Who Said It? 20 Iconic Football Quotes Every League Fan Must Know

Test your football knowledge with this quiz on 20 legendary quotes from managers and players. Can you guess who said it? Perfect for every league fan.
Who Said It? Famous Football Quotes Quiz
Football isn’t just a game of goals and glory—it’s a game of words. Over the decades, players, managers, and commentators have delivered unforgettable lines that live on as part of football folklore. Whether it’s a motivational mantra, a hilarious one-liner, or a controversial outburst, these quotes define eras, rivalries, and personalities across every league.
In this article, we challenge you to a 20-question quiz filled with iconic football quotes. Can you guess who said what? Let’s find out if you’re truly a Aw8 Sg league legend of trivia.
🎯 Quote 1
“I think I’m a special one.”
Who said it?
Answer: José Mourinho
The quote that introduced the world to the self-proclaimed “Special One” when he arrived at Chelsea from Porto. A defining moment in league managerial charisma.
🎯 Quote 2
“Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”
Answer: Gary Lineker
A tongue-in-cheek truth from the English striker that echoes through international league tournaments.
🎯 Quote 3
“I don’t believe in superstitions. I just do certain things because I’m scared something will happen if I don’t.”
Answer: Michael Owen
A quirky insight from the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker—showing even the greats have rituals.
🎯 Quote 4
“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.”
Answer: Bill Shankly
A legendary quote from the Liverpool manager that encapsulates the passion found in every league.
🎯 Quote 5
“In football, the worst blindness is only seeing the ball.”
Answer: Nelson Falcão Rodrigues
A philosophical gem reminding us football is as much about vision, tactics, and intuition as physical skill.
🎯 Quote 6
“Zlatan doesn’t do auditions.”
Answer: Zlatan Ibrahimović
The king of self-confidence. Whether in Serie A, Ligue 1, or MLS, Zlatan has ruled every league.
🎯 Quote 7
“We didn’t underestimate them. They were just a lot better than we thought.”
Answer: Sir Bobby Robson
Classic British humor and honesty in defeat—showing why Robson was loved across football leagues.
🎯 Quote 8
“I never comment on referees and I’m not going to break the habit of a lifetime for that prat.”
Answer: Ron Atkinson
Wit and sarcasm from one of football’s most colorful characters.
🎯 Quote 9
“If I had wanted you to understand it, I would have explained it better.”
Answer: Johan Cruyff
The Dutch legend known for total football—and cryptic wisdom that still guides league philosophies today.
🎯 Quote 10
“When you win, you don’t examine it very much, except to congratulate yourself. You easily, and wrongly, assume it has something to do with your rare qualities as a person.”
Answer: Michael Lewis (featured in football analytics and culture discussions)
Not a player or manager, but a thought-provoking quote that resonates with modern league analysis.
🎯 Quote 11
“The ball is round, the game lasts 90 minutes, and everything else is just theory.”
Answer: Sepp Herberger
A foundational truth of football—known well by league veterans and rookies alike.
🎯 Quote 12
“My wife doesn’t like football. One day she called me 10 minutes before a match started. I was shocked.”
Answer: Thierry Henry
Proof that football always comes first—even for Arsenal and Barça legends.
🎯 Quote 13
“We’re not going to defend the title, we’re going to attack it.”
Answer: Pep Guardiola
A relentless winning mentality that has taken over every league he’s managed in.
🎯 Quote 14
“Please don’t call me arrogant, but I’m European champion and I think I’m a special one.”
Answer: José Mourinho (again!)
Worth repeating. The quote that shook the Premier League—and set the tone for his reign.
🎯 Quote 15
“I arrived like a king, left like a legend.”
Answer: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan’s farewell to PSG was as dramatic and iconic as his career across multiple leagues.
🎯 Quote 16
“Messi or Ronaldo? I’d choose my mother. She’s the best.”
Answer: Mario Balotelli
Only Balotelli could deliver such a legendary, unpredictable line.
🎯 Quote 17
“You cannot be the best unless you’re willing to prove it every week.”
Answer: Cristiano Ronaldo
A mantra that has defined his path from Sporting CP to global league dominance.
🎯 Quote 18
“For the moment, I am just a little boy playing with a round ball.”
Answer: Eric Cantona
One of football’s true poets.
🎯 Quote 19
“I hate losing more than I like winning.”
Answer: Wayne Rooney
A reflection of the fierce mindset required to survive in England’s toughest league.
🎯 Quote 20
“The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.”
Answer: Pelé
Wisdom from the Brazilian icon whose spirit still inspires every young player in every league.
🧠 Final Score: How Many Did You Get Right?
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17–20 Correct: You’re a tactical mastermind and true football quote expert.
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13–16 Correct: Solid knowledge—clearly a well-rounded league fan.
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9–12 Correct: Room for improvement, but your passion shows.
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< 8 Correct: Time to watch more post-match interviews!
⚽ Final Words: Football Wisdom Lives On
These iconic quotes remind us that football is more than just tactics and technique—it’s about character, humor, emotion, and identity. From legendary managers to unforgettable players, every league has contributed to the culture of the beautiful game.
Support your league and spread the football wisdom—because the next iconic quote might come from your favorite club.
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