Jon Champion: Who He Is, PES Career, Jim Beglin Partnership, Net Worth and More

Jon Champion is one of the most respected football commentators in the world. For decades, football fans have listened to his distinctive voice during major matches, television broadcasts, and video games. Whether it is the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA Champions League, or the iconic Pro Evolution Soccer series, Jon Champion has become a familiar and trusted name among football supporters.
Many fans first discovered him through television commentary, while a younger generation knows him as the unforgettable voice of PES. His calm style, deep knowledge of football, and memorable delivery have made him one of the best commentators of his era.
If you have ever searched “Who is Jon Champion,” “Jon Champion and Jim Beglin,” or “Jon Champion PES,” this article covers everything you need to know.
Quick Bio of Jon Champion
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Martin Champion |
| Popular Name | Jon Champion |
| Date of Birth | 23 May 1965 |
| Birthplace | Harrogate, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Football Commentator and Broadcaster |
| Famous For | Football Commentary, PES Commentary |
| Years Active | 1980s – Present |
| Known Networks | BBC, ITV, ESPN, NBC Sports |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Four |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
Who Is Jon Champion?
Jon Champion is an English football commentator who has worked with some of the biggest broadcasters in the world. He began his career in radio before eventually moving to television. His breakthrough came during the 1990s when he became one of the leading commentators for BBC’s football coverage.
Over time, Champion established himself as a trusted voice for major football tournaments. He has covered the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and several other competitions.
What makes Jon Champion stand out is his ability to describe the action without overwhelming the viewer. He speaks clearly, builds excitement naturally, and always seems to choose the right words at the perfect moment.
Unlike commentators who rely heavily on shouting or dramatic phrases, Champion is admired because he keeps his commentary intelligent and balanced. This style has helped him remain relevant for more than three decades.
Early Career and Rise in Football Commentary
Jon Champion started his broadcasting career in local radio. He worked in sports journalism before joining BBC Radio Five Live. From there, he quickly earned a reputation for his strong football knowledge and professional delivery.
His television career expanded when he began commentating on BBC’s Match of the Day. During this period, he became one of the best-known football voices in the United Kingdom.
Later, he moved to ITV, where he covered Champions League football and international tournaments. After ITV, he worked with Setanta Sports, ESPN, and eventually NBC Sports.
Champion has commentated on some of the biggest football matches ever played. His voice has been heard during dramatic World Cup games, title-deciding Premier League clashes, and unforgettable Champions League nights.
Because of his long career, many football fans consider him one of the most experienced commentators in modern football.
Jon Champion Commentary Style
When people search for “Jon Champion commentary,” they usually want to know what makes his style special.
Jon Champion’s commentary is known for being:
- Calm and composed
- Intelligent and detailed
- Clear and easy to understand
- Dramatic without sounding forced
- Perfect for big football occasions
He has a unique ability to make a huge moment feel even more important. During a last-minute goal or a tense penalty shootout, Champion’s words often become part of the memory of the match.
His commentary is also respected because he never tries to dominate the broadcast. Instead, he allows the football itself to remain the main focus.
For example, when an important goal is scored, Champion often pauses after delivering his line. That brief silence allows viewers to absorb the atmosphere of the stadium.
This is one of the reasons why so many football fans describe him as one of the greatest commentators of his generation.
Jon Champion Voice: Why Fans Recognize It Instantly
The phrase “Jon Champion voice” is extremely popular online because his voice is one of the most recognizable in football.
He has a deep, smooth, and professional speaking style. His voice sounds calm even during chaotic moments, which gives his commentary a sense of authority.
Many fans believe his voice is ideal for football because it balances excitement and control. He can raise his energy for a dramatic goal, but he never loses clarity.
His voice also became famous outside live football broadcasts because of his work in video games. Millions of players spent years listening to Jon Champion while playing PES, which made his voice even more iconic.
Today, whenever fans hear him commentating on television, many immediately think back to their childhood memories of football games.
Jon Champion and Jim Beglin
One of the most popular football commentary partnerships in gaming history was Jon Champion and Jim Beglin.
Jim Beglin, a former footballer and football analyst, worked alongside Jon Champion in the Pro Evolution Soccer series. Champion handled the main commentary, while Beglin provided expert analysis.
