The Football History Boys – Details, episodes & analysis

🎙️ How Good Were They? – Episode 2: Marco van Basten

In this episode, we dive into the dazzling yet tragically short career of Marco van Basten — the Dutch maestro whose name still echoes in football folklore. From his prolific goal-scoring spells at Ajax and AC Milan to iconic moments like that volley against the USSR in Euro ‘88 and his unforgettable hat-trick against England, we explore what made Van Basten a phenomenon.

We break down his playing style, his legendary partnerships with Gullit and Rijkaard, and how he redefined what it meant to be a complete striker. But we also throw in a few curveballs — how his career was derailed by injury, the eternal “what if” surrounding his potential, and the curious lack of a World Cup legacy.

You’ll hear quotes from the likes of Maldini, Sacchi, and Thierry Henry, plus opinions from our followers. In the end, we answer the big question: Was Marco van Basten truly great — or just a fleeting genius?

Hit play to find out.

Follow and subscribe for deep dives into the icons of football’s past. New episodes every week.

#MarcoVanBasten #FootballLegends #HowGoodWereThey #Podcast

🎙️ Welcome to this special episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the legendary career of one of football’s greatest defenders — Paolo Maldini. From his debut as a teenager with AC Milan to becoming a symbol of elegance, discipline, and loyalty, Maldini defined what it means to be a world-class player.

In this episode, we explore what made Maldini so special. Was it his flawless positioning, his tactical intelligence, or the way he made defending look effortless? We break down his most iconic performances, his leadership on and off the pitch, and his influence on generations of defenders that followed.

Whether you watched him dominate Serie A and the Champions League, or you’ve only heard his name in GOAT debates, this is your chance to understand why Paolo Maldini isn’t just one of the best defenders — he’s one of the best players in football history.

📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your favorite Maldini moment!

#Maldini #PaoloMaldini #ACMilan #FootballLegends #GOATDefender #Podcast #SerieA #ChampionsLeague

As we approach our 8th birthday, we are looking for the 100 best men's footballers to have ever played the game. We discuss the players who have made the long-list, your votes so far and who would make our top 5. Make sure you head over to our site to vote so your favourite doesn't miss out! We also consider the sacking of Frank Lampard from Chelsea, and think ahead to Euro 2020... held in 2021! 

Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our first book is now available to BUY here, or pre-order book 2 here!

Our second season is back after a long break, but hopefully back with a bang! We dicuss some of football's finest late goals, some of the best Manchester United v Liverpool games from years gone by, the FA Cup and let you know all about our exciting new book.

Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our book is now available to BUY here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Footballs-Fifty-Most-Important-Moments/dp/178531632X.

Our second season kicks off with catching up on the Premier League so far, but with important dicussions about football Pay-Per-View (PPV), Project Big Picture and the ever looming threat of the European Super League.

We also hear some of our listener's opinions about who would be your dream line-up for a penalty shootout, along with who you would currently pick for Wales' starting XI at Euro 2020(21) this coming summer.

Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our book is now available to BUY here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Footballs-Fifty-Most-Important-Moments/dp/178531632X.

TFHB were able to meet up for a socially distanced chat face to face for our end of season pod! As an season closer for us, we review this weird COVID impacted campaign, whilst considering what seasons we believe to be the 'most significant' in the history of the game... 1888/89, 1923/24, 1953/54, 1966/67, 1988/89 and 2004/05, have a listen to our reasons why as we share some of your opinions too. We also give out some end of season awards for 2019/20 and manage to fit in a quiz as well!

Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our book is now available to BUY here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Footballs-Fifty-Most-Important-Moments/dp/178531632X.

TFHB asked you: if you had to make a dream 5-a-side team with just one player from each football confederation, who would you pick? We take a look at our teams and your ideas, we also consider the most 'underrated' manager of all-time, and we share some 'unpopular' football opinions! 

Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our book is now available to BUY here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Footballs-Fifty-Most-Important-Moments/dp/178531632X.

TFHB is back as football returns after the enforced COVID-19 suspension. We chat the inital return of the Premier League and THAT Hawkeye error, as well as thinking about some of your favourites Euros of all-time, with Euro 2020 postponed. We also review our pre-season predictions, how have we done? We certainly didn't predict a 100 day coronavirus suspension!!

Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our book is now available to BUY here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Footballs-Fifty-Most-Important-Moments/dp/178531632X.

TFHB is back with a 'lockdown' special! We have been on a search to find the greatest international team to ever play the beautiful game. 32 teams entered the competition and via Twitter we have narrowed it down to a last 4. With the final coming, we stop to discuss some of the 32 teams and why they could rightly be considred #TFHBsGreatest!

We also take time to remember the 1949 Superga Disaster that happened 71 years ago this week, a tragedy that shaped Torino and wider Italian football.

Get involved by tweeting us:  https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our book is now available to BUY here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Footballs-Fifty-Most-Important-Moments/dp/178531632X.

TFHB is back amidst the Coronavirus outbreak! Thanks to the wonders of Zoom, we can meet for a pod to discuss our newly released book and answer some of your questions: What would be moment 51 of the book? What do we make of football's hooligan literature? How would we get football up and running again after the suspension? And perhaps most importantly, how do you take your curry: With chips, rice or half and half? Get involved by tweeting us:  https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our book is now available to BUY here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Footballs-Fifty-Most-Important-Moments/dp/178531632X.