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Masters football is returning to England this week after its comeback in 2022, featuring some legendary names, as was the case when the popular six-a-side tournament started 25 years ago
Masters football is about to makes its Manchester return(Image: Sky Sports)
Masters football is making a comeback, with the beloved six-a-side competition returning and bringing along a host of legends.
Fans eagerly anticipated the return of national Masters football in 2022, as it had developed a loyal following during its 10-year run on Sky Sports from 2001 until 2011. The annual tournament, which was created in 2000, saw teams of former players aged 35 and over compete against each other in high-speed, indoor matches.
Games were divided into two halves of eight minutes each, and the pitch was a mere 60m by 30m, the same size as an indoor ice hockey rink. Round-robin events took place over one evening, culminating in a grand final between the top two teams.
While Masters football returned to our screens in 2022, it has since been confined to Scotland. However, it’s set to make a comeback in Manchester on September 5, with Louis Saha, Emile Heskey and Joleon Lescott expected to participate. These events have always drawn big-name players, and we take a look at some of the stars who have graced Masters football over the years.
Ian Wright
Wright made his Masters football debut in 2000, playing for Arsenal against Liverpool, Rangers, Aberdeen, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday. The England legend had just retired when he was chosen for the inaugural tournament.
Since 2000, Wright, a former star for Crystal Palace and the Gunners, has ventured into television, frequently appearing on Match of the Day and providing expert analysis for the BBC and previously BT Sport.
In a nod to his Masters football history, he took up managerial duties in the Baller League, a similar six-a-side indoor competition, just last year.
National Masters football started in 2000(Image: PA)
John Barnes
Liverpool legend Barnes also made his debut with the event in 2000, representing the Reds. At this point, Barnes had been retired for a year, having last played for Charlton Athletic.
He would make several appearances at Masters football, including in 2006 when his team-mate John Durnin clinched the Golden Boot award.
Barnes, who moved to Anfield from Watford, played over 400 matches for Liverpool and netted 107 goals. He signed for Newcastle United before hanging up his boots and is another familiar face on our screens as a guest or pundit.
Barnes played in the inaugural Masters event(Image: Sky Sports)
Ian Rush
Rush was a team-mate of Barnes in 2000, and he was a regular participant in the competition for the Reds, who were crowned champions in 2001 and 2002.
The Welshman also represented his nation at the International Masters football, where he and Wales triumphed in the first two tournaments ever held in 1999 and 2000.
Rush, during his two stints with Liverpool, etched his name in the club’s history books as the highest goal scorer, netting 346 goals in 660 appearances. His record of 44 FA Cup goals for the Reds remains unbeaten in the 20th century. Today, he serves as an ambassador for the club and also advises the Football Association of Wales.
Rush played alongside Barnes for the Reds(Image: Facebook)
Ally McCoist
McCoist, now a familiar voice on TNT Sports during European football season, clinched the Golden Boot at the inaugural Masters football. His Rangers team made it to the grand final, only to be outplayed by Forest.
Despite this, Rangers managed to secure two Masters football titles in 2006 and the last National Masters in 2011. In 2003, McCoist found himself playing second fiddle again when his side were defeated by Manchester City.
Like Rush, McCoist holds the record for being the top scorer for the club he represented at Masters football. He netted 355 goals for Rangers over 15 years, contributing to nine consecutive Scottish league championships from 1988 to 1997. The 62-year-old began his commentary career with TNT in 2023 and is now one of the most respected pundits in football.
McCoist is now a TNT favourite(Image: Getty)
Jamie Carragher
Liverpool legend Carragher retired in 2013, two years after the last national Masters. However, he was present when the tournament returned after an 11-year break in 2022.
Carragher, who shared the pitch with Steve McManaman for Liverpool in Glasgow, faced off against representatives from Manchester United, Celtic and Rangers. In the grand finale, Carragher triumphed over long-standing adversaries United, securing a 5-3 victory to clinch the Masters Cup Trophy.
Following his retirement, Carragher, a one-club man, swiftly transitioned into punditry with Sky Sports and has since become one of their most reliable analysts and commentators. He also lends his expertise to CBS Sports, offering insights on European football for the American audience.
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