suspension? And perhaps most importantly, how do you take your curry: With chips, rice
Episode 11 - Yes, but did Pelé ever have a Hal Robson-Kanu moment?!
TFHB is back for 2020, discussing a big question: What is football's most important decade? We take you through the 1930s, 1950s and 1990s whilst hearing some of your thoughts too. A World Cup themed quiz is topped off with our (Gareth's!) impassioned views about VAR and what needs changing! We still want your opinions, let's hear them!Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or fin
Episode 10 - Review of the Decade: Oh My Days Zlatan Ibrahimović!
TFHB bring you a special review of the 2010s, as we answer some key questions: What was the goal of the decade? What was the moment of the decade? Who was the player of the decade? What was football's funniest moment of the decade? What was the biggest shock of the decade? What was the transfer of the decade? And what do we predict will happen in the 2020s? We take all of your opinions too, plenty
Episode 9 - Christmas Special: Tis the Season to Play Football
TFHB bring you a seasonal episode, our Christmas special! We discuss some of your most loved Christmas football traditions/memories, myth-bust the Christmas Truce of 1914 and decide our teams of the decade, as well as listening to your teams too. Plenty dicussed, get involved!Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.the
Episode 8 - Paul Durkin’s big day: 16 May 1998
This week TFHB return from our mid-season break! We discuss the exciting news of our upcoming book, hear about some of your most important dates in the history of the beautiful game, discuss the ever present VAR and reminisce upon the career of love him/loathe him Neil Warnock. Plenty dicussed, get involved!Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over
Episode 7 - What Ever Happened to Freddy Adu?
This week is a wonderkids special, TFHB investigating those who made it, those who didn't and some tips for the future! What did Match magazine predict back in 2006? We spend some time reviewing Jonathan Wilson's brilliant new book 'The Names Heard Long Ago' and we also are joined by Craig Bellamy's 'Goodfella' autobiography as our guest quiz for the week. Plenty packed in, so don't miss out!Get
Episode 6 - How Do You Pronounce Crvena Zvezda?!
This week The Football History Boys are talking all things Champions League/European Cup. Previewing the competition kicking-off next week, re-living some of your greatest ever European moments and debating the highly controversial (yet inevitable) Champions League reform. Our Guess the Year quiz returns but it is also joined by our new game, the catchily named 'Guess the Dream-Team Line-Up in Mat
Episode 5 - Is Pelé Underrated?
This week The Football History Boys asked our followers for their all-time dream team XI, playing in a 4-3-3 with just one player from each country and a player representing their own country. After almost 200 replies we have complied your list into a dream team and take you through our personal picks - Who makes the cut, who doesn't?! Don't miss our PFA 1997 sticker album quiz too, who is a soulm
Episode 4 - A Whole Load of VARcle Puns
The Football History Boys are back from their summer break and we take in the first few weeks of the new season. VAR has hit the headlines and so we discuss other moments in the history of the beautiful game where off-field rule changes made an impact on the game that we love! We have a new quiz for you too: which player loves peanuts? Who owns a restaurant in the Midlands?Get involved by tweeting
Episode 3 - Valery Smirnov: Premier League All-Time Top Goalscorer
The Football History Boys bring you an extended episode this week before we head off on holidays. We are looking at the history of transfers through time, starting back in the 19th century & bringing things up to the modern day. We also debate our top 3 best/worst transfers ever, answer some of your questions and also give our predictions for the season ahead.Get involved by tweeting us: http
Episode 2 - A Football TARDIS
The Football History Boys bring you Episode 2 of our new podcast! We finish off the rest of our 'Wales' Greatest' series, taking some of your opinions on who should be considered the best, we step inside our Football TARDIS and head back to famous matches in 1953 & 1923 as well as stop at some of your chosen destinations and we also have time for a good bit of quizzing along the way!As ever, g
Episode 1 - Chums with Charles
The Football History Boys begin their journey into the world of podcasting! In our first episode we discuss who TFHB are, look at the first half of our latest 'Wales' Greatest' series, consider sports' history in schools today and chat about the international tournaments that are taking place this summer.Make sure you get involved, sharing your views or entering our quiz over on Twitter: @TFHBs or
