Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
6 days ago
United Kingdom Alan Smith transitioned from a prolific football striker for Arsenal and Leicester City to a respected sports commentator and pundit.
Prominent Sport Commentator and Former Pro Footballer Alan Smith Partners with Veritone Voice to Cover World's Most Prestigious Football Tournament.
Smith is now Director at XL Academy, a private soccer school where he primarily coaches elite youth players in USA.
Co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports, involved in some of the biggest games in recent history including co-commentating on the 2011 Champions League Final.
Voice of the FIFA franchise with Martin Tyler, commentating on eight editions of the best-selling video game.
Alan Smith was born in the West Midlands and began his football career in non-league with Alvechurch. His early performances led to a transfer to Leicester City, where he scored 13 goals in his debut season, helping the club achieve promotion to the First Division in 1983. During his five years with Leicester, Smith played 217 games and scored 84 goals. In 1987, he moved to Arsenal, initially finding it challenging to adapt. However, he quickly established himself, scoring a hat-trick against Wimbledon in the opening fixture of the 1988/89 season. Standing over six feet tall, Smith was known for his intelligence, work ethic, and ability as a target man, combining hold-up play with precise passing and subtle touches.
Smith was a key figure in Arsenal’s success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He secured the Golden Boot in the 1988/89 season with 23 league goals, contributing significantly to Arsenal winning the First Division title that year. His opening goal in the decisive 2-0 victory at Anfield on the final day of the season is particularly notable. He continued his strong form in the 1990/91 season, again winning the First Division title and the Golden Boot with 22 goals. He also made his England debut in 1988 and earned six of his 13 caps for the national team in 1991. Smith remained a vital player for Arsenal, helping them win the FA Cup and League Cup double in the 1992-93 season. His career highlights culminated in 1994 when he scored the winning goal in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final against Parma, securing Arsenal’s first European success in nearly two and a half decades.
After retiring from playing in 1995 with 115 goals in 347 games for Arsenal, where he was the top scorer for four consecutive years, Alan Smith transitioned into sports media. He became a co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports, covering major events such as the 2011 Champions League Final. Smith also lent his voice to the popular EA Sports FIFA video game series, co-commentating on eight editions alongside Martin Tyler. His post-playing career also includes involvement in youth football development as a Director at XL Academy, a private soccer school in the USA, where he coaches elite young players.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
