Alan Smith (footballer, born 1962)
A clinical striker who became the calm, analytical voice of Premier League football for a generation of Sky Sports viewers.
Born 1962 (age 64)·English footballer·Birthday: November 21·Baby Boomers
Biography
Alan Smith's story is one of two distinct, successful acts. The first unfolded on the pitch, where his sharp instincts as a center-forward made him a key figure in Arsenal's revival under George Graham. His goals were crucial in securing the 1989 league title in that dramatic final-minute showdown at Anfield, a moment forever etched in football lore. After a solid career that began at Leicester City, a serious leg injury forced an early retirement. Without missing a beat, Smith transitioned into the commentary box. His second act, as Sky Sports' primary co-commentator, introduced a thoughtful, tactical analysis that contrasted with more excitable styles. His dry wit and understated delivery, honed over decades alongside Martin Tyler, became the soundtrack for the Premier League's global rise, making him a trusted authority for millions.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Alan was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Alan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the First Division title with Arsenal in 1989, scoring a key goal in the decisive final match against Liverpool.
- Served as Sky Sports' lead co-commentator for over two decades, covering the Premier League's most significant matches.
- Provided the co-commentary voice for the FIFA video game series from 2011 to 2019, reaching a global gaming audience.
- Scored over 100 goals in his professional club career for Leicester City and Arsenal.
Did You Know?
He is a published author, having written a regular column for The Daily Telegraph and several books on football.
He turned down a place at Cambridge University to pursue his football career.
His final professional match was the 1995 European Cup Winners' Cup final for Arsenal, which they lost to Real Zaragoza.
He shares a name with another former footballer, Alan Smith (born 1980), who also played for Arsenal and later Manchester United.
“I was just in the right place at the right time, and the ball fell nicely.”
