Football's Cult Heroes

This is Football's Cult Heroes.

A podcast series exploring the stories of the players that carried their clubs on their backs - on and off the pitch.

Told by the players, fans and journalists that were there - we delve into why these players created such a strong bond with their fans and how they are still remembered years on.

Join us on this journey, and if you like what you are listening to, hit the subscribe button and suggest a player you would like us to cover in the future!

Last refreshed: July 2nd, 2025 at 5:13 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode six: Kelly Smith

Kelly Smith is the woman English football wasn't ready for. Those that saw her describe her as a generational talent - an "Mbappe or Haaland" that burst onto the scene with Arsenal in the late 90s and took the game by storm. But as the Women’s Super League begins its record-breaking three-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, Football’s Cult Heroes explores the under-reported story of arguably England’s best-ever female player and why she had to travel to the United States to reali...

Sep 03, 2021•30 min

Episode five: Dimitri Payet

The 2015/16 season was West Ham's chance to give their famous Boleyn Ground the perfect send-off after 112 years. A special player was needed to help to do just that. Enter Dimitri Payet. Football’s Cult Heroes explores Payet’s journey from Reunion Island to France, how he transformed mid-table West Ham into Champions League contenders and his infamous exit. This is the story of one of the most talented players to grace West Ham and how his legacy still remains conflicted to this day - told by t...

Aug 18, 2021•34 min

Episode four: Jay-Jay Okocha

In the summer of 2002, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce was once again scouring the market for new players. Without a big budget, being resourceful had become second nature to Big Sam, often using his powers of persuasion to lure players to the Reebok Stadium. Nigeria superstar Jay-Jay Okocha was available on a free transfer after dazzling in leagues across Europe, but surely out of Bolton’s reach? You tell that to Big Sam! Here, Football’s Cult Heroes tells the story of how the man that mentored Ro...

Aug 11, 2021•40 min

Episode three: Eric Cantona

It's 1992 and it's a whole new ball game. Manchester United are still searching for their first league title in a generation. By November, United are as low as tenth and in need of inspiration. Badboy Frenchman Eric Cantona, despite doubts over his temperament and attitude, is seen by Sir Alex Ferguson as the man to change their fortunes. It would prove to be a move that would change the course of Premier League history. Football's Cult Heroes examines why France turned their back on Cantona, th...

Aug 04, 2021•35 min

Episode two: Jurgen Klinsmann

It's the summer of 1994 and Tottenham are in turmoil. They've been hit with a 12-point deduction, a £600,000 fine and a season ban from the FA Cup. White Hart Lane appeared to be the last ground that German World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann would consider as a place to call home. But Spurs owner Sir Alan Sugar knew his club needed inspiration - and was quite literally willing to push the boat out to get his man. Football's Cult Heroes explores how Klinsmann charmed a nation of haters, became a p...

Jul 28, 2021•34 min

Episode one: Robbie Fowler

It’s the early 1990s and Liverpool Football Club have just experienced two decades of unrivalled sporting riches. But underneath the silverware the city had been falling apart. The 1970s and 1980s had seen riots on the streets of Toxteth, industrial unrest and rising unemployment. On the pitch, things had started to unravel as well… Liverpool needed a new hero. Step forward Robbie Fowler. Football’s Cult Heroes charts the rise of an “ordinary” boy with an “extraordinary” gift, the ‘Spice Boy’ ta...

Jul 21, 2021•27 min

Football's Cult Heroes... Coming soon!

Football's Cult Heroes is a brand new storytelling podcast series from Sky Sports News which will focus on the players that left an everlasting mark on the English game. Told by the players, fans and journalists that were there, the series will examine why these players created such a strong bond with their adoring audience. Each week, for the next six weeks, we will bring you a brand new episode. Our first episode comes out on Wednesday, July 21, when we will be delving into the story of Liverp...

Jul 12, 2021•1 min

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