Derek Rae

Soccer Commentator/Studio Host

Derek Rae

A familiar voice to ESPN viewers around the world, Derek Rae has commentated on international soccer for more than twenty years.

Born and bred in the Scottish city of Aberdeen, Rae joined ESPN in 1994, and is best known for his work as the lead English language play-by-play commentator for the UEFA Champions League.  In June 2008, he served as a play-by-play commentator for ESPN’s critically acclaimed coverage of the UEFA European Football Championship 2008 (Euro 08).

Rae will serve as play-by-play commentator for ESPN and ABC during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Rae’s duties include calling matches from Spain’s top division, La Liga, on a weekly basis for ESPN’s worldwide audience, as well as games from other leading European leagues. Since 2003, he has hosted the popular ESPN soccer debate and discussion show, ESPNSoccernet Press Pass.

Rae’s professional broadcasting experience dates back to 1986, when he made his debut with BBC Scotland, while still a student at Aberdeen University.  The following year he was named “Sony British Sports Broadcaster of the Year” for his work as a soccer commentator.  While with BBC Scotland, Rae was assigned to matches in 19 different countries, and was behind the microphone at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy.

After leaving the BBC in 1991, Rae moved to Boston, MA, initially to serve as a Venue Press Officer for the World Cup USA 1994 Organizing Committee. 

A fluent German speaker, Rae lives in Beverly, MA, with his wife Beth.

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