Former Chelsea, Aston Villa & Celtic Footballer, BT Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live & Sky Sports Commentator & Author of ‘How to Fix a Modern Football’

Chris Sutton is a former professional striker turned leading pundit and commentator, known for his sharp insights and outspoken analysis. Over a 16-year playing career, he scored 148 goals in 409 league appearances across England and Scotland. He is now frequently seen on BT Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Sports covering Scottish football and broader UK leagues. With his commanding presence, Chris offers compelling keynote talks on drive, peak performance and overcoming adversity.

Chris began his senior career at Norwich City in 1991, quickly making his mark in the inaugural Premier League season. After a standout season in 1993-94 with 25 goals, he moved to Blackburn Rovers in 1994 for a then-record £5 million transfer. There, he partnered with Alan Shearer to win the 1994-95 league title. He later played for Chelsea, then moved north to Celtic, where his partnership with Henrik Larsson delivered multiple Scottish league titles, domestic cups, and a trophy-laden run. Short spells followed at Birmingham City and Aston Villa before injury forced his retirement.

Post-playing, Chris managed Lincoln City (2009-10) and has become a prominent media figure. He is currently a frequent guest and host on radio for BBC Radio 5 Live, and in 2023 began appearing on Sky Sports for the Scottish Premiership coverage. He also trains as a keynote speaker, sharing lessons from his football journey with corporate and sports audiences.

Chris released his book ‘How to Fix Modern Football’ in 2020, offering candid solutions and strong opinions on the state of the game today. Beyond writing, he is a regular pundit and co-commentator on BT Sport, Sky Sports and BBC Radio 5 Live, where he is known for his outspoken analysis and willingness to tackle difficult subjects such as concussion, mental health and player welfare. Through both his book and media presence, Chris has become a respected and influential voice in modern football.

Why Hire Chris Sutton?

Chris is booked as a speaker for his authentic and direct style, drawing from a career of both success and challenge. His achievements include winning the Premier League, multiple Scottish titles, and forming potent goal-scoring partnerships, paired with his journey through injury and adaptation in different leagues. Beyond his playing days, Chris has carved out respect as a media voice known for his intelligence, honesty and readiness to tackle difficult topics.

Audiences benefit from his reflections on leadership under pressure, resilience in adversity, and maintaining performance across transitions. With his recent move to Sky Sports coverage and ongoing visibility on radio and TV, Chris brings current relevance and credibility. He connects well with business teams, sports organisations and events seeking inspiration from someone who has performed and spoken at the top levels of sport.

To book Chris to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.