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Soccer 101

TSS
Soccer
Premier League
World Cup
FIFA
Manchester United
Champions League
Major League Soccer
2026 World Cup
Brazil
Manchester City
Chelsea
Gianni Infantino
MLS
Real Madrid
PSG
Asian Cup
Liverpool
Number 10
Jose Mourinho
Neymar

All the soccer history and explainers you can handle

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PublishesWeeklyEpisodes261Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SoccerSports

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Artwork for Soccer 101

Latest Episodes

The Premier League of Bosnia was born in 2000 out of the wreckage of a brutal civil war, and served as a deliberate attempt to unite three separate ethnic football cultures under one roof. It hasn't always worked cleanly, but out of that turbulence c... more

This week, we head back to South America to do a little World Cup previewing... and this week, it's Ecuador! How have they risen to such prominence so quickly? Where does their talent come from geographically, and what does that say about the socioec... more

We spend some time in the country that has been several other countries in its footballing history: Czechia. From uncommon German roots to the impact of The Iron Curtain to modern challengers to the conventional favorites, we get into it all!

WE HAV... more

This week, we're spending some time in a nation with a complicated soccer history that mirrors its own complicated history: South Africa! From apartheid pitches to match fixing scandals, how soccer in the country has grown from an act of resistance t... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Graham Rotwell
Guest discussing South African football history and context
Kaiser Chiefs (fan/enthusiast context)
Episode: Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns: soccer in South Africa
Graham Ruthven
Football journalist and guest on the episode
Episode: From the Ottoman Empire to Osimhen: football in Turkiye
Ian Macintosh
Host of the Daily Football Briefing
Episode: An abbreviated history of Neymar, and why he's such a polarizing figure
Graham Rutherford
Friend of the host and soccer enthusiast
Episode: #174 What are the European Championships, and how important are they on the global stage?
Graham Ruffin
Liverpool's throw-in consultant
Liverpool FC
Episode: #151 Why do throw-ins exist and how have their rules changed over time?

Hosts

Taylor Rockwell
Host of Soccer 101; leads discussion and provides historical context.
Graham Ruffin
Co-host; contributes historical context and analysis.
Graham Ruthven
Co-host; discusses AI in soccer and related topics.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1k ratings
  • So good

    This is hands down the best podcast if you want to understand the game of soccer and not just the weekly reviews. Taylor and Graham are fantastic and my only complaint is I blew through the whole back catalogue in like 6 weeks

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Thangus_farm
    United States25 days ago
  • Definitely evergreen

    Listening to episode #189 in 2026 and Graham says "City is probably gonna win the league again" good to know things stay great

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A aon
    United States2 months ago
  • Nauseating

    Your dumping in Wrexham and that project was so gross. TSS and its sister shows have jumped the shark.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Big Time Podcast Fan
    United States4 months ago
  • I love soccer

    It is a great pod I’m a little boy who plays soccer and I listen to this every day I can

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gdhdhhsbzbavayahq
    United States8 months ago
  • Love the episodes on domestic leagues!

    The episodes on domestic leagues have been fascinating and has really given me a sense of the soccer culture in which these countries!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    C Burnheart
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

They combine historical context with practical explanations, great for new fans and veterans alike.
Listener appreciation for thoughtful analysis without snobbery and with clear enthusiasm.
The show is a go-to for deep soccer histories told with humor and accessibility.
A mix of data, history, and culture makes for consistently insightful episodes.
Charming allows for complex topics while staying approachable.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#53
United States/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#100
Canada/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#236
United Kingdom/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#219
Germany/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#114
Sweden/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#115
South Africa/Sports/Soccer

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

From the Ottoman Empire to Osimhen: football in Turkiye
Q: What is the top flight in Turkey called?
It is referred to by Turkish names that echo the language and national branding, and the discussion notes how political figures have used language-nationalism to promote identity; the answer also emphasizes the league's three-city dominance rather than a simple single champion, highlighting the deep-rooted football culture in Istanbul.
How has punditry shaped our understanding of soccer, and what is its role in the modern game?
Q: Do you think you have to be an ex-professional to be a successful pundit?
No, you don't have to be an ex-professional, but having that background can provide valuable insight. However, it's crucial for ex-pros to utilize their experience instead of merely describing what viewers already see.
How has punditry shaped our understanding of soccer, and what is its role in the modern game?
Q: How would you define what a pundit is?
A pundit is an expert in a particular field who frequently gives their opinions to the public, often seen in soccer broadcasts providing analysis and insight.
Why doesn't MLS use the European Calendar? What are the benefits and drawbacks of adopting it?
Q: What challenges does the European Calendar present from an MLS perspective?
Challenges include player contract issues, the need for better weather infrastructure, and the risk of losing revenue from summer crowds in warmer markets.
Why doesn't MLS use the European Calendar? What are the benefits and drawbacks of adopting it?
Q: What are the benefits of moving to a European style calendar?
The potential benefits include not infringing on major international windows, aligning with the global transfer market, and attracting better players.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Soccer 101

What is Soccer 101 about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A history-forward explainer show that unpacks football's global story, from domestic leagues and youth pipelines to governance, culture, and modern analytics. Episodes range from the rise of talent factories in Ecuador and Belgian development models to the politics shaping Turkish and Egyptian football, as well as broader topics like World Cup formats and AI's role in the game. The tone blends deep research with accessible storytelling, making complex histories and contemporary dynamics easy to grasp for both newcomers and seasoned fans. A standout trait is the strong emphasis on how culture, economy, and politics influence the sport, alongside clear tactical and historical explanations. Potential listeners will likely appreciate the breadt... more

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How many subscribers and views does Soccer 101 have?

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How many episodes of Soccer 101 are there?

Soccer 101 launched 7 years ago and published 261 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Soccer 101?

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What guests have appeared on Soccer 101?

Recent guests on Soccer 101 include:

1. Graham Rotwell
2. Graham Ruthven
3. Ian Macintosh
4. Graham Rutherford
5. Graham Ruffin

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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