Brian Glanville: the Legend Behind 'Kicking Around'

Kicking Around

For the library period in my school days(late 1990's), Sportstar is the magazine my sports loving friends and me rush to grab. It covers all sports but cricket got more coverage in most of the edition being it a religion in India. But my eyes always first went to the last pages to read a football column. It's a single page column named Kicking Around which covers world football. It is also the only window for vast majority of indians about football in pre internet era if it's not a FIFA, Euro cup year.

Greatest football writer of all time

Kicking Around in Sportstar is written by Brian Glanville. He is considered as one of the greatest football writer of all time. Born in England in 1931, he has written for Sunday Times, World Soccer for over 50 years. In the 1960's and 70's, Glanville was a member of jury for Ballon d'Or and covered Fifa World cup for 44 years. He is a lifelong Arsenal supporter. Also noted for his critical view on many issues in football, calling English Premier League as "Greed is Good League" and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter as "Sepp (50 ideas a day, 51 bad) Blatter" for considering football secondary.

RIP, Brian Glanville

Brian Glanville's contributions to football journalism and literature have left an indelible mark on the sport's narrative. His insightful analysis, extensive coverage, and literary works continue to influence and inspire readers and football enthusiasts worldwide. Aged 93, he died on 16 May 2025.