The duo became famous because their styles worked perfectly together. Jon Champion delivered the excitement of the match, while Jim Beglin explained the tactics, player performances, and key moments.
Together, they appeared in:
- PES 2011
- PES 2012
- PES 2013
- PES 2014
- PES 2015
Many gamers still consider Champion and Beglin the greatest PES commentary team of all time. Their lines became memorable because players heard them again and again while playing matches for hours.
Even today, football gaming fans often say that no modern commentary pairing has matched the chemistry of Jon Champion and Jim Beglin.
Jon Champion PES Career
Jon Champion is closely connected with the Pro Evolution Soccer video game franchise.
He first joined the PES series in PES 2008. In the beginning, he worked with former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson. Later, Jim Beglin replaced Lawrenson, creating the famous Champion-Beglin partnership.
For many football fans, Jon Champion’s voice became one of the defining features of PES. His commentary made matches feel realistic and exciting.
One reason his PES commentary became so popular is that he sounded exactly like a real television commentator. He did not overact or sound artificial. Instead, he treated every game as if it were a real football match.
Because of this, many players still remember classic PES commentary lines years later.
His time in PES lasted from 2008 until 2015. After that, the game series introduced a different commentary team.
Despite leaving the franchise, Jon Champion remains one of the most loved voices in PES history.
Did Jon Champion Ever Work on FIFA?
Another common search term is “Jon Champion FIFA.”
Although Jon Champion is strongly associated with PES, he never became the main commentator for EA Sports FIFA.
The FIFA series used other famous commentators such as Martin Tyler, Alan Smith, Derek Rae, and Lee Dixon. Because of this, Jon Champion’s name is much more closely connected with PES than FIFA.
However, many fans have often said that they would have loved to hear Jon Champion in a FIFA game because of his excellent commentary style and memorable voice.
His absence from FIFA may actually be one reason why he became such an iconic part of PES. Players often viewed him as the exclusive voice of that football gaming franchise.
Jon Champion Height
Many people also search for “Jon Champion height.” However, there is no official public information about his exact height.
Most fan websites and blogs estimate that Jon Champion is between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall. Since Champion keeps his personal life private, no verified source has confirmed his actual height.
As a result, any reported number should be considered unofficial.
Jon Champion Wife and Family
Jon Champion is known for keeping his private life away from the public.
Although he is a famous commentator, he rarely discusses his family in interviews. It is believed that he is married and has four children.
His wife’s name has not been publicly revealed. Champion appears to prefer a quiet family life away from media attention.
This privacy has only increased fans’ curiosity, which is why searches such as “Jon Champion wife” remain common.
Despite his fame, Champion has successfully managed to keep most of his personal life out of the spotlight.
Jon Champion Net Worth
“Jon Champion net worth” is another topic that many football fans want to know about.
There is no official figure available, but most estimates suggest that Jon Champion’s net worth is between $1 million and $5 million.
His wealth comes mainly from:
- Television commentary
- Sports broadcasting contracts
- Video game commentary work
- International football coverage
Because he has worked for major networks such as BBC, ITV, ESPN, and NBC Sports, it is likely that Jon Champion has earned a successful income throughout his career.
His work in PES also added to his popularity and professional value.
Why Jon Champion Remains So Popular
Jon Champion remains popular because he represents a style of football commentary that fans still love. He is knowledgeable, professional, and never tries too hard to create drama.
His commentary feels authentic. Whether he is covering a World Cup match or providing lines for a football video game, he sounds natural and believable.
He is also one of the few commentators who successfully became famous in both television and gaming. That is why older football fans respect him for his broadcasting career, while younger fans remember him from PES.
Even after many years in the industry, Jon Champion continues to be one of football’s most admired voices.
As football commentary continues to change, his work remains a standard that many newer commentators are compared against.
For readers of Globe Gist, Jon Champion is more than just a commentator. He is a major part of football culture. From legendary live matches to unforgettable PES moments alongside Jim Beglin, his voice has created memories for millions of football fans around the world.
You may also read: Ed Chamberlin: Wife, Family, Net Worth, Awards and Where He Is Today



