The Misfit Visionaries Who Invented Modern Football

It’s part of the national myth: the English invented football and to England it will return (next time!).

But if football is part of what makes England England, it’s equally part of the story of how Europe became Europe.

In this Pro Revolution Soccer season finale, Tom Williams and Juliet Jacques tell this story of oddballs, war, oligarchs, dodgy deals and footballing genius.

Along the way, they discuss how football relates to what is ‘pragmatic’ in politics, why Gareth Southgate is a bit like a good David Cameron, and explain the only certainty in the beautiful game: that there will always be more football.

Music by Matt Huxley.

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We’re up against huge power and influence. Our supporters keep us entirely free to access. We don’t have any ad partnerships or sponsored content.

Donate one hour’s wage per month—or whatever you can afford—today.