Picture a British storyteller who turned football into a tapestry of history, tactics, and culture—meet Jonathan Wilson! This acclaimed sports journalist and author has redefined football writing with his sharp intellect and knack for weaving global narratives. From founding the groundbreaking magazine The Blizzard to penning the iconic Inverting the Pyramid, Wilson’s work elevates the beautiful game to an art form.
The Making of Jonathan Wilson
Born on July 9, 1976, in Sunderland, England, Jonathan Wilson grew up a devoted Sunderland A.F.C. fan, a passion that would shape his career. He studied English at Oxford University, where he sharpened his storytelling as sports editor of The Oxford Student. Later, he earned a Master’s degree at Durham University, honing his analytical skills. Wilson’s early career saw him writing for outlets like The Independent and Financial Times, where he served as football correspondent from 2002 to 2006. His love for the game and its deeper stories set the stage for a remarkable journey.
Jonathan Wilson’s Unforgettable Stories
Wilson’s books are masterclasses in blending football with history and culture. His seminal work, Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics (2008), traces the evolution of formations and strategies, earning accolades like the British Sports Book Award for Best Football Book in 2009. Angels with Dirty Faces: The Footballing History of Argentina (2016) dives into Argentina’s football legacy, spotlighting icons like Maradona and Messi while exploring political undercurrents. The Names Heard Long Ago (2019) uncovers Hungary’s golden era, a gripping tale of a footballing powerhouse lost to time. As editor of The Blizzard, founded in 2011, Wilson champions long-form journalism, offering deep dives into the sport’s untold stories. His style—erudite yet accessible—makes complex tactics and historical shifts feel like page-turning adventures.
Wilson’s versatility shines in his podcast, It Was What It Was, launched in 2024 with Rob Draper, where he dissects football history with wit and insight. His columns for The Guardian, World Soccer, and UnHerd further showcase his ability to connect the game to broader societal themes, from politics to globalization. Whether analyzing Pep Guardiola’s tactics or Eastern European football’s decline, Wilson’s work is a love letter to the sport’s intellectual depth.
Why Jonathan Wilson Matters
Jonathan Wilson has transformed football journalism by proving the sport is more than goals and glory—it’s a lens on humanity. His meticulous research and storytelling have inspired a generation of writers and fans to think critically about tactics and history. Winning the Football Supporters’ Association Writer of the Year award four times (2012, 2017, 2021, 2024) cements his influence. By founding The Blizzard, he carved a space for nuanced narratives in an era of clickbait, ensuring football’s stories are told with depth and care. Wilson’s legacy is a richer, smarter discourse around the world’s most beloved game.
About Jonathan Wilson
- Born: July 9, 1976, Sunderland, England
- Key Works: Inverting the Pyramid, Angels with Dirty Faces, The Names Heard Long Ago
- Awards: FSA Football Writer of the Year (2012, 2017, 2021, 2024), British Sports Book Award (2009)
- Fun Fact: He plays cricket for the Authors XI team and once scored an unbeaten 117 runs for Hutton CC 5th XI!
Ready to explore football’s hidden stories? Snag Inverting the Pyramid or subscribe to The Blizzard and dive into Jonathan Wilson’s brilliant world of tactics and tales!