Football journalists might not be household names like the players and managers they write about, but their work is just as vital to the game. In an era where social media moves faster than ever, the best in the business have built trust by delivering accurate, well-sourced information when it matters most.
From breaking exclusive transfer news to offering deep tactical insights, these journalists have mastered the art of connecting fans, clubs, and the wider football community. During the chaos of a transfer window — when wild rumours can spread in minutes, their credibility becomes priceless. For many supporters, confirmation from one of these names is the difference between believing a headline and dismissing it as nonsense.
The top reporters don’t just write stories — they live inside them. By cultivating contacts with agents, executives, and players, they gain access to the information the rest of us can only speculate about. And when they break a story, the football world takes notice.
Here’s our list of the 10 football journalists setting the standard in 2025.
1. Fabrizio Romano
If you follow football transfers, you know the phrase “Here we go!” Fabrizio Romano has turned those three words into a global brand.
Born in Naples, Romano started writing at just 18, joining Sky Sport Italia a year later. Initially focused on Serie A, he quickly expanded his coverage to all of Europe — and eventually, the wider football world. Known for building close relationships with agents and intermediaries, Romano has become one of the most trusted voices in the game.
His work now appears with The Guardian, CBS Sports, and CaughtOffside. With millions following his updates online, he’s even been invited by clubs to feature in official player announcements. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, he works out of Milan and supports Watford — though he admits that during transfer windows, sleep is often a luxury.
2. David Ornstein
When it comes to the English game, David Ornstein’s word carries weight. Fans trust him because his stories are not only accurate, but carefully sourced and clearly explained.
Now a Senior Football Writer at The Athletic, Ornstein built his reputation during more than a decade at the BBC. His exclusives regularly set the agenda for football debates, and supporters often refuse to believe a transfer is happening until they’ve read it from him.
Ornstein’s mix of precision, authority, and integrity has made him a fixture in football media — the kind of journalist clubs themselves take seriously.
3. Gianluca Di Marzio
A towering figure in Italian football reporting, Gianluca Di Marzio has been delivering transfer stories for years. While his roots are firmly in Serie A, his scoops reach far beyond Italy.
Working with Sky Italia, Di Marzio also appears on programmes such as Sky Calcio L’Originale and Maracanà. His influence is so significant that in 2015, ESPN ranked him 39th among the most influential people in football — ahead of legends like Pelé and Arsène Wenger.
His social media following is massive, and his updates remain must-read material during every transfer window.
4. Ben Jacobs
Ben Jacobs combines European transfer coverage with deep insight into Middle Eastern football — a rare blend that makes him stand out.
With more than 17 years in sports journalism, Jacobs has covered World Cups, Olympic Games, Grand Slams, and major golf tournaments. He’s interviewed the likes of Lionel Messi, Usain Bolt, Roger Federer, and Tiger Woods, bringing a polished and versatile style to his reporting.
Having worked with outlets including talkSPORT, GiveMeSport, and CBS Sports, Jacobs is especially valued for breaking down complex football business stories — from Saudi Pro League moves to high-profile club takeovers.
5. Guillem Balagué
A familiar face for anyone who watched Sky Sports’ Revista de la Liga, Guillem Balagué is one of the leading voices on Spanish football.
Born in Barcelona, Balagué has written for The Times, The Observer, and Metro in the UK, as well as Spain’s AS and CADENA SER. His work bridges the football cultures of Britain and Spain, offering sharp insight into both.
In 2013, he qualified as a UEFA B-licensed coach, and a year later, he became Director of Football at non-league Biggleswade United. Today, he’s the club’s chairman, proving that his love for the game goes beyond the press box.
6. Christian Falk
For Bayern Munich and Bundesliga news, Christian Falk is the go-to source. As head of football for BILD, Falk’s “Bayern Insider” reports are unmatched in their access and detail.
He leads a team of reporters covering German football, often breaking stories that shape the national football conversation. Falk’s reporting is trusted not only by fans but by figures inside the game who recognise his accuracy and reliability.
7. Gabriele Marcotti
A true international, Gabriele Marcotti grew up in Italy, the United States, Poland, Germany, and Japan before settling in London. That global perspective has shaped his writing, which appears in Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, La Stampa, and Il Corriere dello Sport.
Fluent in multiple languages, Marcotti moves comfortably between English and Italian media. He’s also a regular on television and radio, with appearances on ESPN FC, BBC’s Football Focus, and ITV’s Champions League coverage.
His work combines sharp analysis with cultural context, making him one of the most respected thinkers in football journalism.
8. Gerard Romero
Gerard Romero has transformed the way Barcelona news is covered. Starting in traditional radio, he’s now a Twitch streaming sensation with his channel Jijantes FC, where he delivers Barça updates in a lively, fan-focused style.
Romero’s broadcasts are interactive, humorous, and packed with insider knowledge. He’s also co-founded the Kings League and Queens League alongside Gerard Piqué, redefining how football content is delivered to younger audiences.
His influence has been recognised with multiple awards, and his following continues to grow well beyond Catalonia.
9. Henry Winter
A veteran of the craft, Henry Winter is Chief Football Writer for The Times and one of Britain’s most respected sports journalists.
Before joining The Times in 2015, Winter spent over two decades at The Daily Telegraph. His career began at The Independent in 1986, and he’s since become known for his sharp match analysis and in-depth features.
Named among the UK’s most influential sportswriters, Winter is a regular pundit on television and radio, and his work remains a benchmark for quality football writing.
10. Sam Wallace
Sam Wallace blends investigative journalism with engaging storytelling. As Chief Football Writer for The Telegraph, he’s been at the heart of major English football stories for years.
His reporting has earned him multiple honours, including Scoop of the Year and Football Journalist of the Year at the SJA Awards, as well as the Hugh McIlvanney Sports Journalist of the Year at The Press Awards.
A Cambridge graduate, Wallace began with The Independent before moving to The Telegraph, where his work continues to influence the conversation around the game.
