Top 5 best football journalists in the world: David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano among those featured

In modern football, journalists play an essential role in connecting fans with the game beyond the pitch. They are responsible not only for delivering news, but also for shaping narratives and capturing the public’s attention. As the sport continues to grow globally, their influence has become increasingly significant.

In this article, Soccer24 presents the Top 5 best football journalists in the world, based on the reliability of their reporting and the value of the information they provide to audiences worldwide.

Top 5 best football journalists in the world

5. Ben Jacobs

Ben Jacobs has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in modern sports journalism, particularly within the new wave of football reporting. Over more than 17 years in the industry, he has established himself as a well-connected insider with a strong focus on the business side of the game.

He has built a reputation for in-depth analysis and high-profile interviews, covering everything from Premier League boardrooms to the inner workings of clubs in Saudi Arabia. Along the way, he has contributed regularly to major outlets such as talkSPORT, CBS Sports and GIVEMESPORT.

What sets Jacobs apart is his ability to combine traditional investigative reporting with the speed and reach of social media. As a result, his coverage often goes beyond the headlines, offering insight into the financial and political context behind major deals. This is particularly evident in his work on the Saudi market, where his close ties with the Saudi Public Investment Fund have proven valuable.

4. Gerard Romero

Gerard Romero has redefined the role of a modern football reporter, emerging as both a journalist and an entertainer in the digital age. A Catalan by background, he first built his reputation at RAC1 before making a bold move to Twitch, where his Jijantes FC platform has attracted a large and highly engaged audience.

His coverage is closely tied to FC Barcelona, and he is widely believed to have strong connections within the club, including links to president Joan Laporta and the board. Romero is known for his unconventional, paparazzi-style reporting, often tracking player movements or waiting at private terminals to deliver live updates to tens of thousands of viewers.

While some traditional journalists question his animated approach, Romero maintains that it reflects a more direct and authentic connection with his audience.

3. Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano has evolved beyond the traditional role of a reporter to become the first true transfer celebrity of the digital era, turning the often chaotic market into a constant, global news cycle. While he maintains partnerships with major outlets such as CBS Sports, The Guardian and Sky Sports, his real influence lies in a vast social media presence, built around his trademark phrase “Here We Go”.

His credibility is underpinned by an extensive network across the game, particularly among agents and sporting directors responsible for major deals. This includes figures connected to elite players such as Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Recognised for his consistency, Romano has also received multiple Best Football Journalist honours at the Globe Soccer Awards.

2. Gianluca Di Marzio

Gianluca Di Marzio is widely regarded as one of the defining figures of the modern transfer market, often seen as a guiding presence in the industry. While younger audiences may gravitate towards the fast-paced style of newer reporters, Di Marzio represents the tradition, authority and depth of Italian sports journalism.

He serves as the leading transfer expert for Sky Sport Italia and is also the founder of gianlucadimarzio.com, a platform that has become a key reference for transfer news. The son of the late Gianni Di Marzio, who famously identified Diego Maradona, he brings a strong footballing heritage to his work.

Despite a significant digital presence, Di Marzio remains rooted in broadcast journalism and maintains close ties with Italy’s leading clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan. Notably, Fabrizio Romano began his career under Di Marzio at Sky.

1. David Ornstein

When it comes to breaking transfer news in English football, few figures carry the authority of David Ornstein. Now serving as Senior Football Correspondent at The Athletic, he previously built his reputation at BBC, where he developed a strict verification-first approach that he has successfully brought into the modern digital landscape.

Affectionately dubbed “The Ornacle” by fans, Ornstein is known for his remarkable accuracy. He operates at the highest level of the game, with sources that include club executives, sporting directors such as Richard Hughes and Edu Gaspar, as well as influential owners. His work has earned him the SJA Sportswriter of the Year award in 2025.

In recent years, he has provided a clear and reliable picture of Liverpool FC’s post-Jürgen Klopp era, while also leading coverage on leadership changes at Manchester United, including developments involving Rúben Amorim and Michael Carrick.

Top 5 best football journalists in the world

5. Ben Jacobs

4. Gerard Romero

3. Fabrizio Romano

2. Gianluca Di Marzio

1. David Ornstein

Soccer24h.net has listed the Top 5 best football journalists in the world.

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