The Best Football Magazines from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s
Reliving Football Nostalgia Through Print
Before the internet revolutionised football coverage, fans relied on weekly magazines for the latest match reports, player interviews, and transfer news. Iconic publications like MATCH! and Shoot! became essential reading, offering a unique insight into the beautiful game.
If you're a fan of football history, collecting vintage football magazines is a fantastic way to relive the sport's golden years. In this article, we explore the most legendary football magazines from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and why they remain cherished by fans today.
1. Shoot! Magazine (1969–2008)
Keywords: Best vintage football magazines, football magazines from the 1980s, classic football magazines
One of the most influential football magazines of all time, Shoot! launched in 1969 and quickly became the go-to publication for football fans in the UK.
Why It Was Popular:
Included league tables, player interviews, and match results long before the days of instant updates.
Iconic "Focus On" player profiles, giving fans insight into footballers' personal lives.
The legendary "You Are The Ref" feature, testing fans' knowledge of the rules.
Most Collectable Issues:
Shoot! 1977 FA Cup Final Edition – Featuring Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Shoot! Italia ‘90 Special – Covering England’s thrilling World Cup campaign.
Shoot! remained a household name until 2008, when it moved online before eventually ceasing publication. Today, vintage editions from the ‘70s and ‘80s are highly sought after by collectors.
2. MATCH! Magazine (1979–Present)
Keywords: MATCH! magazine history, best football magazines UK, retro football magazines
Launched in 1979, MATCH! quickly established itself as a major rival to Shoot! and remains one of the longest-running football magazines in the UK.
Why It Was Popular:
Bright, bold cover designs featuring the biggest football stars.
Strong focus on the English top flight and European competitions.
Exclusive posters and stickers, with many young fans decorating their walls with MATCH! posters of their footballing heroes.
Most Collectable Issues:
MATCH! 1986 Maradona Special – Celebrating Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
MATCH! 1992 Premier League Launch Issue – Marking the birth of the modern English top flight.
Though still in print today, early editions from the 1980s and 1990s hold immense nostalgic value.
3. World Soccer (1960–Present)
Keywords: Best football magazines for collectors, history of football magazines, football news from the past
While Shoot! and MATCH! focused primarily on British football, World Soccer provided a truly global perspective, covering leagues and tournaments from around the world.
Why It Was Popular:
In-depth tactical analysis of World Cups and European Championships.
Expert opinions from some of the most respected football journalists.
Regular Ballon d’Or coverage, playing a role in the award’s voting process.
Most Collectable Issues:
World Soccer 1974 – Johan Cruyff & Total Football Feature.
World Soccer 1998 – France’s World Cup Win Special Edition.
For serious football history enthusiasts, old issues of World Soccer are a must-have.
4. 90 Minutes (1990–1997)
Keywords: 90s football magazines, football fan culture, retro football collectables
Unlike the traditional weekly football magazines, 90 Minutes combined football coverage with fan culture, music, and humour, offering a fresh and alternative take on the game.
Why It Was Popular:
Edgy and humorous writing style, appealing to the casual football fan.
Regular features on fan opinions and terrace culture.
Music and football crossovers, featuring interviews with football-loving musicians.
Most Collectable Issues:
90 Minutes Euro ‘96 Special – Covering England’s exciting campaign on home soil.
90 Minutes Farewell Issue (1997) – A collector’s item marking the magazine’s final publication.
Though short-lived, 90 Minutes is fondly remembered by football fans from the 1990s.
Why Collect Vintage Football Magazines?
Vintage football magazines offer a unique snapshot of football history. Whether you’re searching for a special edition from your birth year or building a collection of classic football memorabilia, these magazines remain timeless treasures.
✅ A perfect gift for football fans of all ages.
✅ Nostalgic player interviews and team news from decades past.
✅ A historical record of football’s evolution.
At Rematch LDN, we specialise in sourcing and reselling authentic vintage football magazines from the 1960s to the present day. Browse our collection to find the perfect issue from your birth year or favourite football era!